Which types of pigmentation marks are there?

Age spots from years of sun exposure

Age spots, also known as sun spots, are one of the most common forms of pigmentation. They usually develop gradually through years of contact with UV radiation. These spots are often light to dark brown and usually have a clear edge. They appear mainly on parts of the face that have seen a lot of sun, such as the cheeks, temples and forehead. Although they are often called age spots, they can also appear at a younger age when the skin has had a lot of sun.

Melasma or hormonal pigmentation

Melasma is a form of pigmentation that is strongly linked to hormones. These pigmentation marks mainly affect women and often appear during pregnancy, through the use of contraception or during the menopause. Melasma is characterised by larger areas of pigment that often appear symmetrically on the face. The upper lip, cheeks, bridge of the nose and forehead are places where this form of pigmentation regularly becomes visible. Melasma often responds sensitively to sunlight and heat, which can make the discolouration more visible in summer. Hormonal changes play an important role here. You can read more about this in how your skin changes during the menopause [How your skin changes during the menopause].

Pigmentation after wounds or skin damage

Acne is not the only thing that can cause pigmentation marks. Other kinds of skin damage can lead to discolouration too. Think, for example, of:

– Scratching the skin
– Small wounds
– Irritation
– Eczema
– Skin reactions after treatments

As the skin heals, extra pigment can be produced, either temporarily or over a longer period. This leaves a dark mark visible even after the original damage has healed.

Freckles

Technically, freckles are also a form of pigmentation, but they behave differently from many other pigmentation marks. They usually arise through hereditary predisposition and become more visible under the influence of sunlight. In winter, freckles often fade partly again, while in summer they are more clearly present. Freckles are usually small, light brown and scattered across the face.

Deep and surface pigmentation

Alongside the type of pigmentation mark, its depth also plays a role. Some pigmentation marks sit mainly in the upper layers of the skin, while others lie deeper. Surface pigmentation marks are often lighter in colour and generally respond more quickly to skincare and treatments. Pigment that sits deeper in the skin usually calls for more time and a longer-term approach. That is why the result varies considerably from person to person and by type of pigmentation.

When pigmentation goes hand in hand with other skin concerns

Pigmentation marks often do not occur on their own. We regularly see combinations with other skin concerns that can reinforce one another. Pigmentation is often seen alongside:

– Skin ageing
– Dryness
– Sensitivity
– Acne

With skin ageing, pigmentation marks often appear together with fine lines and a less even skin texture. You can read more about this in what do you notice about these signs of skin ageing? [What do you notice about these signs of skin ageing?].

Which products are often used for pigmentation

The right skincare depends on the type of pigmentation mark and the condition of your skin. Even so, there are a number of ingredients that are often used to help the complexion look more even. Vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide are among the best-known active ingredients. These ingredients are often combined with brightening serums and daily sun protection for the face. Because UV radiation plays an important role in almost every form of pigmentation, sun protection remains an essential part of any approach.

When a treatment can be a welcome addition

Sometimes products alone are not enough to visibly reduce pigmentation marks. Professional face treatments can then help to support the skin more intensively. For pigmentation, a regular choice is the Natura Bissé Diamond Luminous. This treatment supports a more even appearance of the skin and suits skin troubled by discolouration well. During a skin analysis, we look at which type of pigmentation is present and which approach suits it.

Which form of pigmentation do you have

Recognising the type of pigmentation mark is often the first step towards an effective approach. Pigmentation caused by the sun usually calls for a different approach than hormonal pigmentation or discolouration after acne. Mainly interested in the steps you can take to make pigmentation marks less visible? Then you will find practical tips in reducing pigmentation for a more even complexion [Reducing pigmentation for a more even complexion: here’s how].

Frequently asked questions about types of pigmentation

Age spots usually develop through years of sunlight. Melasma is mainly linked to hormonal changes and often appears symmetrically on the face.

Can pigmentation marks be caused by acne?
Yes. Inflammation can activate pigment cells, leaving dark marks behind after a spot has cleared.

Are freckles the same as pigmentation marks?
Freckles are a form of pigmentation, but they arise mainly through hereditary predisposition and become more visible under the influence of sunlight.

Which pigmentation marks are the hardest to treat?
That varies from person to person. In general, deeper pigmentation marks and hormonal pigmentation often call for more time and a longer-term approach.