Skin Pigmentation

Modern cosmetology offers effective solutions for pigmented spots based on individual characteristics. At the LeoDerm clinic, cosmetic doctors take a comprehensive approach to solving this problem. Excellent results are achieved by combining techniques that suppress excessive melanin production and break down existing hyperpigmentation.

What is Pigmentation?

There is no person without pigmented spots. By examining your skin, you can spot areas that are not noticeable to the touch but stand out due to their color. These spots, whether isolated or grouped, can be congenital or acquired, located on various parts of the skin, and differ in shape, size, and color, ranging from light beige to dark brown.

Skin pigmentation refers to the accumulation of melanin caused by its uncontrolled synthesis and uneven distribution. This pigment is responsible for the coloration of the skin, hair, and eyes. Disruptions in pigmentation (melanogenesis) can occur as a symptom of certain diseases or appear as an independent cosmetic issue. The classification of pigmentation disorders is quite broad, and the method of removing pigmented spots depends on their specific characteristics.

Types of Pigmentation

Based on the cause of occurrence, pigmented formations are divided into two main groups:

• constitutional – congenital or hereditary pigmented spots that develop independently of external factors;
• facultative – appear due to internal and external factors.

To effectively eliminate acquired skin pigmentation, it is crucial to identify and address its underlying cause.

There is also a classification based on the depth of melanin accumulation - epidermal (surface), dermal (mid-layer), mixed pigmented spots.

Types of Pigmentation on the Body or Face:

1. Freckles. These are pigmented spots that appear on the face, shoulders, back, décolletage, and neck—areas most frequently exposed to UV radiation. Freckles vary in color, often reddish, with a round shape and blurred edges. Their intensity may change with the seasons, becoming more pronounced in spring and summer, and fading or disappearing in winter.
2. Melasma. Brown pigmented spots with well-defined edges. They vary in shape and size and are typically located on the face—such as pigmentation above the upper lip (nasolabial), on the chin (mandibular), or the central face area (centrofacial). Melasma is more common in women, often linked to hormonal changes, and rarely appears in men.
3. Lentigo. Oval-shaped hyperpigmented spots with clear edges, ranging from light beige to dark brown. These spots often appear after prolonged sun exposure on open areas of the skin. In older adults, pigmented spots on the hands, cheeks, forehead, ears, and scalp are referred to as age-related lentigo.
4. Post-Traumatic and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. These spots can appear on the legs, arms, neck, head, or any areas that have experienced trauma or inflammation.

Why Do Pigmented Spots Appear?

Hyperpigmented spots result from increased melanin production, which can be triggered by various factors.

The most common causes of pigmentation on the face and body include:

• systemic, autoimmune, endocrine, and oncological diseases;
• genetic predisposition;
• excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and lack of effective sun protection;
• photodermatitis – heightened sensitivity to sunlight;
• hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, or menopause;
• mechanical, thermal, or chemical skin damage;
• age-related changes;
• medication use;
• deficiency states;
• chronic stress.

Improperly performed cosmetic procedures and failure to follow a cosmetologist’s recommendations during the recovery period can also trigger excessive melanin production, leading to the formation of hyperpigmented spots.

How to Remove Pigmented Spots on the Face and Body

When selecting treatments for pigmentation on the face or body, a cosmetologist considers the following factors:

• the cause of the aesthetic issue;
• age;
• overall health and physical condition;
• type and location of the pigmentation;
• skin type and condition (phototype).

At the LeoDerm clinic in Lviv, a comprehensive approach is used, combining techniques such as laser pigmentation removal with professional cosmetic products to achieve excellent results and prevent recurrence.

Methods for Removing Pigmented Spots

How can pigmentation on the face or body be eliminated? At Leoderm, safe and effective methods are offered for addressing hyperpigmentation.

Laser Removal of Pigmented Spots with Lumecca

The IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology is a laser treatment for pigmentation removal. This method is effective for superficial and mid-layer hyperpigmentation and is used to improve the skin’s condition on the face and body. IPL therapy works by targeting melanin with light pulses that heat and break it down, without affecting other cells or tissues.

Lumecca is used to remove the following types of pigmented spots:

• freckles on the face, shoulders, and arms;
• pigmented spots on the back, shoulders, arms, and other body areas caused by diseases, injuries, or inflammation;
• age spots on the skin.

For optimal results, IPL therapy is often combined with chemical peels.

Chemical Peels

How do peels work to treat pigmentation? The formulations for chemical peels contain acids that inhibit excessive melanin production in the skin and break down existing spots:

1. Jessner’s Combined Peel. This peel contains kojic acid, which blocks melanin synthesis. It also includes citric, lactic, and salicylic acids, which promote skin regeneration, hydrate, tone, and provide a rejuvenating effect.
2. PRX-T33 Peel. This product also includes kojic acid, effectively suppressing melanin synthesis. Additionally, it contains trichloroacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which reduce inflammation and promote skin regeneration.
3. Retinoic Peel. This peel features highly concentrated retinol. In addition to inhibiting melanin production, retinol stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, offering the added benefit of skin rejuvenation and improved elasticity.

Peels are best performed during the autumn-winter period because they temporarily weaken the skin’s protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to ultraviolet light. This can lead to the opposite effect, causing new pigmented spots to form.

Polynucleotide Injections

Nucleic acid-based products are used in cosmetology for skin rejuvenation and regeneration. Additionally, they are effective in combating hyperpigmentation. Polynucleotide injections reduce melanin synthesis in the skin and enhance the cells’ protective properties against ultraviolet radiation. These injections are particularly effective for stubborn pigmented spots with high melanin concentrations. Beyond addressing pigmentation, these treatments also hydrate the skin, improve elasticity, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant effects.

Additional Cosmetic Products

Serums, lotions, and creams for pigmentation are cosmetic products recommended for skincare, particularly for skin prone to developing pigmented spots. These products can be part of a treatment plan, enhancing the results of laser removal or peels. They are also used for preventing recurrence.

Creams for pigmented spots contain ingredients that regulate melanin production and can break it down, such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, retinol, and more.

At the LeoDerm clinic in Lviv, dermatologists, considering your previous treatment history, will select the optimal method for removing pigmented spots. Schedule a consultation now to learn more about effective and safe solutions for this issue.