Skin pigmentation, also known as dark spots, is a sign of aging. The majority of cases we see in our clinic are innocuous. Yet, its presence causes our patients anxiety because it destroys their confidence and self-esteem.
Our boutique clinic takes a warm and personal approach, making all of our patients feel at ease. As a result, our doctors have received several inquiries about pigmentation removal over the years.
With a collective experience of more than 40 years in medical and aesthetic practice, our doctors are pleased to share answers to commonly asked questions about the pigmentation removal treatments that deliver results.
Our guiding principles are honesty, ethics, and patient wellbeing. As a practice, we believe in empowering readers with all of the information they need to solve their skin problems. Continue reading to learn how to manage skin pigmentation to achieve the clean, clear skin you’ve always desired.
What is skin pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation refers to the colour of your skin. It is caused by melanin, which is a natural pigment that provides a unique color to your skin, hair and eyes. Changes in the amount of melanin produced by the human body can cause the skin to lighten or darken.
There are skin pigmentation conditions that may cause unfavourable skin colours or changes. As a result, many people pursue pigmentation treatments or pigmentation removal therapy.
What are the common types of skin pigmentation in Singapore?
- Freckles
Freckles are brown and beige circle spots caused by prolonged sun exposure.
- Hori’s Nevus
This is a condition commonly found on Asian Chinese skin. It appears as bluish-gray flat hyperpigmentation on the cheeks. It may also appear on the eyelids, forehead, and nose.
- Melasma
Melasma appears in the form of dark, discolored patches on your face. It commonly affects women. Stress, hormonal imbalances, or pregnancy may cause melasma. Read on to find out about suitable treatments for the occurrence of melasma on your face.
- Sunspots
Sunspots are caused by excessive sun exposure. They appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face. They often occur in the elderly.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
A skin injury or inflammation can cause PIH. Acne, blisters, or burns, as well as skin disorders such as eczema, are all potential causes.
What are the common factors which contribute to skin pigmentation?
Sun or UV exposure is the most common cause of pigmentation. Other factors include:
- Genetics
- Hormonal imbalances due to life stages such as pregnancy, menopause
- Trauma that causes skin inflammation
- Medications e.g. chemotherapy drugs
Can we prevent skin pigmentation?
It’s not always possible to prevent hyperpigmentation. However, you can protect yourself by:
- using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
- wearing hats or clothing that block sunlight
- avoiding the sun when it is at its strongest, which is typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Can skin pigmentation be removed?
If the condition is mild, over-the-counter lightening creams can help lighten skin tone. For more serious pigmentation, please contact our doctor for help.
They will be able to make a diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatments. These include topical medication, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser therapy.
Are there any home remedies for pigmentation?
You can find many home remedies for dark spots and pigmentation online. This may include the use of ingredients like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, green tea extract, and orchid extract. Because there isn’t much research done on these ingredients, please try them at your own risk.
Are there OTC skincare ingredients I can consider?
Skin calmers, vitamin C serum, brightening masks, and other OTC skincare items are available. As you know, the results and effects vary from person to person. Please contact our medical team for a personalized skin care system that suits your skin.
When should I see a doctor about my skin pigmentation?
Please seek our help if your skin pigmentation problem persists and you feel physical or emotional discomfort.
Our highly approachable doctors at Eeva Medical Aesthetic can accurately diagnose and recommend an integrated suite of safe and non-invasive treatment options backed by proven technology.
What are the non-invasive ways to treat pigmentation?
There are no surgical procedures involved in non-invasive techniques. There is minimal downtime (this is the time taken to recover). We believe in using conservative and non-invasive methods wherever possible to reduce risk and discomfort.
Here are some well-known methods:
- Laser resurfacing
A laser therapy treatment uses concentrated light to kill pigment-producing cells. Read this to find out why so many patients prefer laser therapy.
- Topical lightening creams
These topical lightening creams are applied to the skin. They are available as over-the-counter or prescription medications.
- Dermabrasion
This exfoliating technique uses rotating instruments to remove the outer few layers of skin. It is helpful in removing some types of pigmentation patches to reveal the underlying layers of healthier skin.
- Oral medication
Skin infections or diseases such as eczema or psoriasis may cause dark patches. Patients may require oral medications to help them get rid of dark spots.
- Chemical peels
This is a skin resurfacing technique. A non-invasive chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove damaged layers of skin, exposing younger, healthier skin underneath.
What will I expect during my first consultation?
Your journey with us starts with the very important first consultation with your doctor.
Eeva Medical Aesthetic is helmed by warm and competent doctors who aim to have an intimate and in-depth understanding of your concerns and aesthetic wellbeing.
We value the development of long-term relationships with our patients. Our doctors will analyze your skin pigmentation to make an informed diagnosis and learn more about your medical history, lifestyle, and pre-existing health issues.
