Download Guide to Pigmentation - Australian Skin Clinics

Youthful Looking Skin
Causes of Pigmentation
Babies are seldom born with uneven pigmentation (even
so-called birthmarks usually appear some time after birth)
and if you look at babies and small children you will see that
one of the features of youth is clear skin, free from freckles
and free from patches of uneven colour.
Pigmentation can be caused by -
As soon as we begin to expose our children to sunshine we
see the emergence of
freckles and a darkening
of the skin (a sun tan).
From that moment
onwards, how well we
look after a child’s skin
will dramatically affect
how well they age.
By the time we are teenagers, the typical Australian has
already had a fairly major degree of sun exposure but
from the age of 25 onwards our skin begins to age faster.
This means that we need to do more to maintain our
youthful looks.
Treating Darker Skins
At Australian Skin Clinics we have
significant experience in the
treatment of all skin types
including three, four and five
(Asian,
Indian
and
AfroCaribbean).
It can be made worse by the use of inappropriate products
on the skin (such as alcohol in fragrances) and continuing
sun exposure and heat trauma.
Types of Pigmentation
There are two types of pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is
darker in appearance to the rest of the skin on the
face/body, whereas Hypopigmentation is whiter/paler than
the rest of the skin.
Hyperpigmentation
Examples
Freckles
Melasma/Chloasma
General unevenness of
skin colour (brown patches,
reddish spots/acne scars)
Keratosis
Post trauma increase in
pigmentation
Moles
Lentigines
Liver spots/age spots
Birthmarks
Hyperpigmentation
Example
Hypopigmentation
Examples
Vitiligo
Albinism
Post trauma loss of pigmentation
Hypopigmentation
Example
© ASC IP Holdings Pty Ltd 2012
Darker skin types are notoriously
more difficult to treat and some
products and treatments should
never be applied to darker skin
types.
Sun exposure
Injury to the skin (including burns and post-treatment
inflammation)
Hormone imbalances
Some illnesses and medications
Acne
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma/Chloasma
Hyperpigmentation in the skin is caused by an increase in
melanin, which is responsible for skin colour (pigment).
Ethnic skins have more pigment than Celtic skins. Exposure
to sunshine is a major cause of hyperpigmentaion (we know
this as a sun tan) and will darken already hyperpigmented
areas (such as freckles).
Melasma (also known as Chloasma) is a form of
hyperpigmentation characterised by darker brown patches
commonly found on the upper cheeks, nose, upper lip and
forehead.
Hormones, pregnancy and some medical conditions such as
Addison’s disease can also cause a greater production of
melanin leading to hyperpigmentation. Medications that
may aggrevate pigmentation include some antibiotics,
antiarrhythmics and antimalarial drugs.
Common Problems
Lentigines
These patches can develop gradually
over time or during pregnancy.
Melasma can be permanent or
disappear and reappear with each
pregnancy. Melasma can also develop
when taking hormone replacement
therapy or oral contraceptives. While
Melasma is thought to be stimulated
by hormones, the most important
factor is sun exposure. Without taking
appropriate measures to protect the skin from daily sun
exposure, treatments for Melasma are likely to be
unsuccessful.
Lentigines (sometimes called
liver spots or age spots)
typically appear on the back of
the hands and on the face.
They are flat, light brown
areas that do not itch or scale.
Although it is sometimes called "mask of pregnancy" or
“pregnancy mask”, men can also develop this condition and
people with Melasma will find that some skin products can
actually worsen the appearance too.
Treatment Options
IPL, laser, specialist peels, depigmenting gels or creams.
Treatment Options
IPL, laser, chemical peels
Moles
Treatment
Suspicious moles must be biopsied but those identified as
benign can be removed using our minimal scar technique
(available at selected clinics).
Acne can often leave scarring that is
reddish/purple in colour or “ice pick”
scarring (indentations in the skin).
Treatment Options
Typically we treat discolouration with
IPL, Laser, depigmenting gels or
creams and chemical peels. We treat
the texture of the skin with Fraxel
laser resurfacing or dermal rolling.
