Skin discolouration - Arcadia Clinic EN

Treatments for skin hyperpigmentation at Arcadia Clinic Krakow

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How do you recognise skin discolouration?

Hyperpigmentation is a change in the colour of the skin visible as spots of varying sizes and irregular shapes. Hyperpigmentation is dark brown in colour, always several tones darker than the natural skin tone.

The question often arises as to what is the difference between a hyperpigmentation and a tan. A tan should be even. If it is not, this is the first sign that hyperpigmentation may be forming on the skin. The second difference is the way the tan disappears. A healthy tan disappears gradually, with the skin returning to its pre-tan state a few weeks after overexposure to the sun. If you notice that the tan is not coming off evenly and a lot of unsightly spots are forming, it means that a discolouration is probably forming in that area. In such a situation, it is advisable to see a specialist or consult a dermatologist who will assess the condition of the skin and decide what action can be taken immediately.

Facial hyperpigmentation: how does it occur?

Hyperpigmentation occurs in an area of the skin where too much melanin, the natural skin pigment that every human being has, has accumulated. This occurs when there is a disruption of melanocytes, the cells that produce melatonin. All abnormalities in melanin formation lead to hyperpigmentation. Hormones produced by the ovaries (oestrogen and progesterone), thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands are involved in the melatonin production process. If there is a disturbance in any of these organs, hyperpigmentation can occur.

Where does discolouration occur?

Depending on the cause of hyperpigmentation, dark spots can appear on different parts of the body. Some of the most common places we can include:

– Face

– The décolletage

– Hands

– Arms and forearms

– Calves

– Thighs

– Back

Pigmentary changes are considered a cosmetic defect in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine . However, they must not be underestimated and, in the case of some of the most worrying lesions, it is worth carrying out a histopathological examination to exclude possible malignant diseases and to be particularly cautious.

Causes of hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a problem that affects people of all ages. It most commonly affects women over the age of 40 due to the link between the occurrence of hyperpigmentation and the functioning of hormones. People with acne-prone skin also struggle with hyperpigmentation. As a result of improper skin care and hormonal changes associated with puberty, melatonin production is disrupted and hyperpigmentation occurs. The most common causes of hyperpigmentation are:

– Excessive exposure to sunlight

– Non-use of cosmetics with sunscreen

– Hormonal changes

– Use of hormonal contraception

– Menopause

– Pregnancy

– Air pollution

Types of skin discolouration

Dermatologists classify skin hyperpigmentation according to the cause of its formation. Cosmetology and medicine distinguish between several of the most common types of pigmentation spots, or hyperpigmentation.

Folds

Freckles are very fine, irregular patches of light brown or dark brown colour. Freckles are formed when exposed to the sun , so they are most commonly seen on the face, neck, décolleté, shoulders and back. The tendency to freckles is most often inherited. They appear in early childhood, then gradually increase during adolescence and disappear in old age. The cause of their colour is an excess of melanin and they can be observed in both men and women. However, they most often affect people who have a fair complexion and light or reddish hair colour. Sunlight makes them more pronounced and darker. Freckles are not dangerous and used to be considered a cosmetic defect, but over the years fashion has changed and freckles are now extremely desirable and often even tattooed on people who are not so predisposed.

Melasma

Melasma is a benign type of hyperpigmentation and is one of the most common skin discolourations. It appears most often in women after about 30 years of age. It occurs mainly on the face – cheeks, nose, chin and upper lip. Hormonal disorders are thought to be the cause of the appearance of this type of skin discolouration. Melasma is a hyperpigmentation with sharp, irregular shapes and a dark brown colour. They often appear during pregnancy and while taking hormonal agents.

Acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of inflammation or damage to the skin. When inflammation occurs on the skin, there is an excessive production of melanin in that area, which translates into the formation of pigment spots. The skin lesions take on a red, pink or brown colour and are completely flat and not perceptible to the touch. Post-acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be exacerbated by exposure to the sun and harmful UV rays, so the year-round use of an SPF cream is recommended.

