You can find pigmentation or hyperpigmentation anywhere on the body, they are darkened patches on the skin that can vary in size, they give the skin an uneven skin tone. Most common types of pigmentation are Melasma, Chloasma, Sunspots, Age Spots, Liver Spots, Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and Freckles. When pigmentation is left untreated it will get worse and overtime as the melanin is pushed closer to the surface of the skin. Pigmentation cannot be cured but with the correct professional advice it can be managed effortlessly and you can experience a flawless more even skin tone as long as treatment and skincare are maintained.
What causes pigmentation?
Over production of melanin which is caused by a number of issues such as: sun exposure, hormones, and skin trauma from post inflammation.
Sun exposure: If we don't apply SPF daily to protect our skin then we are more likely to end up with excessive pigmentation that will become more noticeable as we age. This is because sun exposure causes immediate pigment darkening. Also, while many love their freckles, there are many that don't. Freckles are generally caused by sun damage but also a person's genetics can be the reason why someone has freckles. They're very common in lighter skin tones and hair colour.
Skin trauma: Spots popping and popping pimples causes trauma to the skin which will cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, these are pigmented spots that may appear brown or red. To prevent post inflammatory hyperpigmentation stop being a pimple popper! Even blackhead popping is a no go, squeezing blackheads is forbidden, please refrain from all spot squeezing!!!!
Hormones: Melasma and chloasma (also known as the pregnancy mask) are forms of pigmentation on the face that ladies often experience during due to a change in hormones. The difference between Melasma and hyperpigmentation is that Melasma is always symmetrical on the face, it’s almost like a butterfly affect and is defined by patches on the lip, forehead, cheeks and chin.
Medications can also affect hormones which can also cause over production of melanin in the skin creating more pigmentation.
How to treat pigmentation & hyperpigmentation:
For healthy even skin tone we recommend the following as a good basic routine to protect the DNA of the cell Nucleus and to keep skin glowing.
Firstly, to prevent further damage to the skin a daily SPF is essential to protect the skin. Secondly, we recommend a form of vitamin A that is suitable to the client’s needs which may be a Retinol or prescription strength vitamin A such as Tretinoin. Thirdly to enhance results and to increase product absorption we always recommend a skin specific exfoliator such as Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid.
We also off a range of clinical treatments to intensively treat the skin and get those results faster. Would you go to the gym and them eat a McDonalds afterwards? This is like having advanced clinical Laser Treatments/Micro-Needling/IPL treatments and then putting shea butter on your face.
For complete skin rejuvenation in the fastest time possible we combine advanced skincare, clinical treatments with skin specific supplements to treat the skin from within.
To create healthier more even skin tone we can combine clinical treatments, skin supplements and good skin care to help minimise the current appearance of pigmentation but also stop the formation of any new pigmentation. Depending on your skin tone will determine how we can treat your skin.
(see Fitzpatrick scale Blog too)
Anti-Ageing Treatment Recommendations
IPL Photo Treatments (only suitable for Fitzpatrick 1-4)
Peels
Treatments for Melasma / Chloasma:
We wouldn’t recommend any Laser, Radiofrequency Micro-needling or IPL Photo treatments as they all generate heat which over time may cause the Melasma to come back worse. These treatments get rid of pigmentation initially but its very likely it will come back worse. Melasma is effectively treated with Obagi Medical, we offer 14 Skin Transformations to treat the most stubborn pigmentation.
For Melasma we would recommend Peels and 14-week skin transformation kit by Obagi Medical skincare to even out skin tone. Both options are suitable for all skin of colour.
Our supplements: (Fitzpatrick 1-6)
Skin Complete
Skin Vit C
Our Skin Care (Fitzpatrick 1-6)
Environ - Mild-moderate pigmentation
Obagi - Moderate - severe pigmentation and melasma.
