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Pigmentation

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Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Pigmentation

Pigmentation (also referred to as hyperpigmentation) refers to the darkening of the skin caused by increased melanin. It presents itself as freckles, AGE SPOTS (or sunspots), and areas of the skin with a generally darker colour.

Many pregnant and pre-menopausal women will also experience melasma, which is characterised by pigmented splotches – usually on the face.

Why Do I Have It?

Pigmentation and hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body, but usually appears on the hands or face.

Contributors include:

  • Genetics
    Some people are genetically predisposed to skin pigmentation.
  • Sun damage
    Excessive unprotected exposure to the sun causes damage to the skin. This damage is characterised by freckles, sun spots and age spots.
  • Birthmarks
    Birthmarks are areas of pigmented skin caused by an overgrowth of melanin-producing melanocytes. Birthmarks have no specific cause and can be categorised as a benign irregularity.
  • Skin trauma
    Skin trauma or damage can cause areas of pigmentation to appear.
  • Hormones
    Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy, can affect the skin quite significantly.
  • General ageing
    The ageing process can often lead to age spots and general skin darkening.

Types of Pigmentation

Age Spots 

Age spots, also known as liver spots, are pigmented areas on the skin that range in colour from light brown to black. They vary in size and appear on any area of the body that has had high levels of sun exposure.

They are most common in adults over the age of 50, but can also occur on younger skin that has been particularly damaged. While they are not dangerous, many people opt to remove age spots for cosmetic reasons.

Age spots are caused by changes in the skin that alter its pigmentation. This pigmentation (melanin) is composed of enumelanin, pheomelanin and neuromelanin. Skin colour is dependent on these three elements and the amount of each that is present. Changes in the skin cause variations in the levels of melanin, resulting in the occurrence of age spots. But what causes these changes?

Read More

Freckles 

A freckle is a small, round spot of medium-to-dark-brown colour on the skin. Unlike a mole, it is always flat – never raised. Freckles tend to darken in summer and lighten or completely vanish in winter, when skin is exposed to sunlight less often.

It is possible to safely remove freckles on the face and other areas with the use of intense pulsed light (IPL).

A freckle is an area of the skin with a higher concentration of melanin, or dark pigment. When UV rays hit your skin, its outer layer (epidermis) thickens slightly. This causes the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), to produce more melanin, making your freckles darker. This is why freckles will usually appear in areas most often exposed to the sun, such as the arms and face.

Genetics play a role in how prone you are to developing freckles when exposed to UV light. Those with fairer features are more likely to develop them because these people have less melanin, which reflects and absorbs UV rays to protect the skin from sun damage.

Read Less

Sun Spots 

Sun spots are characterised by a noticeable change in skin colour as a result of excessive sun exposure. They range in colour from light-to-dark brown, or from light pink to red. Although for most people sun spots are entirely painless, some individuals will experience itching, pain and stinging when exposed to sunlight.

A large number of people seek sun spot removal in Melbourne because – with or without the accompanying pain – sun spots cause an uneven complexion that is often unsightly.

Sun spots are caused by the continual exposure of your skin to the sun for long periods over a number of years, without the use of appropriate protection. It’s important to remember that, whether the temperature is hot or not, UV rays can still be damaging. The damage caused by UV rays causes coloured spots to form – not immediately after sun exposure but often later in life, years after the unprotected exposure has ceased.

Sun spots do not occur alone, and usually appear in groups within one area. They are generally harmless but can, in some cases, develop into a type of skin cancer

Signs and Symptoms

Pigmentation (also referred to as hyperpigmentation) refers to the darkening of the skin caused by increased melanin. It presents itself as freckles, AGE SPOTS (or sunspots), and areas of the skin with a generally darker colour.

Many pregnant and pre-menopausal women will also experience melasma, which is characterised by pigmented splotches – usually on the face.

Causes

Pigementation and hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body, but usually appears on the hands or face. Contributors include:

  • Genetics
    Some people are genetically predisposed to skin pigmentation.
  • Sun damage
    Excessive unprotected exposure to the sun causes damage to the skin. This damage is characterised by freckles, sun spots and age spots.
  • Birthmarks
    Birthmarks are areas of pigmented skin caused by an overgrowth of melanin-producing melanocytes. Birthmarks have no specific cause and can be categorised as a benign irregularity.
  • Skin trauma
    Skin trauma or damage can cause areas of pigmentation to appear.
  • Hormones
    Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy, can affect the skin quite significantly.
  • General ageing
    The ageing process can often lead to age spots and general skin darkening.

Types of Pigmentation

Age Spots 

Age spots, also known as liver spots, are pigmented areas on the skin that range in colour from light brown to black. They vary in size and appear on any area of the body that has had high levels of sun exposure.

They are most common in adults over the age of 50, but can also occur on younger skin that has been particularly damaged. While they are not dangerous, many people opt to remove age spots for cosmetic reasons.

