(The causes of uneven skin tone are vast, so for the purposes of this site we will deal with the most common ones only)

As you age you may find that your skin tone becomes uneven. Dark patches are due to the pigment in the skin (melanin) being exposed to years of UV rays. The effects of the sun can take many years before becoming apparent and usually only starts to show after the age of 45 – 50. This is why an uneven skin tone is associated with ageing.

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A recent study in Germany revealed that wrinkles aren’t the only way the human eye evaluates age. Uneven facial skin tone can add 10 – 12 years to a woman’s perceived age.

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Sun exposure, following the use of scented soaps, after-shave lotions and toiletries, and various cosmetics and perfumes can also produce this mottled pigmentation. This is due to ultraviolet radiation being absorbed by chemical substances on the skin. This pigmentation often extends down to the neck especially where perfume has been sprayed.

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The rise in hormone levels also plays a huge part in pigmented patches (chloasma) as seen when taking oral contraceptive pills or during pregnancy. It affects the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. Fortunately, this often fades or disappears after delivery. Repeated pregnancies, however, can intensify the pigmentation.

 

At London Beauty Clinic we are able to offer IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments to reduce pigmentation and equalise skin tone. The Energist IPL is able to disintegrate the melanin carrying cells, which are then broken down and expelled by the body. During the same treatment the IPL stimulates the natural production of collagen leaving the skin tighter and more toned. Each patient is assessed and a programme is designed for their specific case.

 

IPL treatments on hormonal pigmentation should be performed with great caution as it can aggravate pigmentation. There are no quick fixes for this problem. The pigment of Cloasma develops gradually and is resolved gradually.