As one ages, one may start to notice light brown spots appearing on the face, especially over the cheeks area. With time, these dark spots can quickly magnify into more numerous and darker spots, and that’s when it gets out of hand.
Causes of pigmentation
So what causes pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation is the darkening of the skin or dark patches on the face and body. One major factor is exposure to UV radiation from the sun, resulting in increased melanin production. Melanin is the pigment in our skin that gives it colour and protects us from UV radiation. Other common factors that can cause pigmentation includes hormonal changes, pregnancy, genetics, skin trauma and inflammation caused by acne.
These factors can potentially stimulate melanocytes, the pigment-making cells in the skin, to make a surplus of pigment, causing an increase in pigment in the skin.
It is harder to treat the pigmentation which is situated deeper into the skin. The diagram below illustrates the different layers of the human skin.
How to treat pigmentation?
There are several solutions to treat pigmentation. For starters, there are many over-the-counter-creams and skincare products but it is only sufficient to control it at the surface of the skin and it does not help in tackling the root of the problem.
At M-Aesthetic Clinic, Dr Ho Rui Ming, who has years of experiences in treating pigmentation, found out that the success rate of removing pigmentation using various pathways is higher. All treatment plans are customised accordingly and done in the comfort of our professional Singapore clinic.
1. Proprietary whitening creams
The Ultra Whitening Complex is an intense proprietary-only whitening cream that combines multiple, effective proven whitening ingredients to treat pigmentation.
2. Oral tablets
Certain oral medications target pathways in pigmentation formation and helps to lighten different pigmentation conditions.
A well-known supplement that is proven to help to reduce pigmentation is Heliocare Max 240 Purewhite Radiance.
Containing an additional dose of Fernblock®, it has an excellent antioxidant property that is able to reduce free radicals by up to 50%, preventing the formation of hyperpigmentation caused by UV rays.
A recent study conducted in National Skin Centre, Singapore, showed a 62% improvement in melasma when compared to baseline in just 12 weeks.
Furthermore, Purewhite Radiance Max 240 is enhanced with the exclusive blend of White Tech Complex where it controls and blocks the main enzyme that is responsible for melanin production. The blend in White Tech Complex consists of Pomegranate extract, L-Cystine, vitamin C and B3, all clinically proven to promote skin fairness and radiance
3.Combination of different lasers for melasma and pigmentation
Developments and advancement in technology have introduced more options for non-surgical procedures especially in Laser Treatments. Apart from being very effective, these laser procedures often require no to almost minimal downtime and are quick and pain-free.
Spectra XT Laser
The popular laser treatment, which has no downtime, is the Spectra XT Laser or also known as the “Hollywood Peel”. This is a one of a kind photo-enhancer based laser treatment that is performed only using the Spectra XT ™ laser.
The procedure is safe on all skin types and is a fantastic way to brighten up your skin without the longer downtimes associated with other procedures!
It uses no harsh formulas or abrasive scrubbing tools, which means no bleeding and adverse chemical reactions; yet promises the instant effects one would expect from a professional face peel.
The Spectra XT Laser session takes about 30 minutes. The Spectra carbon lotion is applied to the skin first and the laser heats the carbon lotion to penetrate into the pores for a deep exfoliation. Then, the laser removes the carbon. With it comes dead skin cells and anything that was clogging the pores, leaving your skin clear, bright and toned.
What kind of improvement can I expect to see with this treatment?
- Improves melasma and other signs of sun damage
- Treats pigmentation
- Improves skin tone, texture and elasticity
- Brightens and tightens skin for a natural, well-rested look
- Reduces all types of acne
- Controls sebum production
- Reduces redness from inflamed acne
For best results, subsequent sessions of the Spectra XT Laser are needed.
Thulium BB Laser
The Thulium BB Laser is a stronger laser treatment that effectively targets facial pigmentation, Melasma, brightens the skin and improves size of pores. In South Korea, many call it the BB Laser because of its ability to improve the texture and tone of the skin, just like when applying BB cream to the skin.
Thulium BB Laser is a unique sub-ablative thulium 1927nm laser for skin resurfacing and rejuvenating. The laser’s wavelength penetrates to a level between the lower part of the epidermis and dermis where it is able to target freckles, sunspots, age spots and Melasma while renewing damaged skin and stimulating collagen production.
The wavelength penetrates the upper dermis while not causing the upper layer to peel.
What kind of improvement can I expect to see with this treatment?
- Improvement in pigmentation & Melasma
- Skin brightening/ Fairer skin
- Smoother, younger looking skin
- Pore tightening
- Overall improvement in skin texture and tone
- Improvement in fine wrinkles
Thulium BB Laser can be combined with Spectra XT Laser to successfully reduce appearance of Melasma.
How long must one go through this treatment plan?
Depending on the severity of the pigmentation, the number of sessions may vary from 5 sessions of laser treatment depending on the extent and severity of the pigment condition, with a gap of 2-3 weeks in between these laser pigmentation treatment sessions.
During the consultation, Dr Ho will meticulously examine and assess your skin condition to determine the best treatment plan
After going through the treatment plan, can Pigmentation be removed permanently?
Pigmentation can be lightened significantly but it may return if one does not take extra precautions, such as wearing sunscreen daily, using a hat or umbrella as an extra face shield when heading out, or long sun/ UV exposure in the daytime.
Hence, we recommend a religious daily usage of sunscreen for short and long-term treatment of skin pigmentation. If possible, avoid prolonged sun exposure in the daytime. Whenever you need to step out, reapply your sunblock and a cap or a hat to reduce sun damage.
To keep pigmentation at bay, we also recommend a monthly or bi-monthly session of Hollywood Peel and Advanced Medical Infusion Treatment.
Conclusion
Pigmentation does affect our appearance and our confidence but with patience and determination, it can be treated. We always recommend to prevent it from appearing in the first place, but if it does appear, start seeking treatment early to keep it under control.
At M-Aesthetic Clinic, we have the full range of Pigmentation Removal Treatments to treat all kinds of pigmentation conditions.
Dr Ho believes that every individual is unique and he takes into account on their lifestyle habits, budget, condition and severity of the hyperpigmentation. He then plans a suitable treatment plan for each individual, tracks and records the process for best results.
Should you wish to treat your pigmentation, contact us right away and schedule an appointment now with Dr Ho Rui Ming so that he can come up with the most suitable and effective plan for you!
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