CosBeauty Magazine #82

FRECKLES
The most common type of
pigmentation is ephelides, or freckles.
These are flat circular light spots on
the skin, about the size of the head
of a nail, that develop after repeated
exposure to sunlight, particularly if
you have a fair complexion. They
appear darker during the sunny
months and fade in the winter.
Heredity also influences freckling, as
witnessed by the striking similarity
in the total number of freckles on
identical twins. Freckles are benign,
but they may sometimes be confused
with more serious skin problems.
SOLAR LENTIGINES
A lentigo (plural lentigines) is a
non-cancerous, pigmented spot with
a clearly defined edge. Lentigines may
evolve slowly over years, or appear
suddenly. They may occur anywhere
on the body and vary in colour from
light brown to black.
These spots are caused by UV sun
exposure and the degree depends
on how much UV light these
melanin pigments are exposed to.
These must be monitored as they
may develop into skin cancer and
melanoma. Annual checks with your
dermatologist or skin specialist are
essential.
POST-INFLAMMATORY
HYPERPIGMENTATION
This is a response to injury of the
skin and can be the result of acne,
burns, friction or overly aggressive
clinical treatments such as chemical
peels, dermabrasion, laser and IPL.
This condition often resolves with
time and generally responds well to
topical products.
MELASMA
Melasma or Chloasma is
pigmentation that is deeper in the
skin’s dermis. It appears on the
face as larger brown patches with
a non-distinct border. This type of
pigmentation is more common in
women. Though causes are unknown,
it is often linked to hormonal
imbalances. The condition is made
worse with UV exposure, overheating
the blood, some medications,
pregnancy and stress.
POIKILODERMA OF
CIVATTE
Often what people think is
solely pigmentation is actually a
combination of pigmentation and
redness (surface blood vessels). This
skin condition is called Poikiloderma
of Civatte (POC), which is the
common weathering change that
affects the skin on the front and sides
of the neck and décolletage.
POC is very common in Australian
women. There are many contributing
factors including the hot climate,
excessive sun exposure, genetics
and hormonal factors. It occurs
commonly on women who neglect
to protect their neck and chest from
sun exposure. While focus has always
been placed on using sunblock on
the face, remember that the neck,
décolletage and hands also need to be
protected. CBM
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