Pigmentation and sun damage are some of the most common skin concerns we see in both dermatology and cosmetic medicine. They can appear as freckles, brown spots, uneven skin tone, redness, or patches of discolouration that develop gradually over time.
While pigmentation is extremely common, not all pigmentation is the same, and successful treatment begins with understanding the cause and choosing the right management approach.
Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the natural pigment responsible for skin colour. This can be triggered by a variety of internal and external factors.
The most common causes include:
Sun exposure is the biggest contributor to premature skin ageing and pigmentation. Even small amounts of UV exposure accumulated over many years canstimulate pigment cells and create visible changes in the skin
These are flat brown spots commonly seen on the face, chest, shoulders and hands. They develop after years of UV exposure and are often more noticeable with age.
Freckles are small light-brown spots that often present from younger ages. They tend to darken with sun exposure and fade in winter. They are strongly influenced by genetics and UV exposure.
Melasma is a hormonally influenced pigmentation condition that commonly presents as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and jawline.
Triggers may include:
Melasma can be chronic and often requires ongoing management rather than a single treatment.
PIH occurs after inflammationor injury to the skin, commonly following:
It may appear as brown, grey or darker patches after the skin heals.
Accurate diagnosis is important because not all pigmentation behaves the same way or responds to the same treatments.
At dermatology and cosmetic clinic, pigmentation assessment may involve:
Some lesions that appear cosmetic may require medical assessment to exclude other skin conditions.
Treatment Options for Pigmentation & Sun Damage
