What Is Skin Pigmentation?
Pigmentation spots are a common dermatological condition involving changes in skin colour. They may have several causes, create cosmetic concern and become persistent over time. Uneven distribution of melanin is the main cause. Melanin determines the skin's natural colour, and factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition and ageing can cause excess production or uneven distribution.
Skin spots can be classified in a variety of ways. Melasma, sunspots, age spots, acne scars, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation are the most common types of skin spots. Treatment of spots varies depending on the cause of formation and the overall condition of the skin. The methods used to treat spots aim to equalise skin tone, reduce melanin accumulation, and promote skin regeneration.
What Are Skin Pigmentation Treatments and Their Benefits?
Skin spot treatments are applied to even skin tone, reduce the appearance of spots, and make the skin healthier and brighter. Various treatment methods may be preferred depending on the type and severity of spots. With the right treatment method, the skin is renewed, the spots are significantly reduced, and the skin texture becomes smoother.
Chemical Peeling: Peeling the top layer of the skin to reduce spots.
Laser Treatments: Targets the accumulation of melanin with intense light energy and evens the skin tone.
Microneedling (Dermapen): Reduces the appearance of spots by promoting skin regeneration.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): Provides skin repair with growth factors from your own blood.
Mesotherapy: Vitamins and antioxidants injected into deeper skin layers support cell renewal. Mesotherapy formulations also contain ingredients that help lighten pigmentation.
Home treatments: Creams containing cligman formulation and/or combined acids can be used under doctor's control.
Enzymatic Peeling: This treatment, also known as a night mask, is a one-time practice performed by the doctor, where peeling and opening are monitored within days after waiting on the patient's face. It is often combined with other methods.
Enlightening Creams: Dermocosmetics containing vitamin C, retinoids, arbutin, tranexamic acid, and/or niacinamide help alleviate spot appearance
Sunscreen Use: The most important factor in spot treatment and protection.
How Are Skin Pigmentation Treatments Performed?
Skin spot treatments are determined based on the type of spot, skin structure, and overall health status of the person. As a result of evaluation by dermatologists, the appropriate treatment method is chosen. These treatments are usually administered in a clinical setting and are planned in sessions.
Chemical Peeling: Special acids are applied to the surface of the skin, and the upper layer is peeled in a controlled manner. Sessions are usually held 2-4 weeks apart.
Enzymatic peeling (Night mask) is applied by the Mask Doctor. The patient waits 4-8 hours, depending on his condition. It is a one-time practice in which peeling and opening are monitored over days. Local or general additional application is performed if necessary.
Laser Treatments: Laser energy is used to even out skin tone. Slight pinkness and crusting may follow treatment. BBL and KTP lasers are generally preferred for sun spots. Q-switched lasers are used more often for melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Microneedling (Dermapen) and radiofrequency microneedling : Increase collagen production by giving small damage to the skin surface with micro needles. It is done 3-4 weeks apart. In the radiofrequency microneedling, radiofrequency energy is given from the needle tip along with microneedling.
PRP Treatment: The skin is regenerated by injecting growth factors from one's own blood.
Mesotherapy: Vitamins and minerals and special solutions that open the spot are injected under the skin. Different formulas can be used according to the type of spot.
What Is Melasma Treatment?
Melasma is a skin condition that often develops with hormonal changes and appears as brown or grey patches on the face. Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and sun exposure can trigger melasma. Treatment is a long-term process requiring a protocol suited to the skin type. Sun protection is particularly important because UV exposure can increase melanin production and darken the patches.
How Is Melasma Treated?
Melasma treatment is applied by methods that accelerate skin regeneration and regulate melanin production. Treatment should be planned specifically for the individual and maintained in a patient manner.
Hydroquinone Containing Creams: They are powerful spot-opening formulas that suppress melanin production.
Tretinoin and Retinoids: Helps open spots by speeding up the regeneration of skin cells.
Chemical Peeling and enzymatic Peeling: Mild acid-containing Peelings or night mask are used to peel the skin and open the spot.
Laser Treatments: Low-density lasers reduce the appearance of spots by targeting the accumulation of melanin. Often Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers are used.
Mesotherapy and PRP: Cell regeneration is supported by injecting components that feed and repair the skin.
Sun Protection: The most critical stage of melasma treatment is sun protection. SPF 50+ sunscreens should be used regularly.
Melasma is now considered a chronic disease. It is important to get a good story before starting treatment. The patient must avoid the sun and skin in irritant applications (network-ip, etc.). Treatment success usually increases with the use of several methods together.
What Are Sun Spots?
Sunspots are brown spots or pigment increases that occur on the skin as a result of prolonged sun exposure. It is usually seen in the face, hands, shoulders, and décolleté area. UV rays increase melanin production in the skin, leading to hyperpigmentation. Sunspots are usually harmless, but over time they can darken and cause aesthetic concerns. The use of sunscreen is of great importance to prevent these spots from forming.
How Are Sun Spots Treated?
Treatment of sunspots is done by methods that reduce the accumulation of melanin and promote skin regeneration. It is necessary to use sunscreen regularly during the treatment process.
Chemical Peeling: Peelings with mild acid are applied to alleviate colour changes on the skin surface.
Laser and Light Treatments: These target pigmented cells. After treatment, the pigmented areas form crusts that shed, helping even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of spots. BBL is considered a gold standard particularly for age- and sun-related pigmentation (photodamage). Repeated treatments improve results.
Illuminated Creams: Products containing ingredients such as vitamin C, arbutin, niacinamide equal the skin tone. These may be insufficient for sunspots but adding to the routine supports treatment
Sunscreen Use: Products containing SPF 50+ should be used to increase the success of treatment and prevent new spots from forming.