Patchiness
pigmental spots
Discolorations of the skin and not just wrinkles are signs of skin ageing. These occur mostly on those parts of the skin frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, decolletage, and hands, and usually appear as brown spots/patches and red blood vessels.
Liver spots
Liver spots, sometimes also referred to as age spots, are benign brown skin changes. They are caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation, meaning that the expression age spot is not only tactless but is often wrong as well: younger people, too, may suffer from these spots if they receive a massive dose of UV radiation. Not all brown skin spots are harmless liver spots. They may also be a precursor to skin cancer or skin cancer itself.
Melasma
Melasma, also called chloasma or "pregnancy mask", are brown patches presenting mostly in the face. They particularly affect the cheeks, upper lip, and forehead. Melasma occurs in 90% of women of childbearing age; just 10% of those affected are men. It tends to occur during pregnancy or after taking the contraceptive pill. The colour of a melasma darkens after exposure to UV radiation (sunlight, or tanning beds).
Treatment
Laser treatment is regarded as the most effective method for removing pigmental spots. Depending on the type of patch or spot, we employ the Nd:YAG laser, CO2 laser or the Alexandrite laser. Cosmeceutical bleaching products are also used as adjuvants. Bleaching peels are normally recommended for melasma.