What Causes Skin Pigmentation?
Pigment melanin gives our skin protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. Melanin production can increase or decrease beyond normal. This creates a change in the skin color. The overproduction of melanin, or hyperpigmentation (dark spots), is related to UV light, acne scarring, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiency or prescription drugs. The hypopigmentation (white spots) is often associated with the disease known as vitiligo but can also occur as a result of injury.
Hyperpigmentation results from the increased deposition of melanin.
It causes skin to become darker in patches. Melanin is part of skin’s barrier defence system. It protects against exposure to UVR. Pigmented spots are almost always the result of excessisve stimulation by sunlight. Pigmentation should be considered to be a warning sign from the body that the affected area has received too much sun damage. DNA damage by UVR is the major aggravating factor of excessive pigmentation. Although sunlight is essential for human life, daily exposure to the sun over a lifetime is a major cause of skin damage. It leads to pigmentation, wrinkling and skin cancer. Sun exposure causes free radical damage to the cells. It forces the aging process into an accelerated pace. By exposing skin to the sun, the level of vitamin C in the skin drops by 30%. In addition, UVR deactivates vitamin A receptors. Vitamin A is required for cell replication. