Singaporeans are prone to developing pigmentation, due to our darker skin type and high exposure to ultraviolet (UV) waves from the sun. Women are also at higher risk of pigmentation problems due to hormonal changes throughout life. This uneven discoloration of the skin is troubling to many.
What options are there for pigmentation treatment in Singapore?
Topical serums and creams can help to lighten pigmentation. They contain ingredients that reduce melanin production, which results in improvement of dark spots. Some of these ingredients include kojic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin, hydroquinone, resorcinol, cysteamine, and tretinoin. Medical grade creams prescribed by aesthetic doctors in Singapore are recommended to ensure sufficient concentration of these active ingredients for better treatment of your pigmentation.
Other treatments for pigmentation in Singapore are:
- Intense pulsed light
- Laser therapy
- Chemical peels
The best treatment depends on the type of pigmentation issue you are facing. It is recommended to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from an experienced doctor.
Common pigmentation types in Singapore
1. Melasma
Melasma is a common pigmentation condition in Singapore, and usually occurs as brown or grey patches on the cheeks and forehead, but can also be found on the other parts of the face and neck. It often develops in women, especially during or after pregnancy.
Treatment of melasma depends on the severity. Regardless, sunscreen is recommended for everyone to prevent melasma from darkening. For milder cases, medical grade topical creams can be effective to lighten melasma. For more severe cases, combination treatment including topical creams, laser treatments, and/or oral medication may be recommended.
It is important to note that melasma tends to be a chronic issue, and tends to darken or recur over time due to various factors such as lifestyle, hormones, and age-related changes. Therefore, continued or repeated courses of treatment may be necessary to control melasma.
2. Solar lentigo
Solar lentigo, also known colloquially as “age spots” or “liver spots”, are round, brownish patches on the skin. These are usually caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, and are usually common in older people.
3. Freckles
Freckles are tiny brown spots that appear symmetrically on the face, usually on the cheeks and nose. They can occur in all age groups, even in children. They tend to appear and darken with sun exposure, and lighten without sun exposure.
Treatment
Topical creams and lasers such as Revlite and BBL can help to lighten pigmentation caused by freckles and solar lentigines.
4. Hori’s Nevus
Hori’s nevus is characterized by blue-grey patches on the cheekbones or forehead. It is common in middle-aged women, and is often mistaken for melasma.
As the pigmentation is deeper within the skin, topical treatments are generally not as effective as laser treatment for this type of pigmentation removal in Singapore. Several sessions of laser treatment may be required to achieve significant results.
5. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs after inflammation or injury to the skin, commonly due to acne, skin infection, rashes or eczema, and skin wounds.
These hyperpigmentation marks can take several months to fade. Treatments such as topical creams, chemical peels, and lasers can hasten improvement of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
6. Seborrheic keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are rough, wart-like bumps on the skin. It is common in older adults, and are brownish-black in appearance.
These spots are best removed using ablative lasers such as the CO2 laser. Treatments take about 10-20 minutes, depending on the number of spots to be removed. Post-treatment wounds usually heal after about 3-7 days, and usually only 1 or 2 laser treatments are required.
With so many different types of pigmentation and treatment options, it is best to have your condition assessed by an experienced aesthetic doctor before any pigmentation treatment in Singapore. Book an appointment with us today.