Pigmentation
AUTUMN going into Winter is the ideal time to tackle pigmentation problems as we can stay out of the sun while having treatment. Dark spots, age spots, sun spots, dark patches are more likely to be found on the face, hands and any body areas that have been regularly exposed to the sun.
Hyperpigmentation are areas of uneven pigmentation. The darker patches or spots make the skin look uneven. People with darker skin types 3 – 6 are normally more affected than those with lighter skin as darker skinned people produce more melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their colour. The main increase in melanin production is sun exposure, hormone changes and skin injuries.
Melasma is a condition with larger patches of hyperpigmentation most commonly seen on the upper lip and around the cheek and chin area. It is more common in women triggered by changes in hormone levels such as pregnancy or the contraceptive pill. Once hormones return to normal levels the dark patches will slowly fade.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is caused by injury or trauma such as a bite or acne leaving a flat area of discolouration. After the inflammation subsides the skin can produce too much melanin causing the previously damaged skin to darken.
Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin. Sunlight triggers the production of melanin. Melanin is your skin’s natural defence from the sun protecting you from harmful UV rays, which is why your skin tans. Excessive sun exposure can upset the process leading to hyperpigmentation. Once the dark spots appear additional sun exposure can make the spots darker and deeper.
Although known as age spots they are nothing to do with age. Sun damage accumulated in your 20s can start to surface in your 30s and 40s increasing year on year. This is why it is essential to get into the habit of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis from an early age and definitely not to burn the skin. All cases of hyperpigmentation are worsened by sun exposure.
MEDIK8 has an extensive pigmentation solution to treat the different types of the condition. Their patented oxyresveratrol technology tackles hyperpigmentation from multiple angles. Samantha and Lynn will be able to give you valuable and in depth information regarding facials and home treatment. Skin Rejuvenation with IPL Laser treatment is extremely successful in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, but we do advise this treatment during the winter months when the sun is less powerful.
Jane Bryant
Advanced Skin Health Specialist
Hough Green Clinic
Tel: 01244 680414
