Pigment spots are not uncommon. They appear in various forms and affect many women and men. They can be reddish or brown. These cases are known as hyperpigmentation (excessive pigmentation). In contrast, there is also hypopigmentation, which manifests itself as whitish patches of skin. The most common or best-known pigment spots include moles, birthmarks, freckles and age spots. As they primarily occur on parts of the body that are more exposed to the sun, they are usually clearly visible – on the face, neck and décolleté area, shoulders and the backs of the hands and arms. The skin spots can be disturbing for affected women and men. There are various treatment options for an even complexion that is as free of pigmentation spots as possible. One of the treatments that can help against pigment spots is microneedling.
Pigment spots: typical causes
Pigment spots occur when the melanocytes in the skin are overstimulated. Basically, they are responsible for protecting the skin from UV radiation by releasing more skin pigment. For us, this manifests itself in the typical tan in the sunnier months. In some cases, however, melanocytes may be targeted selectively, resulting in small patches of skin. In particular, intensive UV radiation over several years can increase the risk of pigmentation and age spots.
It is also possible for individual pigment spots to occur due to a person’s constitution. This is often the case with moles and liver spots in particular. Pigment spots can also occur more easily on injured areas of skin or scars.
How can I prevent pigmentation spots?
In general, the skin should be protected from intense sunlight. This applies not only to the summer months, but all year round, regardless of the weather. For daily skin care, a day cream that already contains sun protection with SPF 30 should be used if possible. Alternatively, you can of course use an additional sunscreen as part of your skincare routine. For outdoor activities or in the sun, a higher sun protection factor (50+) should be used to provide optimum protection for the skin. At best, do not stay in the blazing sun for long periods without protection, as this can lead to superficial and deep skin damage (in the long term). The strong midday sun in particular should be avoided in summer.
However, pigment spots cannot be completely prevented. If you are bothered by your pigmentation spots, you can treat them with gentle treatments from a dermatologist.
Microneedling against pigment spots
One method of reducing pigmentation spots and simultaneously rejuvenating and firming the skin is microneedling by a dermatologist. In professional needling, a special dermapen is placed on the relevant areas of skin. The head of the device is equipped with numerous tiny needles that are repeatedly inserted into the tissue. The penetration depth is adapted to the body site and the indication or the desired result.
The skin is injured by the small needles. These micro-injuries lead to the body’s regeneration processes being initiated. They cause more collagen and new cells to be formed. This rejuvenates the area. Disturbing pigmentation on the skin can also be treated and reduced in this context.
How long do the needles have to be to reduce pigmentation spots?
The skin consists of different layers. The pigment spots appear on the upper layer of the skin (epidermis). However, in order to trigger the regeneration processes and cause the pigment spots to fade, the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) must be addressed. This is where stem cells and collagen are formed. To reach the dermis, the needles used generally require a length of at least 0.5 millimeters. Depending on the area of the body, the skin can also be thicker in the respective areas. The needle length is therefore adjusted individually. Professional microneedling of up to 2 millimeters is possible.
Further options against annoying pigment spots
In addition to microneedling, we also offer laser-assisted pigment treatment at Hautzentrum Weißensee. In this process, light-based energy is directed into the tissue and absorbed by the pigments. The strong energy ensures that the pigments burst and can then be removed by the body. After a slight desquamation of the skin, the annoying pigmentation and age spots fade. In some cases, several treatment sessions at intervals of several weeks can be useful.
Pigment spots can also be removed with the help of chemical peelings can be treated. The peeling agent causes controlled exfoliation of the skin, revealing fresh and young skin cells.
Another option is treatment with HydraFacial™ . The skin is cleansed deep into the pores, deeply hydrated and provided with precious active ingredients that are precisely tailored to individual needs. The treatment gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. In combination with deep cleansing, deep hydration and the use of effective substances such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants, the skin is not only given a beautiful glow, but annoying pigmentation spots can also be reduced.
