Pigmentation on face happens when patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area. You may see brown, tan or grey spots which can appear as flat patches or small freckles.
Sometimes they form larger patches on your cheeks, forehead or upper lip. Most pigmentation is harmless and do not turn into cancer.
However, you shouldn’t overlook new or changing spots. Ideally, if a spot grows quickly, bleeds or itches, see a doctor.
Common types of pigmentation that may warrant visiting a specialist for pigmentation treatment in Singapore include melasma, sun spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Melasma shows as broad patches, often on the cheeks or forehead.
Sun spots are small, round patches that develop after years of sun exposure. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation looks like dark marks left after acne or skin injury heals.
Why are you Suddenly Getting Pigmentation on your Face?
Sudden changes in pigmentation on face can be alarming. So, it is understandable if you have developed pigmentation and wondering; why are you suddenly getting pigmentation on your face?
In many cases, the main triggers of pigmentation are hormones and sun exposure. If you start a new medication or birth control pill, your hormone levels may shift and this can trigger melasma, the “mask of pregnancy,” even if you are not pregnant.
Stress and illness can also change your hormones and your body may react to this by producing more melanin in certain areas. This shows as darker patches on your cheeks or forehead.
Doctors call this post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and it happens after inflammation from acne, eczema or skin injuries. Sunlight is another possible reason to develop pigmentation suddenly.
Even short time outdoors without protection can lead to spot formation. UV rays speed up melanin production and they can make existing spots darker or even create new ones.
Sometimes, skincare products can irritate your skin. Harsh acids or strong retinoids may cause tiny injuries and as those heal, they leave behind darker marks.
What Age Does Pigmentation on Face Usually Start?
Pigmentation on face can begin at any age. You may see freckles as a child after playing in the sun but these often fade in winter and return in summer. For many women, melasma appears in their twenties to late thirties when hormone levels change.
Sun spots usually start in your forties or fifties because years of sun exposure build up damage under your skin. That damage shows as small, flat brown patches which often appear on areas you expose most, like cheeks and the bridge of your nose.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can happen at any age. If you get acne as a teenager, you may end up with dark marks after each breakout. Even minor scrapes or insect bites can leave pigmented spots as they heal.
That said, age itself does not guarantee you’ll get pigmentation. Genetics, lifestyle and how much time you spend in the sun matter more.
How can you Remove Pigmentation on Face?
The good thing with most forms of pigmentation is that they can be treated. To get the best results though, it may help to combine at-home care with professional treatments. Here are five common ways to remove pigmentation on face:
- Use topical lightening agents: Creams which are formulated with ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid or vitamin C can fade dark spots over time. These agents work by blocking melanin production in the affected area. You can apply them daily to clean, dry skin.
- Chemical peels: If you are approved for chemical peels, a trained provider basically applies an acid solution, like glycolic or salicylic acid, to peel away the top skin layer. As the old layer sheds, new, even-toned skin replaces it. You may need several sessions spaced weeks apart.
- Laser and light therapies: Devices like Q-switched lasers target melanin deep in your skin without harming the surface. The laser breaks pigment into tiny particles, which your body then removes. You might need two to four sessions for noticeable improvement. Some redness and mild swelling can last a few days.
- Microdermabrasion: This treatment uses fine crystals to buff away the skin’s top layer. It helps reduce shallow pigmentation and smooths the skin’s texture. Sessions are quick—often under an hour—and need minimal downtime. You may need a series of treatments for deeper pigmentation.
- Prescription retinoids: Tretinoin or other retinoids speed up skin cell turnover to help faded spots exfoliate faster. For these medications, you will need to apply a pea-sized amount at night to dry skin. Start with a low concentration to reduce irritation, then increase as your skin adapts. Most people see results after two to three months.
Can you Prevent Pigmentation on Face?
Some form of skin pigmentation can be difficult to treat and really frustrating. This means that after managing to clear them, your best next course of action would be to prevent them thus the commonly asked question; can you prevent pigmentation on face?
The answer is yes, but not always. To prevent pigmentation on face, please try these recommendations;
- Maintain diligent sun protection: UV rays are the biggest cause of pigmentation. To protect against them, please wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours if you stay outdoors and cover exposed skin with hats and sunglasses for added protection.
- Follow a gentle skincare routine: Use mild cleansers and avoid harsh scrubs that irritate your skin. Irritated skin can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation so, choose products labelled for sensitive skin. To be sure, always patch-test new treatments on a small area first.
- Choose healthy lifestyle choices: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, zinc and antioxidants. These nutrients support skin repair and reduce free radical damage. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. For stress, you can try managing it through sleep, exercise or relaxation techniques to prevent hormone-linked pigmentation.
- Get regular skin checks: Visit a dermatologist yearly, especially if you have fair skin or a family history of pigmentation. Early spotting of new or changing marks will help you treat them before they worsen. A professional skin or aesthetic doctor can guide you on the best prevention strategies for your skin type.
Wrapping Up
Pigmentation on face is best managed with early action. Whether you use creams at home or seek professional peels and lasers, consistency and sun protection are key.
If you feel frustrated by pigmentation and willing to restore your skin’s natural glow, please get in touch with us for a thorough assessment. Based on that assessment, we will help you come up with personalised pigmentation treatments for the best outcomes and also to protect your skin. Book an appointment today at;
One Face Skin Care – Melasma | Pigmentation | Acne Treatment Singapore
1 Tras Link, #02-03/04 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
https://onefaceskincare.com.sg/
+65 8809 9066
