The colour of your skin, hair and eyes is determined by a pigment called melanin. This pigment is produced by pigment-cells called melanocytes. Healthy melanocytes will evenly distribute pigment throughout the skin, giving a smooth and even complexion. Unhealthy, inflamed or damaged melanocytes can either over-produce clumps of pigment leading to hyperpigmentation (dark spots), or stop producing pigment altogether leading to hypopigmentation (white spots).

Melanocytes are sensitive to their surrounding environment. Inflammation (e.g. acne, trauma, aggressive peels or lasers), hormones, sun exposure, medication and medical conditions can cause melanocytes to either over- or under-produce melanin pigment. The treatment of hyperpigmentation focuses on stabilising melanocyte activity to prevent the over-production of pigment and speeding up the shedding of existing pigmentation.

It is important to consult and assess the underlying cause of your pigmentation and advise on the best treatment options for you.

Treatment