Treatments
Pigmentation
Pigmentation
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation of the skin varies according to racial origin and amount of sun exposure. The pigment cells are located at the base of the epidermis and produce melanin. Melanin then moves to the skin surface. More melanin is produced when the skin is injured e.g. following exposure to UV light.
What you need to know
What are the common types of benign skin pigmentary disorders?
These include the following (list is not exhaustive)
- Moles and seborrheic keratosis
- Lentigenes
- Horis naevi
- Melasma
What is the treatment of pigmentation?
If pigmentation affects an exposed site, daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is important to minimise darkening caused by UV radiation. Camouflage creams e.g. BB, CC or DD creams can be used as well.
Treatment options include topical pigment creams (hydroquinone, retinoids, steroids, vitamin C, etc.), chemical peels, laser and light treatments. Please see the respective treatment subpages for more details.
