Explore the world of pigmentation as we delve into the causes of uneven skin tone and discover how to transform your skin with insights and tips tailored to unveil its natural brilliance.
Whether you're battling dark spots or seeking to enhance your skins natural glow, this blog is your guide to understanding and transforming your skins appearance.
What is Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation refers to the colouring of the skin caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The pigment cells in our skin, melanocytes, produce melanin which determines the colour of our skin. Pigment production can be uneven, resulting in patches or an uneven complexion.
Uneven skin tone, also known as uneven complexion or hyperpigmentation, is caused by an uneven distribution of melanin in the skin. This can cause areas of darker and lighter pigmentation or patches on your skin. Uneven skin tone may be caused by sun damage, hormonal changes or inflammation due to acne scarring. It can also be hereditary.
Causes
There are many causes of uneven skin pigmentation including sun exposure, hormone changes, certain medications and skin disorders such as melasma or vitiligo. However, sun exposure is the most common cause. This occurs when UV radiation from the sun penetrates the skin, and it triggers an increase in melanin production leading to uneven pigmentation. Hormone changes can also trigger uneven pigment production, and this commonly occurs during pregnancy or with the use of certain medications or birth control pills.
Types of Pigmentation
Freckles
Freckles are small spots of concentrated melanin and can appear in a variety of colours such as brown, tan, red, black or even yellow. Freckles are formed when our skin is exposed to UVB radiation from the sun, activating melanocytes within our skin and increasing melanin production. Freckles can occur anywhere on the body but are commonly seen on the face, arms, neck, back and chest. In most cases, freckles are harmless and generally fade with reduced sun exposure.
Age spots (or solar lentigo) are more distinct areas of pigmentation which are darker and defined. They are scattered in distribution compared to freckles and tend to arise years later in life – hence the name age spots. Age spots are caused by repeated sun exposure that leads to an over production of melanin and abnormal pigment retention. Lentigines, also known as liver spots, typically appear on the back of the hands and on the face. They are flat light brown areas that don’t itch or scale.
Melasma is a skin condition presenting as symmetric, dark, irregular shading over the cheeks, nose, upper lip, chin and forehead. Melasma is common in women, especially those who are pregnant or with a hormonal imbalance. It can affect all skin types but is more common in darker Fitzpatrick skin types. Melasma is caused when the melanocyte cells are stimulated by oestrogen and progesterone which encourages the skin to produce excessive melanin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a type of hyper pigment that occurs following inflammation or an injury to the skin. PIH is common after acne, trauma and inflammatory conditions. Severe inflammation or trauma can disrupt the bottom layer of the epidermis causing the melanocytes to produce melanin that can leak down into and become trapped in the deeper layers of your skin. This results in pigmentation that is deeper and more resistant to treatment.
Can I get rid of my uneven skin tone?
Fading dark spots can take time, but with targeted treatments, it’s possible to restore and brighten skin. The best way to get rid of uneven skin tone is to reduce sun and pollution exposure, and use products containing ingredients such as Retinol, Vitamin C and Niacinamide.
In addition, regular exfoliation can help remove accumulated dead skin cells which can contribute to uneven pigment production. Keep an eye out for our new exfoliant arriving soon! If your uneven skin tone is caused by sun exposure, the best thing to do is to protect your skin by limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen on a daily basis.
For maximum glow, incorporate Vitamin C and/or Vitamin A into your skincare regime. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that evens out skin tone and protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin A that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation by dramatically enhancing skin cell turnover.
If you’re uncertain how to address your pigmentation, Book a virtual skin consultation with our Skin Specialist (and owner!) Jess.