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Skin condition: Pigmentation

Pigmentation or age spots are mainly caused by UV, or the sun. Some people are more sensitive to it than others. Want to know more? Read on!

Table of contents

What is skin pigment?

Pigment is a colorant produced by special pigment cells (melanocytes ) . This pigment gives skin, hair, and the iris of the eye its color. Pigment cells are stimulated to produce pigment by hormones and UV radiation. Pigment protects the skin from UV radiation in sunlight. Pigment is transported to surrounding skin cells via extensions of the pigment cells. UV radiation increases the number of active pigment cells. This also increases pigment production, causing the skin to tan. When this process is disrupted, pigment spots can develop. Pigment spots come in various shapes and sizes.

What are pigment spots?

Pigment spots are also called hyperpigmentation. When the pigment cell's process of producing pigment is disrupted, it can lead to a buildup of pigment. This creates irregular patches on the skin. These spots can appear anywhere on the body. Depending on your skin type , these spots can be dark or light in color. Pigment spots are often light brown to black. However, they can also be white, a condition called vitiligo. The lighter the skin color, the darker the pigment spots. Conversely, the darker the skin color, the more noticeable the white pigment spots will be. Pigment spots can appear anywhere on the body. However, they are most common on the face, arms, legs, neck, hands, abdomen, and back. These areas of the body are most exposed to the sun.

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. More than 20% of visits to a cosmetic dermatologist are for this condition. Often, pigment spots are a harmless skin condition. Generally, pigment spots are easy to treat if you know what type you have and how deep the pigment is. If you notice your pigment spots developing in size or color, consult your doctor.


White pigment spots

Dark pigment spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin. White pigment spots, on the other hand, are caused by a melanin deficiency. The medical term for white pigment spots is vitiligo. The skin loses pigment. Pigment cells are destroyed and no longer produce melanin. This causes white spots on the body and sometimes even in the hair. This skin condition is chronic and can develop suddenly. Some people are born with this skin condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this skin condition. There are treatments that counteract pigment loss or influence pigment production, such as light therapy. If you suffer from vitiligo, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

What causes pigment spots?

As mentioned above, pigment spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin. Pigment cells produce melanin, which gives us the color of our skin, hair, and the iris of our eyes. Melanin also protects our skin from UV radiation. UV radiation increases the number of active pigment cells that produce melanin, causing the skin to tan in sunlight. Melanin overproduction can be triggered by various factors that are identified as the cause of pigment spots. The most common causes of pigment spots are sunlight, hormonal influences, illness and medications, skin damage, and skin care products.

Huidaandoening: Pigmentatie

Sunlight

Sunlight increases the number of active pigment cells, which in turn leads to the production of more melanin. Excessive sun exposure can cause pigment spots. This is because the melanin production process is disrupted. This is the most common cause of pigment spots. This is why pigment spots often appear in areas where the skin regularly comes into contact with sunlight. These areas include the face, arms, legs, neck, hands, abdomen, and back. The more sunlight you expose your skin to, the greater the chance of developing pigment spots. If pigment spots have already developed, further sun exposure can worsen them.

Pigment spots are more common in older people; in this case, they're called age spots. This is because older people's skin has been exposed to sunlight more frequently throughout their lives. It's therefore important to always protect your skin from sunlight, as this can help prevent age spots as much as possible. Use skincare products with SPF to protect your skin from UV rays and wear protective clothing. Some skincare products with SPF also help prevent pigment spots.

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Hormonal influences

Hormonal influences are the most common causes of certain types of hyperpigmentation: melasma and chloasma. These forms of hyperpigmentation are primarily found in women. Female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone stimulate the overproduction of melanin when the skin comes into contact with the sun. In addition, these forms of hyperpigmentation are often caused by taking birth control pills and during pregnancy. Research shows that approximately one in three women develops pigment spots when taking birth control pills. Birth control pills cause hormonal fluctuations in the body that stimulate melanin production.

In addition, many women experience pigmentation spots during pregnancy. Melasma is also known as the " pregnancy mask ." Pigmentation spots during pregnancy are always given this name. In most cases, the pigmentation spots disappear on their own after pregnancy. During a subsequent pregnancy, there is a high chance of experiencing pigmentation spots again. A "pregnancy mask" is more common in people with darker skin.

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Diseases and medicines

Several conditions can cause pigment spots to appear on your skin. Hyperpigmentation is symptomatic of some autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders, and vitamin deficiencies. In addition, certain medications and treatments can promote the development of pigment spots. These include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, hormone treatments, malaria, and anti-epilepsy medications.

Skin damage

Pigment spots often arise from skin damage. When the skin becomes inflamed, infected, or damaged, this promotes the production of melanin (pigment). Skin can become inflamed, infected, or damaged by a cut, burn, exposure to chemicals, acne , eczema, or psoriasis. Skin can also be damaged by chemical peels or laser treatments. When the skin heals from such damage, a wound often develops that remains darker and discolored.

Cause skin care products and perfume

Pigment spots often arise from skin damage. When the skin becomes inflamed, infected, or damaged, this promotes the production of melanin (pigment). Skin can become inflamed, infected, or damaged by a cut, burn, exposure to chemicals, acne , eczema, or psoriasis. Skin can also be damaged by chemical peels or laser treatments. When the skin heals from such damage, a wound often develops that remains darker and discolored.

Blog: Model Pigmentatie | Oorzaken pigmentvlekken

How is the diagnosis made?

