Hyperpigmentation

Melasma, sun spots, age spots or hyperpigmentation causes and treatments.

Hyperpigmentation Causes & Symptoms

Hyperpigmentation, also known as melasma, age spots, liver spots or sun spots, is a common skin conditions to experience, and it can occur on all skin types. Hyperpigmentation occurs when more melanin is produced in some areas than others, resulting in darkened patches on the skin in comparison with lighter areas. These ‘sun spots’ usually occur on parts of your body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, arms and legs. There are many types of hyperpigmentation, but the following are the most common:

Pigment spots, known as sun spots or age spots, can be caused by sun exposure and therefore mainly appear on areas that are frequently exposed, such as the face, hands and arms. They tend to be small, dark patches of skin. This form of hyperpigmentation is caused by overproduction of melanin by the skin to protect itself from sun damage.
Melasma, also known as chloasma or ‘pregnancy mask’, is a form of hyperpigmentation usually on the face. It can occur as a result of hormonal influences such as pregnancy and birth control pills and causes large, irregularly shaped dark areas on the face, arms and stomach.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur when a skin injury or trauma heals and leaves a flat area of discolouration behind. It’s commonly found among acne sufferers. This type can occur anywhere on the body.

Hyperpigmentation Treatments

Hyperpigmentation itself is not a cause for medical concern as long as there is no change to the skin other than in terms of the colour. Whatever the hyperpigmentation causes, age spots and melasma should be flat, and shouldn’t feel very different to the rest of your skin. If there are any other changes to your skin with sun spots, such as a raised texture, you can have a biopsy done to ensure that it’s nothing serious.

However, at our hyperpigmentation clinic London, we understand that you may wish to even out your skin tone for cosmetic reasons. We have a varied range of melasma and hyperpigmentation treatments that will be tailored to your individual issues. *

LED Luminous Lift

Light therapy facial to help restore and rejuvenate your skin and for hyperpigmentation treatment.

IPL Therapy

Intense pulsed light treatment to help reduce pigmentation including melasma and sun spots.

Pixel Laser

Laser skin resurfacing treatment to gradually fade out hyperpigmentation.

Pigmentation Peels

Bespoke hyperpigmentation treatment peels to help reduce the appearance of age spots.

Skin Peels London

A wide range of brightening facials and peels addressing melasma and skin pigmentation.

Fraxel Laser

An advanced laser skin resurfacing hyperpigmentation treatment to help improve skin's texture.

Frequently asked questions

What should you avoid to prevent sun spots?

Prevention of hyperpigmentation should ideally start at a young age. If you layer up the sunblock religiously when your skin is still youthful, it might reduce the likelihood of developing sun spots when you’re older. It’s also advisable to follow a good skincare routine to avoid inflammation and irritation as these are common hyperpigmentation causes. Moisturisers, lotions and creams with an SPF are essential.

Can I get rid of hyperpigmentation?

It’s possible to reduce the effects of hyperpigmentation. You may not be able to return your skin to its 20-year-old prime, but there are many modern methods that can help to improve your skin’s texture. Book a consultation at our hyperpigmentation clinic London today.