BYE BYE PIGMENTATION

BYE BYE PIGMENTATION

Pigmentation, often referred to as hyperpigmentation, is a common skin concern that can affect individuals of all ages and skin types.  Characterised by uneven patches of darkened skin, pigmentation can be distressing and challenging to treat without the right knowledge and approach.  In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types and causes and effective realistic treatment options for you.

To understand pigmentation and how best to treat it you really need to know what you’re dealing with, as there are several causes and which part of the skin structure that it effects.

Melasma is a key challenge in pigmentation and appears as brown or greyish patches.  It’s often triggered by hormonal changes, medication, sun exposure and genetic predisposition.  Whilst it’s possible to reduce the appearance of the pigmentation on the surface of the skin if the causes aren’t managed it can be a reoccurring problem.

Prolonged sun exposure can lead to the formation of sunspots or solar lentigines, characterised by small, darkened patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin whereas age spots tend to be flat, brown spots on areas of the skin that have been frequently exposed to sun over time.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH occurs because of inflammation or injury to the skin such as eczema or injury.  Dark spots or patches may develop at the site of injury.  It’s something that a good skin health therapist is very aware of when treating pigment prone skins with aesthetic treatments. It’s the number one reason why you should follow their advice to start prepping your skin with vitamin A & C accompanied by sunscreen prior to advanced skin treatments in-clinic.

Unlocking the Mystery of Pigmentation 

Pigmentation can affect individuals of all ages, genders and skin types and it may surprise you to learn that the darker your skin tone the more prone to hyperpigmentation you are.  In general hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, genetics and certain medications can all contribute to its development but what’s happening in our skin?

Hyperpigmentation arises due to dysregulation in the production and distribution of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colouration.  Melanocytes, specialised cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis, are stimulated by various factors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, hormonal fluctuation, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Upon stimulation, melanocytes synthesise melanin within melanosomes, specialised organelles within the cell.  This melanin is then transferred to neighbouring keratinocytes, the predominant cells in the surface of the skin – the epidermis.  Excessive or uneven distribution of melanin leads to the formation of dark patches or spots on the skins surface.  In addition, factors such as genetic predisposition and skin type can influence the susceptibility to hyperpigmentation. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying hyperpigmentation aids in the development of targeted skincare interventions aimed at reducing melanin production, promoting even distribution and preventing further pigmentation.

Unveil your Perfect Skin Tone

The truth is that when dealing with hyperpigmentation a two-pronged approach is always more effective than skincare products alone.  However, for long-term brightening benefits your skin will thank you for utilising the scientific approach to your homecare regime.

Look for these key actives to help you minimise the appearance of pigmentation and brighten the skin to give you a more even skin tone.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are great for exfoliating the skin’s surface encouraging fresh, healthy, plump new cells to rise to the surface, giving a fresher, cleaner appearance to the skin.

Beta Hydroxy Acids penetrate deeper into the skin supporting exfoliation and cellular renewal.  By sloughing away the dead surface pigmented cells it helps to reduce the appearance of dark patches.

Protection, prevention and correction is why you need vitamin C in your bathroom cabinet!  This powerhouse antioxidant will brighten the skin, even out skin tone and help fade dark spots caused by sun damage.  To learn more about the incredible properties of Vitamin C check out our potent, clinically validated antioxidant serum here.

Lastly the gold standard in skin health Retinol stimulates cell turnover, enhances collagen production and fades pigmentation over time. No more guess work with our targeted retinol tailored to your skin needs by our skin health experts here at Skin Society.

The Vital Role of Sun Protection

You’ve heard us talk a lot about how crucial it is for you to protect your skin to prevent and minimise pigmentation and here’s why.  UV rays can exacerbate existing pigmentation and contribute to the formation of new dark spots.  By applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even in the winter months you can minimise the appearance of new dark spots.

Aesthetic Precision for Treating Pigmentation

We mentioned earlier that because of the complexities of hyperpigmentation there’s only so far you can go within your homecare routine.  This is a skin condition that benefits enormously from targeted in-clinic treatments.

Look out for targeted, intensive treatments that will over a course of treatments help to improve the appearance of dark spots.  A skin health skin expert should talk to you about combination treatments over a period of time to be effective and will include a number of treatments.

