Post-summer pigmentation: what causes it and what can you do?
After a summer in the sun, many people notice dark patches or uneven skin tone becoming more visible. Why does this happen, and what treatments are available? Dr Ophelia Veraitch, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesperson tells us more.
In this article
What causes pigmentation after summer?
UV radiation increases the melanin the skin produces as a way of protecting the skin against the damaging effects of UV radiation.
However, with excessive sun exposure the increase in melanin is sometimes uneven, leading to ‘dark spots’ or patches which can vary from being dramatic to quite subtle.
Is pigmentation permanent?
It can be permanent, and continue to get worse after the sun exposure.
Particularly in patients are on medications, that causes pigmentation (such as some hormonal medications), or continue to expose their skin to the sun without adequate sun protection.
Can it fade naturally?
In some mild cases, yes.
But if left untreated and with repeated sun exposure of the years the pigmentation can get deeper and more difficult to treat.
When should you seek advice?
If the pigmentation doesn’t fade in a few weeks after the summer. For sun spots that develop rapid, irregular changes this should be seen by a dermatologist more urgently.
Can skincare improve pigmentation?
Cleansers with glycolic acid, serums with ingredients like niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, tretinoin), and physical SPFs can help.
Also oral tablets like fern block (to reduce UV absorption) and oral traxemacic acid. If the pigmentation looks precancerous then chemotherapy based creams (such as imiquimod may help), if the pigmentation looks very irregular a biopsy maybe needed to exclude pre-cancerous or cancerous changes (lentigo maligna is the name for when solar lentigos ’sun spots’ change into melanoma).
When are treatments such as lasers appropriate?
Laser and light-based treatments, including IPL and different types of laser, may be used to help improve some forms of pigmentation.
The most appropriate treatment will depend on the type of pigmentation, your skin type and individual circumstances. Some forms of pigmentation, such as melasma, can be more challenging to treat and may recur.
A range of laser and light-based devices are available, including treatments such as PicoSure Pro, Clear + Brilliant and vascular lasers such as Nd and pulsed dye lasers.
The suitability of these treatments varies between individuals, and a consultant dermatologist or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional can advise on whether a laser or light-based treatment is appropriate and which type of treatment may be most suitable.
Take-home message?
See a consultant dermatologist if you are worried about treating your pigmentation!
Dr Ophelia Veraitch
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