Pigmentation
An overview of common pigmentation concerns and the general categories of treatment used to address them in Singapore.
“Pigmentation” covers a range of concerns where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area. This page explains the common types and the general categories of treatment — it is general information for your research only, not medical advice.
Common types
Pigmentation includes freckles, sun and age spots, post-inflammatory marks (for example after acne), and melasma. Melasma appears as patchy brown or grey-brown areas, most often on the face, and is linked to sun and visible-light exposure, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or oral contraceptives) and genetics.
How it is generally treated
The right approach depends on the diagnosis. For melasma, dermatology centres note that first-line management is usually topical — lightening creams plus diligent daily sun protection — with procedures such as chemical peels or lasers considered only in some cases. This matters because some treatments can worsen certain pigmentation if used inappropriately, so a proper assessment comes first.
What to ask
- What type of pigmentation do I have, and what is the recommended first step?
- How important is sun protection in my plan?
- Is the clinic HCSA-licensed and the doctor SMC-registered? (See how we verify.)
For one treatment often discussed for pigmentation, see Pico Laser.