At Eeva, every patient is unique from the day that they step into the clinic. We treat all patients with the same quality of care. Why do we need to learn about your medical conditions, wishes, schedule, and budget? We do so in order to tailor a treatment plan to your specific requirements.
What are the available treatment options at a medical aesthetic clinic?
Our experienced doctors have designed a set of holistic treatments – [Eeva Pigmentation Removal Solutions]. Combined with the Eeva Approach concept, it can ensure customized results for all patients.
Here is an outline of our treatment goals:
1) Our doctors will first start your pigmentation removal journey with a detailed assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
2) After that, we will design a treatment plan to eliminate the pigmentation.
3) We then develop a longer-term strategy to sustain the results.
4) Finally, we avoid and slow the recurrence of pigmentation.
With their collective years of experience, our doctors curated a carefully selected range of treatment options, that help you in achieving vibrant and clear skin. The options include:
- Specialized topical creams and skincare
- Oral supplements for pigmentation lightening
- Energy-based devices
- Cellular level skin healing and repair
1. Specialised topical creams and skincare
- Hydroquinone – a powerful and efficacious prescription-only lightening medicine
- Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector – non-hydroquinone based depigmentation treatment cream. It significantly improves the appearance of dark spots.
- Skinuva Brite – non-hydroquinone based physician-designed and clinically tested skin brightening cream designed to give you skin that radiates from within.
- Skin Lightening serums can reduce pigmentation and defend against UV e.g. Dermagold Pigment Defense Serum, a doctor-designed treatment.
2. Oral supplements for UV protection and pigmentation lightening
- Crystal Tomato – a natural, safe, and authentic skin whitening supplement
- NanoMD – oral supplement that brightens the skin, and reduces pigmentation. Rich in natural antioxidants.
- Heliocare Ultra – sunblock that comes in the form of oral medication, and contains vitamin D to protect your skin from the inside.
3. Energy-based devices
Curas is a Korean innovative laser therapy that features settings 1064nm and 532nm. These have tailored functions for skin brightening, pigmentation reduction, and selective pigment removal. In addition to these functions, it also has a special M1064 setting for melasma treatment.
Clarity is an FDA-approved laser from Lutronic, a global leader in laser technology for aesthetic medicine. It uses 755nm and long-pulsed 1064nm wavelengths to remove pigmentation lesions. It is very effective for removing dark spots on your face.
Sylfirm is a Silicon Valley technology that treats different types of skin concerns. Clinical studies have proven it safe and effective. It applies a repeated ultra-short pulse technology that reacts only to abnormal blood vessels and repairs the skin’s basement membrane.
By removing abnormalities from your skin’s foundation, it accelerates the growth of healthy skin cells. It is useful for many skin conditions including melasma.
4. Cellular level skin healing and repair
- Eeva Triple Ultrasound Waterdrop Tx Therapy
Eeva Triple Ultrasound Waterdrop Tx Therapy is a German technology that uses dual-frequency ultrasound waves to treat aesthetic problems. By activating a strong micro-massaging effect at the cellular level, it balances and repairs your skin from within.
Doing so will strengthen the skin and defend against aging effects like pigmentation.
- Dermal Electroporation
Dermal Electroporation (DEP) is a transdermal penetration therapy that uses electric pulses to permeate into the deepest skin layers. What can this do?
In the well-known REJU PN Collagen Booster treatment, DEP is used to efficiently introduce PDRN into your skin cells. PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide, and is DNA extracted from the sperm cells of salmon. PDRN can rejuvenate, heal, and restore youth to your skin.
Are treatment results permanent and sustainable?
Treatment results vary from patient to patient depending on the diagnosis, severity of the condition, and other lifestyle factors. Our doctors will be there every step of the way until you get cleaner, clearer, and brighter skin.
Would my pigmentation be fully removed?
We are committed to accompanying you on your journey to achieve radiant and clear skin. Our doctor will advise you on the number of treatments to remove the pigmentation. Factors such as the size and depth of the pigmented area can affect the duration of treatment.
Are there any side effects from the treatments?
There may be some slight swelling or redness, which will gradually subside over time. Our doctors will always support you through tailored follow-up care procedures after treatment to minimize side effects.
How do I care for my skin after the treatment?
In any pigmentation treatment plan, it is important to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight for the first 7 days after treatment. Apply SPF 30 sunscreens. The Eeva method is unique because the relationship will not end even after the treatment is over. Many patients return to Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic because of its warm, knowledgeable, and passionate service.
Conclusion
Please treat dark spots as soon as possible to avoid acne scars. Our doctors feel a great sense of fulfilment in being able to help patients get brighter and fairer skin. After reading this guide, if you have any questions, our medical team is always available via a call or WhatsApp.
Consult our Singapore-certified professional doctors at Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic. With many years of experience caring for our patients successfully, they can help you to succeed in solving your skin problems through a caring, holistic, and customized approach.