DECODING THE 4 TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION

MELASMA

About: Melasma, known as “the mask of pregnancy”, is a patch of discolouration found on the cheeks, sides of the face, forehead and upper lip. Melasma is typically uneven in shape, with matching marks on both sides of the face. Causes: Disturbance of the estrogen and progesterone hormones during pregnancy, hormone therapy, birth control and stress trigger melasma, which is worsened by exposure to the sun.

Treatment: Look out for ingredients like salicylic, retinol, lactic acid and vitamin C.

SUNSPOTS

About: Also known as age or liver spots, these spots are mostly found on parts of your skin that are constantly exposed to the sun, like your hands, face, arms and chest. The fairer your skin, the more noticeable the spots. Everyone eventually gets them, especially around the age of 40. Causes: Exposure to the sun's UV rays.

Treatment: Products containing retinol and laser treatment.

POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION (PIH)

About: This is more prevalent in darker skin tones and appears as flat, discoloured spots on the face and body. It can be set off by acne or by skin treatments like derma abrasion, chemical peels and laser therapy. Causes: Darker skins have higher melanin production levels. Melanin is the pigment the makes up the colour of your skin. When a person injures the skin, for example, or pops a pimple, the skin automatically increases its melanin production to help the healing process.

Treatment: Look out for products that contain salicylic acid.

FRECKLES

About: Also known as ephelides, freckles are concentrated small brown spots found on the chest, face and arms that become more noticeable after sun exposure.

Causes: Sun exposure as well as an over-production of melanin. Treatment: Fraxel (moderate laser treatment) and laser therapy.