Drug-induced hyperpigmentation

Drug-induced hyperpigmentation accounts for a large proportion of acquired skin discolouration. They are most often the result of taking drugs with different chemical structures and different chemical actions. These lesions are not dangerous, but are often difficult to identify because patients use different drugs at the same time.

Age spots

Age spots, also known as lentigines or liver spots , are caused by overexposure to sunlight. The resulting changes are characterised by their characteristic location – they are most common on the hands and face . The changes are age-related and most commonly occur after the age of 50. Age spots are not dangerous to humans and are imperceptible to the touch, but untreated they can become darker and much more difficult to remove.

How to prevent discolouration?

The basis for preventing skin discolouration is correct sun protection. Sunscreen should be applied every day, regardless of the weather and season , because contrary to appearances, even in winter or cloudy weather, negative UVA and UVB rays reach our skin. You should apply the cream to every exposed part of your body, not just your face. It is also important to remember to reapply the cosmetic regularly, preferably every two or three hours, so that the cream can protect the skin in the long term. Apart from this, it is important to take care of the body’s overall health by remembering to stay well hydrated, have a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

Care for skin prone to hyperpigmentation should be based on natural and gentle cosmetics. In your daily care, opt for products with active substances such as glycolic acid and kojic acid. Particularly recommended is vitamin c , which has brightening properties and helps to reduce discolouration. If you develop a lot of post-acne hyperpigmentation, implement a special anti-acne treatment that not only relieves inflammation but also reduces the factors that promote hyperpigmentation.

Best treatments for skin discolouration

When dealing with neglected hyperpigmentation, or that which is difficult to remove, it is worth using the services of a clinic of aesthetic medicine, which will help us in an impressive way with the removal of hyperpigmentation. At the Arcadia Clinic for aesthetic medicine and cosmetology in Krakow, we offer a range of treatments after which skin discolouration will be just a thing of the past!

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Laser removal of discolouration

Laser treatments to remove hyper pigmentation are completely safe for patients, effective, virtually painless and require no recovery period. The laser concentrates light in a narrower range, effectively acting on problem areas. The laser light acts thermally on the cells containing the pigment, destroying them and eliminating the discolouration. Even the most severe forms of hyperpigmentation can be removed with the laser. Best results are obtained after a series of 3-6 repetitions at a minimum interval of 3 weeks.

Micro-needle radiofrequency

This treatment involves simultaneous micro-puncturing and heating of the skin using radio waves. The processes performed during the treatment reach the dermis directly without damaging the epidermis. The heat emitted by the device leads to a stimulation of collagen production. As a result, we can effectively get rid of hyperpigmentation and the skin becomes smooth, relaxed and its colour is evened out. The therapy also leads to an alleviation of acne.

Water peeling

Waterpeeling is a safe method to soothe and restore the skin’s radiance. The treatment involves the delivery of active preparations to the skin using compressed air. On the head of the device with which the treatment is performed, there are small nozzles from which active ingredients are released under the influence of air. The treatment strongly stimulates the skin, alleviating bothersome discolouration. Due to its non-invasiveness and effective action, waterpeeling is recommended for people with even the most delicate and sensitive skin.

GeneO® treatment

The treatment is carried out in a form similar to a massage. Using a special head, a gel rich in active ingredients is spread on the face. The gel combines its effects with other ingredients to create a chemical reaction. A number of bubbles containing carbon dioxide are formed. As they burst on the skin’s surface, they supply the skin with the required amount of oxygen. This leads to immediate exfoliation of the stratum corneum, oxygenation and purification of the skin. The treatment effectively reduces skin discolouration by improving skin tone and hydration.

Reduction of skin discolouration at Arcadia Clinic Krakow

The Arcadia Clinic aesthetic medicine and cosmetology practice in Krakow offers a range of effective treatments to reduce the problem of skin discolouration. During a free consultation, the specialist will take a detailed history of your health, skin condition and propose an individual treatment and care plan to guarantee the best results.

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