(Melasma, Chloasma, Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, PIH, Photoaging, Liver Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Age Spots, Sun Spots, Freckles)

The difference between freckles and problem pigmentation is: a) while facial freckles though appear quite cute, larger, darker pigmentation patches don’t; b) freckles generally go faint in winters and darken in summer due to exposure to sun; problem pigmentation however does not fade out like freckles, and can be a cause of distress.

You might have noticed these appearing as your skin ages, or if you have had a sun burn. These are common on the face, neck, arms and hands. Facial pigmentation generally occurs secondary to damage to the way the pigment cells in your skin work. This damage is commonly caused by Sun Exposure over time, but can also be caused by Sun Burns, and Hormones. One of the commonest causes is Melasma, common amongst women who have darker skin types, this condition generally triggered by pregnancy or conditions causing disruption of the normal hormone levels like consumption of the Contraceptive Pill. The other common cause of facial pigmentation is PIH or Post Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation. This can be brought about by flare-ups of Acne, Eczema or as a side effect of a Chemical Peel or Facial.