How to Identify Your Type of Pigmentation and Treat It Effectively

Persistent dark spots or patches and uneven skin tone in visible areas are most people’s aesthetic concerns today, as pigmentation irregularities affect appearance and confidence. In most cases, pigmentation issues appear similar, but their causes can vary, so no single treatment would fix every type of pigmentation.

Identifying one's pigmentation type is the first and most essential step in effectively treating the condition. In this blog, we shall discuss how pigmentation develops, the common types of pigmentation, how each type manifests, and how to recognize them. Later, we’ll share the safest and effective dermatologist-recommended pigmentation treatments in Gurgaon, including helpful tips and in-office treatments. Any of them, alone or in combination, can help you achieve clearer, evenly toned, youthful, healthier-looking skin.

Why Pigmentation Occurs?

Pigmentation, the skin coloring in some areas of the face or body, is the result of an excess of melanin- precisely eumelanin. Eumelanin is a brown pigment present naturally in the skin and responsible for its color and protection from the sun’s UV radiation . It is synthesised by specialised skin cells called melanocytes.

Usually, it’s triggered by sun/UV exposure, fluctuating hormones, severe or inflammatory acne breakouts, certain medical conditions, poor lifestyle choices, vitamin B12 deficiency, certain medications, aging, or genetics.

Common Types of Pigmentation and Their Characteristics

Melasma- It is the blotchy light brown to grey patches that show up symmetrically on sun-exposed areas of the face (cheeks, upper lip, and forehead), often due to hormonal shifts.
Sun spots or age spots (Solar lentigines) are flat, well-defined, brown, tan, or black spots measuring 1-3 mm on the face, arms, and hands of adults, resulting from cumulative or prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun.
Freckles- They are tan to light brown or reddish-brown, 1 to 2 mm spots, often genetic in fair-skinned people who are repeatedly exposed to sunlight. It is prominent in summers when UV rays are strong and fades in winters due to limited UV exposure.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation- It’s the flat, irregular spots or patches of tan to dark brown to black color that develop as the skin heals after injuries like acne, cuts, or burns.

How to Identify Your Pigmentation Type Accurately?

To accurately identify the type of pigmentation you are struggling with, you need to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. A dermatologist has the required expertise, experience, and tools, like a Wood’s lamp- a special UV light to examine skin, to identify the type, depth, and cause of pigmentation.

The confirmation of pigmentation concern and identification of its type is possible only after gathering the following information:

Timing or onset of pigmentation
The location where pigmentation develops
The shape and color of the pigmentation spot/patch
The family history of pigmentation (if any)
Any change in spots or patches with UV exposure.
An accurate diagnosis is crucial to selecting the most suitable skin pigmentation treatment.

Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments for Pigmentation

Topical Hyperpigmentation Treatment- Over-the-counter and prescription-strength skin lightening or brightening products are available. These contain ingredients like antioxidants (Vitamin C) to inhibit melanin production and promote healthy, bright skin; reti-noids that increase skin cell turnover to make pigmented skin shed off faster; hydr-oquinone to help lighten the skin; azelaic acid to reduce inflammation-induced pigmentation; and cyste-amine or kojic acid that help inhibit pigmentation.
Professional Pigmentation Removal- The proven in-office best treatments for pigmentation include:
Chemical peel for hyperpigmentation- Depending on the depth of pigmentation, there are different strengths of exfoliating acids available. Mild peels like glycolic acid or lactic acid (alpha-hydroxy acids); Medium peels like salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy acids); and Deep/strong peels like trichloroacetic acid or phenol. Each work in removing the pigmented layers to reveal a new, evenly toned skin.
Laser treatment for dark spots- Non-ablative lasers like Q-switched Nd: YAG are mostly used for toning skin. These help thermally destroy excess melanin, promoting collagen skin remodelling. Ablative lasers generate heat that helps resurface the pigmented skin and encourages skin cell turnover.
Microneedling with skin lightening/brightening serums- Fine needles of a certain depth help create micro-injuries in the skin to which the body responds by stimulating collagen production. The skin tone and texture improve significantly when these micro-channels, skin infusions of skin-lightening or brightening ing redients, are created.

Role of Skincare and Sun Protection in Pigmentation Control

When it comes to treating skin discoloration, practicing proper sun protection is very important. Also, it adheres to proper skin care for hyperpigmentation. This helps prevent new spots from developing, avoid worsening of existing pigmentation, and reduce the appearance of existing spots. Proper skincare, including sun protection, even supports the topical or in-office treatments.

So, a dermatologist advises doing the following:

Regularly exfoliate the skin with a gentle chemical or physical exfoliant
Use skincare products that work to inhibit melanin production and fade pigmentation
Keeping the skin shielded from UVA and UVB rays of the sun by application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher
Maintain skin’s hydration and health with gentle products like hydrating cleansers, suitable moisturisers, and infusion serums
Incorporate use of products containing antioxidants like Vitamin C that help fight oxidative damage of the skin.

Preventing Pigmentation Recurrence– Long-Term Skin Care Tips

Have nutrient-loaded meals
Be gentle with the skin
Protect the skin from the sun and direct heat
Have restful sleep at night and manage stress with healthy techniques
Exfoliate skin regularly with the right exfoliant
Manage conditions, change medications, or make some lifestyle modifications, whichever is contributing to pigmentation
Treat trauma or injury to the skin promptly before it leads to inflammation and stubborn pigmentation
Schedule regular skin check-ups and dermatologist consultations to maintain the results of pigmentation treatment long term.
Prioritize the use of skincare products that strengthen the skin barrier, support hydration, inhibit melanin production, facilitate skin cell turnover, or reduce inflammation.

Where to get Pigmentation Treatment in Gurgaon?

Pigmentation can be of different types, each with its own causes and manifestations. Identifying one's own type precisely, with the help of a dermatologist in Gurgaon at Citrine Clinic, can help you receive the best treatment plan. The best treatment for pigmentation on the face or the best hyperpigmentation treatment for the body is a combination approach at Citrine Clinic. The experts recommend a skincare regimen tailored for hyperpigmentation and targeted pigmentation removal treatments to reveal a healthy skin glow.

If you are in Gurgaon, consider consulting Citrine Clinic’s team of expert dermatologists led by renowned Dr. Niti Gaur, for personalised pigmentation treatment and management.