Age spots are caused by changes in the skin that alter its pigmentation. This pigmentation (melanin) is composed of enumelanin, pheomelanin and neuromelanin. Skin colour is dependent on these three elements and the amount of each that is present. Changes in the skin cause variations in the levels of melanin, resulting in the occurrence of age spots. But what causes these changes?

Freckles 

A freckle is a small, round spot of medium-to-dark-brown colour on the skin. Unlike a mole, it is always flat – never raised. Freckles tend to darken in summer and lighten or completely vanish in winter, when skin is exposed to sunlight less often.

It is possible to safely remove freckles on the face and other areas with the use of intense pulsed light (IPL).

A freckle is an area of the skin with a higher concentration of melanin, or dark pigment. When UV rays hit your skin, its outer layer (epidermis) thickens slightly. This causes the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), to produce more melanin, making your freckles darker. This is why freckles will usually appear in areas most often exposed to the sun, such as the arms and face.

Genetics play a role in how prone you are to developing freckles when exposed to UV light. Those with fairer features are more likely to develop them because these people have less melanin, which reflects and absorbs UV rays to protect the skin from sun damage..

Sun Spots 

Sun spots are characterised by a noticeable change in skin colour as a result of excessive sun exposure. They range in colour from light-to-dark brown, or from light pink to red. Although for most people sun spots are entirely painless, some individuals will experience itching, pain and stinging when exposed to sunlight.

A large number of people seek sun spot removal in Melbourne because – with or without the accompanying pain – sun spots cause an uneven complexion that is often unsightly.

Sun spots are caused by the continual exposure of your skin to the sun for long periods over a number of years, without the use of appropriate protection. It’s important to remember that, whether the temperature is hot or not, UV rays can still be damaging. The damage caused by UV rays causes coloured spots to form – not immediately after sun exposure but often later in life, years after the unprotected exposure has ceased.

Sun spots do not occur alone, and usually appear in groups within one area. They are generally harmless but can, in some cases, develop into a type of skin cancer

Treatment Solutions

Skin Needling

Micro-Needling is a skin treatment that combines needling and Mesotherapy to help smooth skin texture, soften scarring, and minimise the appearance of wrinkles.

Laser Pigmentation Removal

The laser targets only the pigmented spots because this is the only area that can absorb the laser light due to its darker colour, therefor no damage to the surrounding skin occurs.

Cosmelan Mask

Cosmelan mask has an intensive effect on skin hyperpigmentation whilst regulating the overproduction of melanin, inhibiting and controlling the appearance of new dark spots.

LED Light Therapy

The LED light has been scientifically shown to improve the levels of both collagen and elastin in the skin by stimulating the fibroblasts cells in the deep layers of the skin.

Enzyme Therapy

Properly formulated, they can remove dead protein, toxins and other effluvia from the epidermis using a process called ‘reverse osmosis’

Skin Treatment Gallery

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What our customer's say...

Paula Andrea Daza Lopez
Paula Andrea Daza Lopez
21/04/2022
i had a few laser sessions and it went super well. highly recommended.
Jesse Gerner
Jesse Gerner
13/04/2022
Friendly , caring staff and really helpful advice - definitely recommend them!
Rebecca Ryan
Rebecca Ryan
13/04/2022
Friendly, quick and lovely staff!!
Portia M
Portia M
11/04/2022
I had micro needling done with dermal clinician Megan. She is very personable, professional and passionate about her work. She gave me a thorough briefing of the procedure and answered all of my questions during the consult. The treatment went very smoothly and I knew I was in safe hands. Looking forward to the results!
shraddha tiwari
shraddha tiwari
08/04/2022
Mal was simply the most amazing and best consultation I've ever had here! She takes great care, eases you in the process as it is a bit scary, and very professional. The treatment has worked really well for me so far. I have an Indian dusky skin tone and had many queries and doubts going in. However, all my doubts were clearly answered and I would highly recommend the clinic to anyone looking for laser treatments! The place is very clean, organised, has great ambience and offers great services!
Charm Saga
Charm Saga
06/04/2022
VicLaser in Collins St. is a relaxing and clean facility. Ms. Mal looks after me, very friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable of what she does since the day I started my sessions, and will always make sure you feel comfortable before, during and after the service. Had a very nice experience and still going. Kudos to this branch especially to Ms. Mal 👏🏻☺️
Hailey Somerville
Hailey Somerville
06/04/2022
Friendly and welcoming staff!
Madhuri Bhatt
Madhuri Bhatt
24/03/2022
Had my first session and it went off very smoothly. I have sensitive skin but Alexandra was so patient and gentle with me. The technology used is really effective.
asli uysal
asli uysal
24/03/2022
I can tell you! Best place in Melbourne for laser treatment! Megan, the girl, my favourite So far! (she is new)I had laser treatment on my whole body; (“As I have solid black hairs“). Even after the first treatment, my hair disappeared for a month. 💛💛💛%100 satisfied recommended for new ones.
Xanthe Magree
Xanthe Magree
16/03/2022
Super chill and friendly, also great prices
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