Common pigment concerns
Tan
Increased melanin production on sun exposure darkens the skin, most often on the forehead, the temples and the outer arms. Protective clothing, avoiding the sun and sunscreen help prevent it.
Treatment: Chemical peels, light-based treatments, Pixel laser and medication.
Melasma
Dark, irregular brown patches on the forehead, nose, upper cheeks and upper lip. It is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy, and can be dermal or epidermal.
Treatment: Glycolic and trichloroacetic acid peels, light-based treatments, lasers (Pixel, Q-switched Nd:YAG), medication and sun protection. How melasma responds depends on how long it has been there, how deep the pigment is, lifestyle and maintenance.
Freckles
Brown to black spots formed by clusters of melanin, usually in fair skin. They come from sun damage and appear on the face and other exposed skin such as the chest, arms and shoulders.
Treatment: Light-based treatment such as Super Skin Rejuvenation, and Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation
Appears after a skin injury, or when acne is squeezed or picked.
Treatment: Medication, avoiding the sun, sun protection and, preferably, peels.
Peri-oral pigmentation
Darkening around the mouth. Common causes are dandruff, thyroid problems, cosmetics, family history and acanthosis nigricans.
Treatment: Medication, peels, retinoids, AHAs, kojic acid, botanicals, anti-dandruff medication and anti-fungals.