Pigmentation
Causes and treatment

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Frequently asked questions

What are the differences between freckles and age spots? Plus Icon

Freckles are small, flat, and usually appear on sun-exposed areas. They are caused by sun exposure and genetic factors. Age spots (lentigines) are also caused by sun exposure but tend to be larger, darker, and may appear on areas less exposed to the sun.

How can I prevent skin pigmentation problems? Plus Icon

Preventive measures include using sunscreen daily, avoiding excessive sun exposure, wearing protective clothing and hats, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.

Are there any medical treatments for skin pigmentation disorders? Plus Icon

Yes, there are various medical treatments available for different skin pigmentation disorders. These may include topical medications, chemical peels, laser therapies, phototherapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions.

Our expert commentary

What are the reasons for pigmentation on the face? “trauma to the skin”- Dr Jinah Yoo

Medical expert Dr Jinah Yoo believes as the face is the part of our body which is most exposed to the sun, it is more prone to pigmentation. There are many different types of pigmentation on the face:

  • Melasma – a chronic skin condition which causes brown patches to appear on the face. It is more prevalent in women and those with darker skin types. It is believed to be linked to sun exposure and hormonal changes such as pregnancy.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – this is darkening of the skin caused by inflammation (e.g acne, eczema, psoriasis) or trauma to the skin (e.g burns, aesthetic procedures such as laser, chemical peels).
  • Freckles – freckles appear as multiple, small, brown flecks on the skin, often present from a young age.
  • Lentigo/lentigines (age spots) – these are very common over the age of 40; presenting as flat, brown, well-defined patches on areas of sun-exposed skin, such as the hands, face and chest.

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