There are a host of causes of skin pigmentation, and although for the most part people learn to live with it or simply ignore it, it can become quite intense in some sufferers to the point where it does affect their self esteem and confidence. As spots of skin pigmentation can be a sign of ageing, they can stand in the way of a youthful appearance, which many people would prefer to reverse.

An important thing to bear in mind, however, is that in most cases skin pigmentation is not a sign of ill health. In some cases it can signify a deeper underlying problem, but that is a medical problem that needs to be sorted out by the appropriate specialists. This article is about cosmetic skin pigmentation, what it is, and why pulsed laser light can help.

Darker areas of skin are nothing out of the ordinary. In a large percentage of the population they are so common as to be unnoticeable, and take the form of freckles. Freckles can be relatively pale and thinly spread, and can give the impression of a light tan when viewed from a short distance. At the other the end of the scale they can be deeper, of higher contrast and sharper, appearing like dots drawn with a felt-tip pen. Freckles pose no health risks, and are a natural form of pigmentation, either being passed down genetically or brought about by exposure to the sun. Indeed, their presence can indicate a skin type that\’s easily sun burnt, and thus acts as a warning to use sun block or avoid exposure.

Another type of pigmentation often accompanies pregnancy. Often, it fades away after giving birth, but sometimes it stays or even gets more intense. Known as “mask of pregnancy” because it affects the face, it is caused by the hormonal changes of pregnancy.

The third common type is caused simply by a combination of ageing and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Since the skin replenishes itself less after age 40, these blemishes can stick around for some time. Originally thought to be a symptom of liver problems, they are now thought not to be associated, yet are still called liver spots colloquially.

All of these types of discolouration are caused by the skin pigment melanin, which is perfectly natural and accounts for the range of skin tones seen throughout the human world. It protects against DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light, and it is known that UV light triggers its release, which is why sunlight brings it to the surface.

Although harmless in itself, many people like to lighten the parts of their skin affected by this pigmentation, and turn to a process known as intense pulsed light (IPL) to treat it. Available in clinics, IPL treatment consists of aiming bursts of extremely bright beams of light at the affected areas for tiny durations of time. By precisely controlling the wavelength of the light, it can be made to destroy the pigmentation precisely without damaging neighbouring skin cells. Another effect is that it stimulates the growth of collagen which rejuvenates the skin.

Overall, if you\’re worried about pigmentation, seek the advice of your doctor. However in most cases it is physically harmless, and its removal will be a cosmetic matter, important though that may be.

Author Bio: Tracey has reviewed and written about intense pulsed light for skin pigmentation as the treatment has developed. She understands IPL and the treatment for skin conditions widely used in leading clinics.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
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