Understanding how to treat skin pigmentation problems, including age spots and discoloration caused by too much sun exposure and other factors, including heredity, is important if one is to improve appearance. Pigmentation problems can occur anywhere, but are most disconcerting when on the hands or other areas that are hard to hide. Skin color itself is determined by characteristics, size and distribution of the melanin cells in the skin. Regardless of skin color or race all human beings have approximately the same number of melanin cells in their skin. The differences in color differences come from the dendrites in the melanin cells. The longer and thicker they are, then the darker the pigmentation of the skin. Tyrosinase is an enzyme found exclusively in melanin cells that can also have an affect on skin coloration. It is 10 times more active and productive in darker skin than in lighter skin, and its absence will cause albinism.

Skin discoloration is caused by an excess or reduction regarding the melanin in the skin. Since the purpose of melanin in skin is to protect us from harmful ultraviolet or UV light, it makes sense that sun exposure can often be associated with pigmentation and discoloration problems. However, there are internal factors such as changing hormone levels and also genetic predispositions that can add to or initiate discoloration. Melasma, as an example is caused by excess estrogen, and is often experienced during pregnancy or by women taking oral contraceptives. Pigmentation problems can also be medical or singular events that harm the skin such as injuries, certain medications, bug bites, rashes, and acne.

Medical spa treatments include gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin from the face or other areas to remove skin impurities. This allows newer skin cells to come to the surface. Additionally light chemical peels such as alpha hydroxyl acid peels help many. Microdermabrasion is also a method that works on many pigmentation problems and if the case isn’t too severe it may prove quite beneficial. Combining these treatments with vitamins and problem nutrition, including Vitamin A and E can have a positive benefit.

More severe cases of skin pigmentation discoloration problems can be treated of course with stronger methods. Dermabrasion and deep chemical peels using Phenol work for many, though they have a longer recovery time. Many doctors are also utilizing laser treatments with effectiveness. The lasers can go deep into the skin and dispatch the problem, and should be considered by those with more serious pigmentation issues.

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