Freckles, age spots, brown spots or pigmentation: whatever you call it, irregular skin discolouration is a common and often distressing problem caused by factors such as sun damage, inflammatory skin disorders and hormonal fluctuations.
Australians are exposed to some of the strongest UV levels in the world – and we suffer among the highest incidences of skin cancers globally and, by association, other collateral dermal damage.
Skin cells in the top layer of skin (epidermis) produce a pigment called melanin that gives skin its unique, natural colour. When exposed to UV radiation, more melanin is produced, causing the skin to darken, often in irregular patches or spots, including freckles.
In its various forms, hyperpigmentation affects over
