Facts about pigmentation removal in Singapore

Facts about pigmentation removal in Singapore

Skin pigmentation problems are common among Singaporeans. This is understandable as Singapore is closer to the equator, making the sun’s rays more concentrated, exposing people to high levels of ultraviolet A-rays, which causes the skin to become darker. If you have been suffering from skin pigmentation issues, then you are reading the right article as this provides you with facts about this condition and, most importantly, pigmentation removal (https://harmonyaesthetics.sg/aesthetics/pigmentation/) treatments in Singapore.

What is pigmentation?

Pigment means color and pigmentation means coloring. Our skin has a pigment called melanin that is responsible for giving its color. In general, pigmentation is harmless. However, there are certain factors that affect its production, sometimes making its production go overboard. Skin pigmentation disorder happens when the body produces excessive melanin. The overabundance of melanin causes uneven skin tone, which can look unappealing.

What are the different types of skin pigmentation disorders?

There are different types of skin pigmentation abnormalities. These may be present from birth (birthmarks) or caused by other factors that trigger the overproduction of melanin in the skin. The table below lists some pigmentation abnormalities that affect the skin:

Type of Skin Pigmentation Characteristics Cause
Age spots Spots that are black, brown, or tan in color Extended exposure to the sun
Café-au-lait spots Spots that are flat and are light to dark brown in color. These may have borders that are irregular or smooth. Birthmarks that may be associated with a genetic disorder
Melasma Patches of dark brown and tan pigmentation that affects a large part of the skin Usually caused by birth control pills, hormonal imbalance, and  pregnancy
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) Dark spots Occurs after the skin suffers from burns, infection, or other trauma

What are the usual causes of hyperpigmentation?

As presented in the table, there causes of hyperpigmentation vary depending on its type. Below is a quick summary of the most common pigmentation disorder causes:

  • Adverse reactions to drugs or medications
  • Exposure to the sun
  • Infections, inflammations, and other traumas to the skin
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Medical conditions
  • Pregnancy

What are the methods used to diagnose pigmentation disorders?

It is important that you consult with a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis of your skin condition. Your doctor may ask you to do the following:

  • Be subjected to a skin examination using a medical device called Wood’s light
  • Give details about your family’s medical history
  • List down oral and topical medications that you are taking
  • Provide an overview of your daily activities, events, habits, and lifestyle that may contribute to the occurrence of your skin condition
  • Undergo skin biopsy to rule out other medical condition affecting the skin

What are the available pigmentation removal treatments?

There are plenty of options available for pigmentation removal. From oral medications, to topical creams and laser procedures, there surely is a treatment that is right for you. You can ask your doctor about the treatments below and learn about how they can further benefit your skin:

Chemical and facial peels

Chemical and facial peels remove pigmentation by exfoliating the surface of the skin with the use of strong acids such as:

  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
  • Azelaic Acid
  • I-ascorbic Acid
  • Kojic Acid
  • Salicylic Acid

When applied to the skin, the strong chemical works to shed the pigmented parts of the skin and resurfaces the fresh skin underneath, thus improving your uneven skin tone. There are chemical peels available over-the-counter, but it is strongly recommended that you have your treatment done by a dermatologist as these chemicals can further harm your skin when applied incorrectly.

Laser treatment

One type of laser treatment that works well for pigmentation removal is called intense pulse light (IPL) therapy. IPL uses light pulses that are highly charged with energy. The light pulses are emitted onto dark pigmentations of the skin and pulverizes these into tiny particles, leaving the surface of the skin much lighter in color.

Other types of laser procedures that work similarly like IPL include:

  • Dual wavelength platform laser (Clarity II)
  • Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (Spectra XT, PicoPlus)

Q-switched ND:YAG lasers are also effective in removing tattoo pigments.

Laser treatments use powerful equipment, thus only doctors who are certified to operate such should perform this procedure.

Medicated lightening creams

Some dermatologists have their own concoction of medicated topical creams, serums, and lotions that target skin pigmentation. These special formulas may have niacinamide or licorice extract—these ingredients are well-known for their ability to lighten dark spots.

Sylfirm

Pulses of radiofrequency energy channeled through micro needles into the skin is the secret to Sylfirm’s effective pigmentation removal. This treatment is highly recommended for treating stubborn melasma.

What pigmentation removal treatment is best for my skin tone?

It is true that the kind of skin tone that you have can affect the results of procedure performed for your pigmentation removal. This is why you should have your skin assessed by a doctor, so that you can get the optimum results from your treatment.

If you have a dark skin tone, your skin will best respond to these pigmentation removal treatments:

  • Chemical or facial peels with glycolic acid or ionic acid
  • Medicated lightening creams
  • Laser treatments

Medium skin tones respond very well to chemical peels and fair skin to almost any type of pigmentation removal treatment.

Specifically, melasma is best treated with Sylfirm.

How can hyperpigmentation be prevented?

Prevention is always better than cure! Here are some tips on how you can protect your skin from pigmentation disorders.

  1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!

It should not come as a surprise to you how damaging the rays of the sun can be to our skin. So whether the day is sunny or cloudy, you should not step out of your house without applying a layer of sunscreen to your face. It is even advisable to do it even when you are outdoors during night time! SPF 15 or 30 sunscreens are your best shield to keep those pigments chilling despite sun exposure.

  1. Wear clothes and accessories that protect your skin from the sun.

Hats, sunglasses, scarves, umbrellas—all these do an excellent job in shielding your skin from the harsh sun. They can make you look stylish, too!

  1. Remember to exfoliate.

Once in a while, your skin needs some gentle but good scrubbing to slough dead skin and make way for fresh ones. This will also help lighten those unsightly spots of pigmentation on your skin. Be sure to ask your doctor for an exfoliant that is suited for your type of skin.

For more details about pigmentation removal in Singapore, checkout what Harmony Aesthetics Clinic has to offer!

Harmony Aesthetics Clinic

101 Irrawaddy Road, #09—01

Royal Square Medical Centre

Singapore 329565

https://harmonyaesthetics.sg

Phone: 6970 5418

Whatsapp: 8822 3089