To Peel or Not to Peel

Chemical peels are highly effective in treating hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the outer layer of skin and promoting cellular turnover, leading to a more even skin tone.  These treatments utilise various types of chemical solutions such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) for more surface layer superficial peels, and Resorcinol to get to the deeper layers of your skin.

Chemical peels should be customised to target specific types of pigmentation and repeated over a period of 4-6 weeks for optimal results.  Peels use a combination of exfoliating acids to remove the outer layer of damaged skin, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin beneath.  During the consultation your therapist will discuss whether you can afford the downtime incurred with deeper peels to allow the skin to shed more deeply, and if not discuss what you can expect from more superficial peels.

Jessner peels are a type of chemical peel that treats more challenging pigmentation in the deeper layers of the skin.  They consist of a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol, which work synergistically to exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin.  By penetrating deeply into the epidermis, a Jessner peel can target pigmented cells and promote the shedding of damaged skin, revealing a brighter more even complexion.

One of the key benefits of Jessner peels is their ability to treat pigmentation at a deeper level within the skin.  Unlike superficial peels that primarily target the surface layer of the skin, Jessner peels penetrate deeper into the epidermis, reaching the basal layer where melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells are located.  By exfoliating this deeper layer, Jessner peels can effectively reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and stimulate cellular turnover.  One of the things to remember when having a deeper Jessner peel is the possibility that the skin will appear darker and more uneven during the initial healing phase and a course of at least 3 peels should be taken to ensure a smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Skin needling, also known as micro needling or collagen induction therapy, offers remarkable benefits in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.  By stimulating the skin’s natural healing response, skin needling encourages the production of new collagen and elastin, leading to a smoother, plumper, more even skin tone.  In the context of hyperpigmentation, the controlled micro-injuries created by the tiny needles trigger the skin’s regeneration process, prompting the turnover of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, healthier cells.

If you’re undergoing skin needling you can typically expect minimal downtime, but you may experience temporary redness and mild swelling immediately following the treatment, but this usually subsides over 48 hours.  As for results optimal results are achieved with a series of treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart.  You should begin to see significant improvement in pigmentation issues after 2-3 sessions, with continued enhancement over the following months.  The exact number of sessions depends on various factors, including the severity of the pigmentation, individual response and treatment goals. During your initial consultation, your skin health expert will assess your skin condition and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Together, these treatments target pigmentation at multiple levels, addressing both superficial and deeper layers of the skin.  By incorporating both chemical peels and skin needling in a treatment plan, you can experience enhanced results, including diminished dark spots, improved skin texture and a more even complexion.  A course of these treatments allows for progressive improvement over time with optimal outcomes.

An additional treatment you can benefit from to treat your pigmentation is the non-invasive LED phototherapy treatment.  Harnessing the power of light therapy, LED treatments target pigmentation at the cellular level, stimulating collagen production and promoting cellular turnover.  This gentle yet powerful approach helps to break up excess melanin deposits and fade dark spots, revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion over time.  The benefits of LED treatments include minimal discomfort, no downtime and visible results with consistent sessions.  You can expect to see improvement in pigmentation concerns including sun damage, age spots and melasma, with a series of treatments.  And the great news is this safe and effective treatment can be used at any age!

Here at the Skin Society, we like to give our clients options with a tailor-made course of treatments to target your specific concerns.  If you’d like more information about our course opportunities get in touch.

Pigmentation issues are common but manageable with the right approach.  A combination of targeted homecare products and advanced aesthetic treatments will help you to achieve clearer, more radiant skin.  By consulting with a skincare profession to develop a personalised treatment plan you can embark on your journey with confidence and unveil a luminous complexion.

Ready to take the next step towards radiant, healthy skin?  Our team of skincare experts are here to guide you on your journey to a glowing complexion.  Whether you’re looking to tackle a dull, devitalised, uneven skin tone to fine lines and wrinkles or simply enhance your skin health, we’ve got you covered.

Book an appointment and let us create a personalised plan to achieve optimal results for your skin.  From tailored skincare routines to advanced treatments, we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your skin goals become a reality.