PIGMENTATION + SUN DAMAGE

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There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the common ones being melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

 

Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy.Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but they appear most commonly on the stomach and face.

 

Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are common. They’re related to excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face.

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To protect itself from the damaging effects of the sun, your skin increases its production of the dark brown pigment called melanin. The extra melanin makes your skin look darker or sun-tanned. In some cases, the sun causes an uneven increase in melanin production, which produces irregular colouring (pigmentation) of the skin. 

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The sun can also cause a permanent stretching of small blood vessels, giving your skin a mottled, reddish appearance.

 

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is a result of injury or inflammation to the skin. A common cause of this type is acne.

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Links to recommended treatments:​​​​​​​​​