© ASC IP Holdings Pty Ltd 2012
Moles can appear at any time and
may be pigmented or skin colour.
All moles should be monitored
for bleeding, colour, shape or size
changes or itching and irritation.
Acne Scarring
Birthmarks
Birthmarks usually appear in the
first few weeks after birth. They are
non-cancerous, but it is still a good
idea to have a doctor look at them
as a precaution. We do not treat
birthmarks in children unless there is
a medical reason to do so.
Treatments for Pigmentation
There is no “one solution to fix all” so beware of clinics
claiming that this is the case. Most pigmentation requires a
combination of treatments to obtain the best results.
Cafe-au-lait Spot
There are several types of
birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks
present as smooth flat areas of
discoloured
skin.
They
are
sometimes known as:
Port Wine Stain
Mongolian spots (which look
similar to a bruise and bluish
in colour), typically appearing on buttocks.
Cafe-au-lait spots (light brown like milky coffee)
Port wine stains (red/purple areas)
Treatment Options
Advice is essential and specialist treatments may include
lasers or IPL.
Hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation in skin is the result of loss of melanin
production. Hypopigmentation can include Vitiligo,
Albinism and can also be the result of injury to the skin.
Trauma and Injury
Skin infections, blisters, burns and trauma can cause loss
of pigmentation in the affected area. It is frequently not
permanent but may take a long time to resolve.
Treatment Options
Dermal rolling, IPL and laser. Mineral Make-up can be
used to camouflage the area, while the body regenerates
the pigment.
At Australian Skin Clinics we offer a wide range of
treatments for pigmentation including:
Specialist peels
Cosmeceutical products
Depigmenting creams & gels
Laser treatments
IPL treatments
Treatments must be tailored to the individual and take into
account your skin ethnicity, the cause of the pigmentation
and your desired outcome. After treatment you should
continue to protect the skin to help prevent reoccurrence.
Protection from Hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure will both cause and increase pigmentation so
sunscreen is essential! Regular application of ASAP Moisturising
Sunscreen SPF 30+ is vital throughout the day when in the sun for
prolonged periods. Remember that sunscreen should be used
all year round.
Even incidental sun exposure (walking to the shops,
through the windscreen of the car etc) can cause
pigmentation so use Skinstitut Perfect Protection
underneath your make-up. Pat onto the skin and
finish with mineral make-up for extra protection.
Skinstitut Even Blend serum contains ingredients to
inhibit the production of melanin. It is an excellent
way to lighten present pigmentation and help to
prevent future pigmentation development. Use in
the morning mixed with Vitamin C and in the
evening with Retinol for maximum effect.
Vitamin C also provides protection against sun
damage so build this into your skin care regimen.
Call Australian Skin Clinics on 1300 303 014 to arrange
your consultation.
© ASC IP Holdings Pty Ltd 2012
To book your consultation, phone 1300 303 014.
We have a philosophy of continual improvement and always strive to increase our services to clients.
We provide as much honest information as possible to allow you, our client, to make informed
decisions about treatments.
See our downloads section on our website www.ozskin.com for more free e-publications.
Our Services
Microdermabrasion
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Rejuvenation
Skin Tightening
Skincare
Muscle Relaxants
Laser Facial Vein Treatment
Laser for Pigmentation
Dermal Rolling
Collagen Stimulants
Dermal Fillers
Skin Peels
Acne Management
Cosmetic Surgery (Ashmore only)
Mole Removal (Ashmore only)
For latest offers and up-to-date information, join us:
www.facebook.com/ozskin
(regular prize giveaways)
www.twitter.com/ozskin
www.ozskin.wordpress.com
(our blog site)
Visit www.ozskin.com
Australian Skin Clinics - Ashmore:
7/151 Cotlew Street
Ashmore Qld 4214
Australian Skin Clinics - ‘Express’ Clinics:
Helensvale: Westfield Shopping Centre
Robina: Robina Town Centre