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Pigmentation is a common skin concern that occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker due to excess production of melanin—the pigment responsible for our skin, hair, and eye colour. While some pigmentation is natural, conditions like melasma pigmentation and hyperpigmentation can lead to uneven skin tone, dark spots, or patches, often appearing on the face, hands, or other sun-exposed areas.
There are various causes of pigmentation, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, ageing, and inflammation. Depending on whether the pigmentation is superficial or deep within the skin, different melasma treatments and hyperpigmentation treatments may be required to effectively lighten and even out the skin tone. With the right approach, it’s possible to restore a brighter, more balanced complexion and improve overall skin health.
Pigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the natural pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye colour. While melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, various factors can trigger its overproduction, leading to uneven skin tone, dark spots, or patches. Conditions like melasma pigmentation are often linked to hormonal changes and sun exposure, making them more challenging to treat.
One of the most significant causes of pigmentation is prolonged exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. Over time, excessive sun exposure can lead to sunspots, freckles, or age spots, making the skin appear darker in certain areas. Sun exposure is also a major trigger for melasma pigmentation, worsening its appearance.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking birth control pills, can trigger melasma pigmentation—a form of pigmentation that appears as dark patches on the skin. These changes cause an imbalance in melanin production, resulting in persistent skin discolouration. Effective melasma treatment often involves addressing these hormonal triggers.
Some people are more prone to pigmentation due to their genetic makeup. If pigmentation issues like melasma pigmentation run in your family, you may be more likely to develop them, especially if combined with other factors like sun exposure or hormonal shifts.
Conditions like acne, eczema, burns, or other skin injuries can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This happens when the skin overproduces melanin as part of the healing process, leaving behind dark marks or uneven pigmentation long after the injury has healed.
As the skin ages, melanin distribution becomes uneven, leading to age spots or liver spots—small, dark patches that typically appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face and hands.
Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, and birth control pills, can cause pigmentation changes as a side effect. Similarly, exposure to harsh chemicals or irritants can lead to discolouration and uneven pigmentation over time.
While pigmentation is common and generally harmless, understanding its causes is the first step toward effective management. For conditions like melasma pigmentation, targeted melasma treatment and sun protection are essential to maintain a more even, healthy-looking complexion.
Pigmentation issues can appear in various forms, ranging from small, scattered freckles to widespread patches of discolouration. While some types of pigmentation are caused by sun exposure, genetics, or hormonal changes, others result from inflammation or ageing. Understanding the different types of pigmentation can help in choosing the right approach for prevention and treatment.
Freckles are small, light brown spots that typically appear on the face, shoulders, and arms. They are most common in individuals with fair skin and are caused by increased melanin production due to sun exposure. While freckles are harmless, they can darken with prolonged sun exposure.
Melasma pigmentation is a type of pigmentation that appears as brown or grey-brown patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. This condition is often triggered by hormonal changes—such as pregnancy, birth control use, or thyroid disorders—and worsened by sun exposure. Melasma treatment typically involves a combination of topical creams, laser therapy, and strict sun protection. It is more common in women and those with darker skin tones.
Also known as age spots or liver spots, sun spots develop due to prolonged UV exposure. These flat, dark brown patches commonly appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, and shoulders. Unlike freckles, sun spots tend to persist and may increase with age.
PIH occurs when the skin darkens after an injury or inflammation, such as acne, burns, eczema, or cuts. This happens because the skin produces excess melanin during the healing process. PIH is more common in darker skin tones and can take months to fade, though treatments can help accelerate the process.
Hori’s Nevus appears as bluish-grey patches on the cheeks, nose, or forehead. It is more common in middle-aged Asian women and may resemble melasma pigmentation. Unlike sun-induced pigmentation, Hori’s Nevus is caused by an overgrowth of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the deeper layers of the skin.
Nevus of Ota is a blue-grey birthmark-like pigmentation that typically affects the eye area, temple, forehead, and cheeks. It is present from birth or develops in early childhood and is more common in Asian and darker-skinned individuals. While harmless, some may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.
While pigmentation varies in cause and appearance, proper diagnosis is key to choosing the right treatment. Whether it’s melasma, sun spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, understanding the root cause can help manage and reduce pigmentation effectively.
Skin pigmentation issues, such as melasma pigmentation, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can be challenging to manage. Fortunately, Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medical Spa offer multiple melasma treatment and hyperpigmentation treatment options tailored to different skin concerns. If you’re wondering how to get rid of pigmentation on your face, here’s a comprehensive guide to the optimal skin pigmentation treatment methods available.
One of the effective methods for how to remove hyperpigmentation and melasma pigmentation is laser treatment. Laser treatment for pigmentation works by breaking down melanin clusters, allowing the skin to clear them naturally. In addition, laser treatment suppresses the activity of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes, reducing the formation of new pigment.
PicoSure, MOXI Laser, and Sciton BBL Hero are all laser treatments targeting pigmentation and melasma conditions. These treatments use laser energy to shatter pigmentation into tiny particles. These FDA-approved lasers not only aid in pigmentation removal but also enhance overall skin texture and rejuvenation. With minimal downtime, laser for pigmentation is suitable for treating stubborn pigmentations like melasma, freckles, and age spots.
PicoSure Laser is a 755nm Alexandrite Picosecond Laser that targets pigmentation in the skin. With over 100 published clinical studies supporting its safety and effectiveness, PicoSure Laser is used to treat freckles, sun spots (lentigo), melasma, Hori’s Naevus, Naevus of Ota, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and tattoo removal.
