Diagnosis and treatment of dark spots caused by the sun, hormones and inflammation.
Pigmentation is the uneven build-up of melanin pigment in the skin. Dark spots can appear because of the sun, hormonal changes, inflammation or age. Before starting treatment, it is important to identify the exact type of pigmentation.
The most common types
Melasma: symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip linked to hormones and the sun
Sun spots (lentigines): brown spots on sun-exposed areas
Post-inflammatory pigmentation: marks left after acne, wounds or irritation
Freckles: small, inherited spots that darken in summer
How treatment works
Examination with a dermatoscope: the nature and depth of the pigmentation are assessed
Topical products that reduce pigment
A course of chemical peels
SPF 50 and a hat every day, even when it is cloudy
Treating pigmentation without SPF is like carrying water in a sieve.