Anti ageing skin SOS: pigmentation

SHE online 17.12.2008

What can be done if you are prone to patches of skin pigmentation?

Woman exfoliating her face More than the odd freckle, pigmentation takes the form of brown patches, often on your face, neck and décolleté; it can knock confidence in your looks and be hard to banish. Common in pregnancy and among Pill users, it has been linked to oestrogen receptors, but anyone can get patches of pigmentation.

Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at Chelsea's Cadogan Clinic explains, "Pigmentation can be superficial and in the epidermal layers, or deeper in the skin, which is trickier to treat. A dermatologist can confirm at what level your pigmentation is." She adds, "All pigmentation is exacerbated by the sun, so use a high factor sunscreen to prevent the condition worsening."

What's the solution?

For superficial pigmentation, Dr Mayou advises a combination of hydroquinone cream, which bleaches out the pigment, and daily use of a high factor sunscreen. Hydroquinone cream needs to be prescribed by a dermatologist - don't be tempted to buy anything on the internet.

For deep pigmentation, the best option is usually laser treatment. Different dermatologists and cosmetic doctors use a range of lasers, but we've heard good reports on the Palomar StarLux 1540, which some say is less painful than others as it has a tip that is cooled during treatment. Expect to pay £350 to £500 a session - and several will be needed. Visit palomarmedical.co.uk for details.

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