Sciton Inc’s BBL HERO (Broad Band Light High Energy Rapid Output) represents the culmination of 20 years of research and development. Building upon the legacy of Sciton’s BBL (“BBL Classic”), the BBL HERO features faster treatment times and improved comfort. BBL HERO Forever Young treatment helps with skin rejuvenation and brightening, reducing pigmentation, sun damage and redness. BBL HERO is particularly suited for clients looking for a no downtime “lunch hour” treatment, or those looking to treat large body parts such as the chest or arms.
Sciton Inc’s MOXI Laser is a 1927nm fractional non-ablative diode laser that gently resurfaces and refreshes the skin, addressing pigmentation, sun damage and melasma. The BBL HERO and MOXI Laser combo features two technologies working in synergy to deliver optimal results.
Laser treatment for pigmentation removal is one of the hallmarks of Bay Aesthetics Clinic with a high volume of local and international patients coming to seek the expertise of Medical Directors Dr Bernard Tan and Dr Hoe Ying Min
With over 20 years of combined experience and over 10,000 patients treated, Dr Tan and Dr Hoe have accumulated a wealth of experience in dealing with difficult-to-treat pigmentation cases. Dr Tan is also an international laser Key Opinion Leader, trainer and speaker for Sciton Inc., an American Laser company. In recognition of the high volume of laser treatments performed, Bay Aesthetics Clinic received the MOXI Laser Top User Award 2024.
The approach to pigmentation treatment at Bay Aesthetics Clinic that delivers results can be summarised into 3 key factors
A detailed consultation including skin analysis using 3D skin imaging would reveal the correct diagnosis and possible reasons why previous treatment attempts have fallen short. Risk factors for pigmentation recurrence and treatment failure will be identified, such as lifestyle sun exposure, hormone replacement therapy etc.
Pigmentation comes in many forms and each subtype of pigmentation is best treated with a specific laser using a specific setting- a skill that Dr Tan and Dr Hoe have refined into an art. Using the right tool for the right job is vital- hence the investment in multiple US FDA-approved, scientifically proven laser platforms (PicoSure, BBL HERO and MOXI Laser). A laser treatment plan would typically involve the use of different lasers over a 4-6 month period.
Chinese male in mid-30s, Fitzpatrick skin type 3, previous sun exposure in teenage years (outdoor water sports without sunblock, uniform group), drives a car.
Multiple sun spots (lentigo) and melasma.
Treatment plan:
If you thought the subject in Case Study 1 looked familiar, you were right! It is none other than our Dedical Director Dr Bernard Tan who is a pigmentation patient himself! To treat his own sun spots (lentigo) and melasma, he undergoes regular laser treatments and has experienced firsthand what works and what doesn't.
Shares Dr Bernard “As a pigmentation patient myself, I always emphasise to my patients that the treatment of pigmentation is a marathon and not a sprint. It takes several months of treatment to see results, and you need to be diligent with UV avoidance and skincare. While there are no shortcuts, with proper guidance and care a good outcome can be achieved in most cases”
Caucasian female in 30s, Fitzpatrick skin type 3, sun exposure due to lifestyle and occupation. American living in Bali
Sun damage, photoageing, melasma
Treatment plan:
Medical Director’s note:
BBL HERO + MOXI Laser combo works better for diffuse pigmentation and sun damage over a large area. It also gives a more visible result with a single treatment- ideal for this patient who was based overseas and flies in just for treatment. A week of downtime (skin redness and flaking) is expected after BBL MOXI Combo, with results seen in 2 weeks.
Disclaimer:
Patient photos and testimonials are shared with consent
Due to advertising regulations, “AFTER” photos cannot be shared publicly
To see our full portfolio of before/after photos and case studies, please contact us.Contact Bay Aesthetics Clinic today at +65 8428 7811 or email us at bayclinicsg@gmail.com to book your personalised consultation.
This would depend on several factors, including- type of pigmentation, skin type, lifestyle/sun exposure, compliance to skincare/medications/laser treatment. Typically, freckles and lentigos can be treated within 3-6 months, while melasma takes longer and has a high recurrence rate. Due to age and previous sun damage, new pigmentations will develop over time even after a course of treatment has been completed. It is a marathon and not a sprint!
Every 3-4 weeks is ideal, to give the skin a chance to rest and regenerate. Too frequent laser treatments (eg 3 times a week) may risk complications such as hypopigmentation (white spots)
Pigmentation treatment can be tricky and requires an accurate diagnosis with a customised treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications, sun avoidance, skincare adjustments, medications and laser treatments. Establishments performing cheap laser treatments in a factory line style may not be able to deliver a bespoke treatment that optimises results.
Yes, pigmentation removal treatments at Bay Aesthetic Clinic use US FDA approved lasers and medications
Results vary between individiuals, pigmentation treatments require patience, typically 4-5 sessions are required for good results. Some patients see an improvement after 1 treatment.
No, prior to laser treatment, numbing cream containing a topical anaesthetic is applied, so most patients barely feel the laser. Some patients even request for laser treatments without any numbing cream!
In certain cases yes! Freckles, sun spots can often be completely removed. Certain forms of pigmentations such as Melasma can be more stubborn. Results vary between individuals.
Yes, it is common to do a pigmentation removal laser treatment followed by other treatments such as skinboosters or fillers.
Yes and no- the pigmentation removed by the laser goes away permanently, however with ageing and sun exposure new areas of pigmentation can develop
