Effective Pigmentation Repair Services are Changing Lives Daily
Skin tone or complexion is classified on the Fitzpatrick scale as belonging to one of six possible types, namely types I, II, III, IV, V and VI. In more general terms, these classifications can be thought of as referring to individuals with light, fair, medium, olive, brown and black skins respectively. Their differences lie solely in the amount of the natural pigment known as melanin that is retained in skin cells and which, among its other functions, provides protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation in sunlight.
Under normal circumstances, melanin is distributed fairly uniformly, thus resulting in an even tone. For a variety of reasons, this even distribution may be disturbed, leading to areas of hyperpigmentation (dark patches) often found in the facial area.
On occasions, hypopigmentation (light patches) can also occur. Fortunately, both conditions may be treated using a variety of pigmentation repair services now available from medical aesthetic centres in most countries, including South Africa.
Constant exposure to the sun, especially among pale and fair-skinned individuals is a common cause of dark patches, as are aging and hormonal changes, and the results tend to be referred to as melasma. One particular variety is seen to affect women during pregnancy and, although it usually clears up spontaneously after delivery, it can sometimes persist. Pale skinned individuals often display freckles which tend to darken markedly on exposure to the sun. Birthmarks and the scarring resulting from severe acne are all examples of irregular melanin distribution, and all may be treated thanks to advanced, new pigmentation repair services.
The darkened areas may be quite superficial, affecting just the epidermis. However, they may also be situated far deeper, at the junction of the epidermis with the dermis. The precise origin of the condition and its cause will, of course, have an influence when prescribing the most appropriate regimen of treatment. Generally, this will require the patient to undergo one or more salon-based treatments supplemented by the use of recommended products at home.
Among the various skin repair services that we offer in South Africa are chemical peels, which can serve to reduce fine lines and wrinkling, as well as uneven pigmentation. Other options include microdermabrasion, LED light therapy and Fraxel® laser resurfacing. Although the latter is a totally non-invasive treatment, it is highly effective for the treatment of wrinkles, superficial scarring, sun damage and the common pre-cancerous condition known as actinic keratosis.
Not surprisingly, Fraxel® laser resurfacing is also highly effective in the treatment of melasma, age spots and freckling, and it is proving to be among the most effective pigmentation repair services currently available in South Africa. Safe too, it employs thousands of microscopic laser columns to stimulate the growth of healthy young cells in place of those displaying these telltale signs of damage.
Laserderm centres are staffed by dermatologists, GPs, trained laser operators and qualified nursing sisters to ensure your comfort, safety and professional treatment at all times. For those considering treatment, we offer a
free consultation during which your condition will be evaluated and the best course of action determined. We will also answer any questions and provide you with a quotation for the pigmentation repair services recommended, without any obligation for you to proceed with treatment.