Bothered by patches of dark spots and bumps on your skin? Then maybe it’s time that you take your skin pigmentation concerns seriously and pay a visit to the cosmetic doctor’s office. MY Medical Aesthetics is one of the leading clinics that perform skin pigmentation removal in Singapore.
According to their experts, skin pigmentation is usually caused by sun damage resulting from over-exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you’re not the type to apply sunscreen every day and do not usually wear protective clothing and gears like wide-brimmed hats and umbrella while out in the sun, then there’s a big risk for you to develop the characteristic darkening and discoloration on areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun.
MY Medical Aesthetics reveals facts about skin pigmentation: the most common types and the treatment options available in Singapore, as well as lifestyle and care tips after a pigmentation removal treatment.
What are the common pigmentation problems in Singapore?
1. Melasma
Characterized by a brown spot that can be usually found on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. It is commonly found on pregnant women and those who are taking birth control pills.
2. Solar Lentigo or sun spots
These are small dark spots on the skin and as the name suggests, they are caused by over-exposure to UV light and triggers the over-production of melanin, the natural pigment in the skin resulting in discoloration in some areas.
3. Hori’s Naevus
It looks like blueish-grey spots that commonly appear on the face. It is caused by genetics and the pigmentation sets deep into the skin making it more difficult to remove. Most aesthetic doctors recommend multiple laser treatment sessions for this kind of pigmentation problem to achieve significant pigmentation removal.
4. Freckles
Tiny brown spots that can be found on the cheeks, nose and even other parts of the body like the shoulders and chest. They can be inherited or caused by over-exposure to UV light.
5. Seborrheic keratosis
Also called pigmentation bumps, seborrheic keratosis is characterized by brown elevated spots on the face. These spots have a rough texture and can sometimes look like a mole as they resemble in appearance. They occur mostly on older individuals and is thought to be genetically passed on.
6. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
These are discolored patches on the skin and are the aftermath of a skin infection, the effect of using unsafe makeup and beauty products. It can also sometimes be caused by skin damage from squeezing your acne.
Pigmentation problems are common in Singapore
If you’re thinking that you’re the only one suffering from the cosmetic and health effects of skin pigmentation, then you are wrong. It is no secret that Singapore has a humid and hot climate given that is a tropical country. So, it is also logical that since sun exposure is high all year round, skin pigmentation problems are quite common in Singaporeans, especially in women. Skin pigmentation in Singapore is very common, can come in different forms and occurs mostly in adults.
Treatment Options for pigmentation removal in Singapore
1.Topical creams and bleaching agents
Depending on the extent of pigmentation, the treatment can vary. For mild cases, topical creams and bleaching agents can already to the job of lightening the discoloration in 1-3 months. Topical creams and bleaching agents may contain the following ingredients:
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
- Vitamin C
- Azelaic acid
- Corticosteroids
- Retinoids
These creams and bleaching agents can be bought over the counter but for medical-grade topical agents that contain higher concentrations, a prescription from your doctor is required. Prescription creams are usually given to patients with moderate to severe pigmentation problems.
2. Oral medication
For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, oral medication can be recommended as a treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medication like tranexamic acid.
3. In-clinic cosmetic treatments
However, for more severe skin pigmentation, your doctor might recommend in-clinic cosmetic treatments like chemical peels, a treatment that uses chemicals to burn off the discolored skin patches.
For seborrheic keratosis, electrocautery and ablative laser surgery are recommended for this type of skin pigmentation. These treatments require 2 sessions that will take 10-20 minutes every procedure. You have nothing to worry, this treatment is painless with the use of anesthetic creams.
4. Laser treatments
For severe pigmentation problems such as Hori’s naevus and other advanced forms where the pigmentation is settled deep into the skin, more advanced treatments like laser pigmentation removal such as Picosecond laser and Q-switched nanosecond laser technology are recommended to effectively remove the pigmented cells.
Important to know
All pigmentation removal treatments are designed to lighten and ultimately remove the discolored marks and spots on your skin. The main goal is to achieve the same results and the effectiveness can vary depending on the severity of the pigmentation and how your skin responds to the treatment. While there are many treatment options, the appropriate treatment for your specific condition will be determined by your doctor after a thorough consultation.
While lasers have been proven to be more efficient in removing skin pigmentation, they are not always recommended. Sometimes, topical creams and in-office treatments are already enough for the job. This is why a proper dialogue with your doctor is key to the success of your pigmentation removal. To help you have a better understanding of your skin pigmentation issues and the treatment options for you, book a trip to MY Medical Aesthetics today and let them help you say goodbye to these discolored patches once and for all.