Pigmentation is a common skin condition that can affect anyone and everyone. It often bothers the people who have it, even to the point where they feel embarrassed. That’s partly because it can manifest itself on the face and because people know little about it. Most of us have some pigmentation somewhere on our bodies.
There are two main forms of pigmentation: hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. They are both common and usually harmless. Hyperpigmentation is where some patches of skin turn darker in colour. This is caused when there is too much pigment (melanin) on the surface of the skin.
When it comes to hypopigmentation, the causes are the reverse of the former and come about as the result of a reduction in melanin production, causing patches of skin to become lighter than the surrounding skin.
The most common form of both is related to sun damage. With hyperpigmentation, it’s usually referred to as age spots or liver spots. These small, dark areas are found generally on the hands and face, but any area exposed to the sun can be affected.
Other forms of hypigmentation include Chloasma, otherwise know as ‘mask of pregnancy’. This happens when some pregnant women overproduce melanin on their faces or abdomens, the look of which may worsen after sun exposure. Finally, there’s Ephelides, or freckles. People don’t realise that freckles are in fact a form of hyperpigmentation.
Hypopigmentation occurs if you’ve had a skin infection, blister, burn, or other trauma to your skin and you lose pigmentation in that area. Fortunately, with this type of pigment loss, it’s often of a temporary nature and may repigment, but over a lengthy period of time.
There are two other types of hypopigmentation. Vitiligo – an sautoimmune disorder in which the pigment-producing cells are damaged and there is no cure (though there are medical creams and some light treatments that can help). It manifests itself as smooth, white patches on the skin, in some cases all over the body. The third type of hypopigmentation is Albinism, which is an inherited disorder caused by the absence of melanin and results in a complete lack of pigmentation in skin, hair or eyes.
Many of us will have some form of pigmentation on our bodies and faces, mostly due to sun exposure – just think about how common freckles are! One of the key ways of avoiding this, of course, is to be extra cautious about sun exposure, especially over the summer months (but really all year round in New Zealand).
If you already have some pigmentation, the right make-up can work wonders. If you have sensitive skin, look for quality natural mineral make-up, which can provide excellent coverage. Foundations, both liquid and pressed, are also so advanced with their technology now that even those most obvious pigmentation can be covered. Touch-ups are also easy with many brands offering dual purpose foundations and powders in one pressed case.
There are also highly advanced skin care products, including creams, that specifically address pigmentation. A consultation at your local salon or make-up counter can provide you with the information you’ll need, including about good application techniques (when it comes to foundations), as well as testers that you might need to find out what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to shop around for products and take advantage of testers, which most brands are only too happy to provide.
Always remember to wear a good SPF under your make-up, or better still, find make-up with in-built SPF in order to avoid pigmentation or further damage.