A doctor or skin specialist can recognize hyperpigmentation by looking and feeling carefully. In most cases, no further testing is necessary. However, some types of pigmentation are easily treated, while others are not. Do you have questions about pigmentation? Open the chat; our skin specialist is happy to help!

How can pigment spots be treated?

There are several ways to treat pigmentation. We always recommend using the right skincare preventative care to help prevent all forms of pigmentation as much as possible. The right skincare products can also reduce pigmentation. Other treatments are also available, such as cosmetic treatments, chemical peels, and laser therapy.

Cosmetic treatments

There are several ways to treat pigmentation. We always recommend using the right skincare preventative care to help prevent all forms of pigmentation as much as possible. The right skincare products can also reduce pigmentation. Other treatments are also available, such as cosmetic treatments, chemical peels, and laser therapy.

Chemical peel

A chemical peel involves applying an acidic solution to the face, hands, or feet. This removes the outer layers of skin. The chemicals in the acidic solution cause blisters to form on the skin. The skin should eventually slough off, leaving new, evenly pigmented skin to take its place.

Laser therapy

A chemical peel involves applying an acidic solution to the face, hands, or feet. This removes the outer layers of skin. The chemicals in the acidic solution cause blisters to form on the skin. The skin should eventually slough off, leaving new, evenly pigmented skin to take its place.

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Skin care products to reduce pigment spots

In recent years, skincare products have appeared on the market that help reduce age spots. This is an affordable and less invasive way to treat age spots . Most skincare products that treat age spots contain ingredients that reduce melanin production and the appearance of age spots. These are the following ingredients:

  • Vitamin C: This vitamin has proven to be quite effective against pigment spots and is often included in a product in combination with other active ingredients.
  • Retinol: This ingredient has also proven reasonably effective against pigment spots. However, it can also irritate the skin or make it more sensitive to sunlight. Furthermore, retinol is not recommended for pregnant women.
  • Azelaic acid: Has been shown to indirectly influence melanin production and reduce the appearance of pigment spots.
  • Hydroquinone: This is one of the most powerful ingredients for hyperpigmentation but is now only allowed to be sold in low concentrations.

Natural treatments

Besides cosmetic treatments and skincare products, you can also try treating pigment spots naturally. This will help fade or reduce pigment spots. The effectiveness of these natural treatments depends on the severity of the pigment spots.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains lactic acid, which has been proven to have beneficial effects on the skin. It has a peeling effect and also hydrates the skin. Apply yogurt to your pigment spots and let it sit for fifteen minutes. Then rinse with water. You can even do this daily.

Lemon

Lemon can help fade dark spots on your face. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and mix it with a little olive oil. Apply the lemon mixture to your dark spots and let it sit for fifteen minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. You can repeat this several times a week.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which can kill bacteria and speed up skin healing. The malic acid penetrates deep into the skin and helps even out the skin beneath the pigment spots. Rub some apple cider vinegar onto your pigment spots with a cotton ball. Leave it on for about 5 minutes and then rinse it off.

Honey

Honey has a soothing and restorative effect on the skin. It can help reduce and fade pigment spots. This is because honey is rich in vitamins and minerals. Apply some honey to your pigment spots and let it sit for fifteen minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. You can do this daily.

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Tips to prevent pigmentation

Pigmentation spots are often considered bothersome because they appear in highly visible areas. Those who suffer from pigmentation spots will be pleased to learn that various treatments are available to fade and reduce hyperpigmentation. It's important to care for your skin daily with (natural) products that help repair the skin. Besides knowing the best way to treat pigmentation spots, it's also helpful to know how to prevent new ones from forming. We share some tips for preventing pigmentation spots:

  • Avoid the sun: If you suffer from pigmentation spots, your skin can be significantly damaged, for example, by acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Make sure you expose your skin to the sun as little as possible.
  • SPF: It's recommended to apply sunscreen every day that protects your skin. SPF 30 or higher protects the skin against more pigment spots and skin aging.
  • Temperature changes: If you suffer from pigment spots, it is recommended to avoid major temperature changes such as saunas, hot showers and getting into a hot car.
  • Perfume/Alcohol: If you suffer from pigmentation spots, it's recommended to avoid irritating ingredients like perfume, parabens, and alcohol in your skincare on sunny days. These can cause more pigmentation spots.

Pigmentation skincare routine

The skincare routine below is suitable for all skin types. The Melting Moment Balm is a cleanser that soothes, calms, reduces redness, and inhibits inflammation. Apply the Vitamin C serum in the morning after cleansing your face. This is our best-selling serum for combating pigmentation. Then apply the SPF day cream to prevent further pigmentation. Last but not least, apply the Beauty Power Peel before going to bed (after cleansing your face) . This combined night cream and peel contains 14% glycolic acid and 0.5% retinol and guarantees professional results: it gives the skin an overnight exfoliation, stimulates collagen production, and helps fade pigment spots, (acne) scars, fine lines, and enlarged pores. This product does need to be built up. For example, start with once a week.

Our choice of skincare for pigmentation:
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Find your skincare match at Olivida

At Olivida , we have one mission: self-care. Skincare is a key part of this and can be your moment of relaxation. At the same time, you'll be working on improving your skin and reducing your age spots. They won't disappear overnight; that's impossible. We'll always be honest about the results you can achieve. We also offer free advice to ensure you don't buy the wrong products. Open the chat window to ask our skin therapist Lisa for tips; she's happy to help. Want to go on a journey of discovery yourself? Take our SkinQuiz and get skincare products tailored to your lifestyle and skin type in just 3 minutes. Prefer to browse our shop yourself? Take a look around and use our handy filters.

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