There are various pigment changes and pigment disorders of the skin – these include freckles, liver spots, birthmarks, age spots or melasma. They form particularly frequently on the face, the décolleté or on the hands. With their brownish, reddish or ocher appearance, they often make the complexion look unsettled and – especially when they occupy larger areas – cause dissatisfaction among affected patients. In this blog post, we explain what causes pigment spots and how they can be removed.
What are pigment spots?
In the basal cell layer of the epidermis, i.e. the upper skin, as well as in the hair follicles, there are pigment cells – the so-called melanocytes. They produce melanin. This brownish-black pigment determines the color of the skin on the one hand, and the color of the hair and eyes on the other. In addition, melanin protects the skin from the penetration of UV rays into deeper layers and thus protects the skin from too much damage. The cells supplied with melanin are usually evenly colored. But sometimes there are disturbances here.
If the formation of the color pigments in the skin is disturbed, this can result in an altered skin appearance. In this context, we speak of pigment spots, pigment disorders or pigment changes.
Where do pigment spots come from?
- Disorders and changes in pigmentation can have a variety of causes. These include:
- genetic predisposition
- reactions of the skin to too much UV radiation
- hormonal changes, e.g. during pregnancy (so-called pregnancy mask)
- side effects of medications (e.g. birth control pill, antibiotics, St. John’s wort preparations)
- certain diseases (e.g. infections, insect bites, psoriasis, acne, herpes zoster, metabolic disorders, folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency)
- diet (e.g. gluten intolerance)
What types of pigment spots and pigmentary changes are there?
Freckles
Mainly blond, red-haired and very fair-skinned people often have small spots on the skin of the face, neck or arms. Freckles can be congenital or acquired during life. As the name suggests, they appear or become more visible especially in the summer months. Freckles are usually perceived as sweet and cute and support the individual look.
Melasma
Hormonal changes, e.g. during pregnancy, can lead to hyperpigmentation of the skin. Melasma are large-area, quite dark-colored and thus conspicuous pigment spots. In many women, this pigmentary change, also known as a pregnancy mask, recedes on its own after birth. However, in some it persists.
Ageing spots
These are caused by too much UV radiation and are the result of years of intensive sunbathing. Age spots are usually brownish in color and the size of a lens. They appear mainly on the face, neck, décolleté and hands.
Life spots
These are an accumulation of pigment cells in different layers of the skin. Liver spots are usually smooth and recognizable by their dark contours. They are often congenital or develop around middle age.
Males
Moles can also be congenital or develop during life. They are usually smooth and roundish. This type of pigment spot usually develops regardless of sun exposure or pigment type.
An important note!
In principle, the above-mentioned spots are medically harmless and should rather be seen as a cosmetic-aesthetic problem. However, we would like to point out that pigment spots can also change. If age spots, liver spots or birthmarks become larger, raised or start to itch, then you should have them examined by your dermatologist in Munich. In addition, regular skin cancer screening is recommended.
Dr. Tatjana Pavicic
Dr. Tatjana Pavicic is a specialist in dermatology and venereology with her own practice in Munich. She is an internationally recognized expert in aesthetic dermatology with a special focus on dermocosmetics, botulinum toxin, fillers and lasers.
Pigment spot removal munich: these are the treatment options we offer you
Chemical peeling
With chemical peels, we can reduce the visibility of your age spots and soften the appearance of dark spots and melasma. The peel can be applied to the face, neck, décolleté and/or hands. We offer two different variants: the superficial peel, e.g. with fruit acids, and the medium-depth peel, e.g. with TCA acids.
Lasemd™
We can also treat age spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation with LaseMD™. The concept consists of laser treatment and the use of cosmeceuticals. To remove pigmentation spots, we resort to the TA ampoule with tranexamic acid. With it we can lighten the skin and make even bigger spots more inconspicuous.
Laser treatment (fractional laser/ fractional laser technology)
Fractional laser technology is one of the most advanced procedures used to improve the skin and help it renew itself. In addition to the effective anti-aging effects and the possibility of improving the appearance of the skin, laser treatments can also be used to remove many pigmentation spots. We usually use the MAX-G laser, a type of highly effective flash lamp that causes pigments to “burst”. They are disposed of by the body through the skin surface.
Remove pigment spots munich
Dr. Tatjana Pavicic will be happy to discuss with you in a personal consultation which of the above approaches is suitable for removing your pigment spots. With the Munich dermatologist, you are in the best hands when it comes to treatments such as pigment spot reduction, because: Dr. Pavicic is an internationally recognized expert in aesthetic dermatology with a special focus on dermocosmetics, botulinum toxin, fillers and lasers.
Foto: © twenty20photos / elements.envato.com