Dermatology insights on skin pigmentation types and treatments

Medical experts explain that skin pigmentation is caused by various factors beyond just UV exposure, including aging, hormonal changes, inflammation, and friction. There are five primary types of pigmentation: age spots (solar lentigines), melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, and acquired dermal melanocytosis (ADM).

Effective treatment depends heavily on identifying the specific type of pigmentation. For instance, while laser therapy may work for age spots, it can potentially worsen melasma. Medical clinics utilize technologies such as the M22 photofacial, which uses different light wavelengths (ranging from 560nm to 695nm) to target different skin depths. Shorter wavelengths typically react with surface melanin, while longer wavelengths reach deeper layers of the skin.

While daily skincare focusing on moisturizing and UV protection is essential for prevention, professional dermatological intervention—such as IPL, lasers, or topical medications—is often required to treat existing pigmentation, particularly for conditions like ADM.