What Makes Pigmentation Worse?

There are several factors that influence skin pigmentation but the key contributors are sun exposure, genetics, and hormonal changes. And even though pigmentation itself isn’t dangerous or an indication of serious medical issues, many people seek pigmentation treatment due to aesthetic concerns.

Find a full guide on pigmentation treatment in Singapore see this page: https://onefaceclinic.com/pigmentation-removal-treatments-guide-dr-david-ng-c-h/. A tailored pigmentation treatment plan can not only reduce pigmentation on your skin but also help you even out your skin tone.

In today’s guide, we will walk you through the elements that may make your pigmentation worse so you know what to avoid if you’re troubled with skin pigmentation.

So, What Makes Pigmentation Worse?

There are so many issues that may lead to skin pigmentation. That’s why, when contemplating pigmentation treatment, it is important that you work with a board-certified cosmetic doctor or plastic surgeon who will be patient enough to assess your skin before recommending a treatment. With that out of the way, here are six things that may make your pigmentation worse and what you can do about them;

• Extended Sun Exposure: When it comes to skin pigmentation, the sun’s harmful rays are a significant culprit. The UV rays are known to induce pigmentation through chemical modification of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. When this chemical modification happens, you may develop those unsightly dark spots. To manage this risk factor, your best defense is wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Keep in mind that, even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate the skin. So, maintain a consistent sunscreen use to not only limit but also, reduce and fade skin discoloration.
• Overdoing Skincare: Now, proper skincare is essential. However, excessive cleansing or exfoliating will disrupt your skin’s protective acidic mantle. This imbalance can dry out the skin and cause irritation, something which may trigger increased melanin production and leave you with pigmented marks on the skin. To avoid overdoing skincare, please follow product instructions diligently. Also, avoid overusing exfoliants or harsh cleansers to maintain the skin’s balance.
• Allergies: Skin discoloration can also be due to allergic reactions to various factors like foods, plants, or irritants. These reactions may manifest in the form of rashes or bumps that itch or burn. It isn’t always easy to know straight away if your pigmentation is due to allergies. So, you may want to work with a specialist who will help you identify and provide guidance on allergens to avoid so you can prevent further skin pigmentation issues.
• Picking at Your Face: We get it; it can get quite tempting to just pop pimples that appear on the face. Picking or popping pimples isn’t a good idea as it damages the skin, and may even cause prolonged discoloration. Trauma to the skin triggers inflammation, and this too may lead to hyperpigmentation. So, if your skin is prone to pigmentation, resist the urge to pop the pimples so the blemishes can heal naturally to prevent exacerbating skin discoloration.
• Stress: Prolonged stress impacts cortisol production. Cortisol is the hormone that reduces inflammation and when the levels drop due to chronic stress, melanin production may increase. Due to this, you may experience more skin discoloration. To manage this risk factor, try to practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress and mitigate its impact on pigmentation issues.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially during pregnancy or due to contraceptives, are also known to cause skin pigmentation changes like melasma. These changes often fade post-pregnancy or when discontinuing hormonal medications. For these types of pigmentation, you may want to consult a dermatologist for appropriate management.

How do you fix Bad Hyperpigmentation?

Skin pigmentation may be classified as ‘bad hyperpigmentation’ if there are irregularities in skin coloration like dark spots, uneven tone, or patches. Examples of bad pigmentation include; melasma, vitiligo or sunspots.

Even though some can be managed at home with OTC medications, most instances require expert assessments by specialist doctors for a tailored treatment plan. The good news is that there are various treatments for addressing problematic skin pigmentation. So, a dermatologist or board-certified cosmetic doctor may recommend several options based on the specific condition. Here are five common treatments to fix bad hyperpigmentation;

• Topical Treatments: Dermatologists often suggest topical treatments like hydroquinone, retinoids, or kojic acid. Hydroquinone inhibits melanin production to fade dark spots while retinoids speed up cell turnover to reduce pigmentation. Kojic acid is used to lighten dark spots and even the skin tone. These treatments are available in creams, gels, or serums and are applied directly to the affected areas. For the best treatment outcomes, you will need to follow your doctor’s guidelines on application routines.
• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin. This solution then works by causing the top layer of the skin to exfoliate and then peel off. This process reveals smoother, more even-toned skin underneath. Peels can be superficial, medium, or deep. So, the choice of chemical peels used for your skin pigmentation will be influenced by the depth of pigmentation and the desired outcome. They are effective for sunspots, melasma, and uneven pigmentation.
• Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, like the fractional lasers, target specific pigmented areas. They work by breaking down melanin clusters to effectively reduce discoloration. IPL treats sunspots, while fractional lasers are effective for melasma and other pigmentation issues. Multiple sessions may be necessary for optimal results.
• Microdermabrasion: This is a non-invasive procedure that involves exfoliating the skin’s surface using a device that emits tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand. Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of dead skin cells to improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation irregularities. It’s suitable for mild discoloration and requires multiple sessions for noticeable results.
• Cosmetic Treatments: There are also specialized cosmetic procedures that may be recommended if you’re dealing with bad pigmentation. Procedures like microneedling or dermal fillers are the most preferred ones in this case. Microneedling uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, which may help with pigmentation. Dermal fillers can sometimes camouflage certain types of pigmentation irregularities by adding volume to the skin.

It is a Wrap!

There are several factors that can make your pigmentation worse but you do not have to live with a bad pigmentation. If it is making you feel self-conscious or only seems to getting worse, have it assessed by a specialist.

If you’re seeking a dermatologist who can help with pigmentation in Singapore, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team for a thorough assessment and a personalized treatment plan. To get in touch, call or visit us at;

One Face Clinic

1 Tras Link #02-01 Orchid Hotel,

Singapore 078867

+65 6222 2262