Pigmentation is a harmless affliction, in which patches of skin appear darker or lighter than your normal skin tones. Our skin’s complexion and colour are determined by the production of melanin (pigment) in the skin. If your melanin-producing cells are damaged in any way, most commonly caused by ageing, and sun or environmental exposure, certain areas of the skin can become discoloured. In instances of pigmentation where the discolouring is caused by trauma, the condition is called hyperpigmentation.
Age spots are the name given to visible, dark spots, which appear on areas often exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms and hands. These generally become more noticeable as we age, not only due to repeated UV exposure, but also because the number of melanin-producing cells diminish as we get older, while our remaining ones grow in size.
Several other related disorders can also be caused by a disruption to your skin’s melanin production. At Vie Aesthetics, we offer a variety of excellent treatments that can help reduce the appearance of uneven skin tones, and give you a fresh, healthy glow. During your consultation with one of our skin specialists, you will be given advice that is specifically tailored to your skin’s needs.