Pigmentation and Age Spots
There are a range of causes for age spots and pigmentation, and a range of treatments to help.
While age spots are not normally harmful, many people would like them removed to boost their self-confidence or as part of an anti-ageing treatment approach.
What are Age Spots and Pigmentation?
Age spots, also called liver spots or sunspots, are simply spots of discoloured skin that appear mainly on the face, hands, or shoulders. The spots can be brown, grey, or black in colour. They appear mainly on areas of the skin that have had sun exposure. Pigmentation is an inconsistent and discoloration of the skin and can look blotchy rather than spot like. Age spots and pigmentation blotches can form clusters and be the same texture as the surrounding skin.
Both are the result of an over or under production of melanin which is the skin pigment. The overproduction of melanin causes a darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), and underproduction of melanin causes lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation).
What Causes Age Spots and Pigmentation
There are a range of causes for age spots and pigmentation, the two most common being the natural ageing process and sun exposure. Other forms of UV light such as tanning beds can also be a possible cause. Genetics and hormonal imbalances along with some medical conditions can also cause the skin’s pigment to change. These pigmentation changes often start to appear after the age of 40 but can affect younger skin if it has had a lot of sun exposure.
Treating Age Spots and Pigmentation
A skin consultation is the first step to getting the right treatment for age spots and pigmentation. After discussion with the Skin Specialist Nurse a treatment plan will be created, bespoke to your needs. Chemical peels and Medi Facials are some of the treatments that can help remove age spots and leave you with clearer glowing skin.
