Melasma, Freckles & Moles
Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. In short, pigmentation simply means coloring.
Too much melanin will result in dark patches, such as melasma, freckles and moles.
Lack of melanin might cause vitiligo, a condition whereby white patches develop on the skin.
Treatment recommendations are made depending on several factors, including the colour, darkness and size of the pigmentation.
The Causes:
1. Melasma – Brown to gray-brown patches on areas such as cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead and upper lip. Commonly experienced by pregnant women, hence the nickname “mask of pregnancy”. Triggers include sun exposure, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy and family history.
2. Freckles – Clusters of small flat brown spots, often seen in people with fair complexion. Developed as a result of sun exposure, with some caused by genetic inheritance.
3. Moles – Often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigmented cells. Also come in different colors, shapes and sizes. More common in fair-skinned people.