Understanding Pigmentation Disorders and Sun-Damaged Skin
Pigmentation disorders and sun-damaged skin are complex conditions that extend beyond visible surface changes. These issues often stem from underlying skin dysfunctions that contribute to the appearance of uneven pigmentation. Effective treatments focus on correcting and managing these dysfunctions to deliver lasting results and support long-term skin health.
Hyperpigmentation is characterised by darkening of the skin or the appearance of pigmented lesions caused by an overproduction of melanin by melanocyte cells. This condition can arise from a variety of factors, including UV exposure, hormonal changes, skin trauma, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. Common forms of hyperpigmentation include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Hypopigmentation, by contrast, involves a reduction in melanin production, often resulting from injury, inflammation, or the absence of melanocytes in a specific area. Conditions that can cause lightening of the skin include scarring, eczema or dermatitis, trauma, infections, and vitiligo.
Pigmentation Treatments
Dermal therapies target the root causes of pigmentation to promote healthier, more even-toned skin.
Available treatments include:
- Clinically effective skincare solutions
- Topical therapies tailored to your skin’s needs
- Clinical chemical peels to refine and brighten skin tone
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for targeted pigmentation correction
- Clinical skin needling to improve texture and pigmentation
With personalised care and expert knowledge, you take control of your skin health and achieve visible, long-lasting improvements.
Melasma
Melasma is an inflammatory skin condition which leads to patches of grey to dark brown pigmentation by which it is commonly identified. Unlike sun spots and sun damaged skin, melasma develops primarily in response to hormonal changes and inflammation within the skin. It involves compromised skin function as well as inflammation of the skin's blood vessels.
Appropriate treatments for melasma are dependant on several factors. We take a staged treatment approach to correct skin dysfunctions and minimise the risk of rebound pigmentation, for lasting results from melasma treatments.
HyperPigmentation and Sun Damage
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that arises from prolonged exposure to UV radiation, a significant factor in photoaging. Sun damage leads to an overproduction of melanin, resulting in dark spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone. In addition to pigmentation changes, photoaging can cause skin texture and elasticity issues.
At TDOC, we provide personalised treatment options, including topical therapies, chemical peels, and clinical skin needling, to help reduce hyperpigmentation and other features of photoaging.
Hypopigmentation & Depigmentation
A decrease in pigmentation (hypopigmentation) is common after skin injuries and in conditions which reduce the number of pigment-producing cells in the skin. This is often mistaken for depigmentation which sees the complete absence of pigment-producing cells in the affected skin, such as in vitiligo. TDOC offers advanced therapies for both hypopigmentation and depigmentation.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Injury and inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, can cause dark spots and patches to develop. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH typically develops in conjunction with scarring and skin changes such as dryness and sensitivity.
Our approach achieves excellent results in all skin types, with minimal risk of adverse outcomes. A holistic skin approach is taken to halt the development of more pigmentation and minimise PIH and scarring to improve both skin tone and texture.
