Australians love spending time outdoors, it’s our way of life. However this can result in sun-damage to your skin.
Skin pigmentation, patchy spots can appear due to the cells in the skin making melanin being damaged, usually due to exposure to the sun.
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation is a term used to describe skin discolouration – dark spots, age spots, sunspots, brown patches and freckles.
Most pigmentation is as a result of the sun and tends to become more prominent as we age. However, some concerns such as melasma can be genetic or hormone related.
Sunspots or solar keratosis can develop as a result of exposure to the sun’s UV rays. These spots may be painful or itchy. Generally they are harmless but may develop into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) so it is best to have them checked by a doctor experienced in skin cancer and mole checks. We will often advise you have a skin cancer and mole check with one of our experienced skin cancer doctors before we treat pigmentation.
What are freckles?
Freckles can be the result of genetics and sun exposure. They are small brown spots usually found on the face and arms and are most easily visible on people with a fair complexion.
Freckles do not pose a health risk, as they are simply pigment cells.
Laser treatment for pigmentation and freckles
Australian Skin Face Body has a range of state of the art lasers, including PICO Genesis enlighten III, used to treat pigmentation on the face, decolletage, hands or other areas of the body. All our lasers have been specifically selected by Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Mr Ian Holten (MED0001130662) MBBS MD FRACS FRCS (Plast) Lon.
Treatment options will be discussed with you at your first comprehensive skin consultation with our dermal team.
We can help you on your way to clearer, brighter skin and at Australian Skin Face Body, it is not a one solution fits all. A plan will be tailored specifically to your needs.
Whilst there are a number of treatments available to treat sun-damaged skin, taking care while out in the sun is paramount.
Tips to avoid pigmentation
- Use sunscreen every day to protect the skin
- Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours thereafter
- Use a quality sunscreen – preferably one that is zinc based
- Cover up with a hat, sunglasses and a shirt when out in the sun
