Facial Pigmentation

India is a country where beauty is measured by skin color. A fair looking person is considered more beautiful. However it is not true. The beauty of a person is measured by their values and their nature. Still every person wants to look good. All the patients always want a glow on their face and an even skin tone. So what are the various types of dark pigmentation seen on face? I have tried to compile a few for you, which are as follows;

1. There are some natural variations in pigmentation in every individual known as pigmentary demarcation lines (PDL). On face they can be seen from angle of mouth to chin or between malar prominence and temple.

2. According to race the skin color of an individual can vary. The color of an individual is formed by his basic skin tone and some additional pigmentation due to sun exposure. This basic skin tone is genetically determined.

 3. Due to sunburn and tanning.

4. Pregnancy can cause pigmentation, especially on face ( called chloasma), neck and anogenital region. It can also cause darkening of the nipples. This pigmentation usually fades after delivery but sometimes can persist for months-to-years.

5. Just before menstruation some females show hyperpigmentation.

6. Depending upon the various social, cultural, religious and personal practices pigmentation can occur at few sites due to friction.

7. A very common pigmentation frequently seen is periorbital melanosis, i.e. darkening around the eyes. Many causes have been suggested for it however conclusively nothing has been confirmed. The various causes reported are genetic, excess weight loss, endocrine disturbances ((hyperthyroidism), physiological (occurring at puberty), stress, eye strain, etc.

8. Another very common type of facial pigmentation is melasma. It mainly occurs on the sun exposed areas, like; forehead, cheeks, temples and upper lip. Here again many causes have been suggested for it however conclusively nothing has been confirmed. Sun exposure however is the most agreed upon aggravating factor for this type of pigmentation. Hormonal factors have also been suggested due to its association with oral contraceptives, pregnancy and endocrine dysfunction. It can be genetic also. Nowadays with rampant use of cosmetics and no quality control, the toxic and harmful ingredients present in these can also cause hyperpigmentation. The hyperpigmentation due to such cosmetics is darker and responds to treatment poorly.

What to do?

As I always say NEVER do self treatment. There are many steroid creams available in market which is handed over to patients either over the counter by chemists or by unqualified self proclaimed skin specialists. They give you a false impression of relief initially but eventually cause damage to your skin. it can lead to thinning of your skin, steroid dependence and facial hairs. Always consult a dermatologist for your skin problems.

Since now you are aware of the types and causes of pigmentation (mentioned above), try and find out if you can relate something to your pigmentation. Avoid that cause. Also important is prevention of sun exposure. Apply sunscreen whenever you are out in sun, cover as much body as you can with some clothing and carry an umbrella or use a hat. Apply sunscreen on face and all remaining exposed parts.

 There are plenty of treatment options available for pigmentation. There are topical and oral drugs, lasers, dermarollers, mesotherapy, fillers, etc. What treatment is required for you would be judged by your dermatologist and would depend on the type, intensity and location of your pigmentation.

However, pigmentation is a difficult problem to treat. It is because when you take treatment it gets light but the moment you stop treatment it starts recurring. So it is advised to take appropriate treatment and do not stop it suddenly. Your dermatologist would suggest you some cream or any other modality of treatment which would help you maintain a less pigmentation and also the medication would have no long term adverse effect on your skin.

 

DOs

1. Prevent sun exposure.
2. Eat balanced diet.
3. Include some relaxing workout or activity in your schedule.  
4. Consult a dermatologist.

DONTs

1. NEVER do self medication.
2. Avoid applying steroid creams.