Pigmentation of the skin occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment in our skin, hair and nails. Skin tone is never seamless and has natural fluctuations depending on the area of the body, but exacerbated pigmentation causes dark or light patches on the face and body that can lead to a poor self-image. This is common among many people, but more so among people of colour.
Skin pigmentation is triggered by various factors, such as:
If you have family members with hyperpigmentation or spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, you will likely develop pigmentation. Similarly, hormonal changes can lead to an overproduction of melanin and cause pigmentation.
The first step to treating pigmentation is to have a targeted skincare routine complete with daily SPF, regular exfoliation and retinol. However, more than this may be needed to eradicate the pigmentation effectively.
Dr Tinashe I Maphosa is skilled in diagnosing and treating skin pigmentation with various techniques. These include:
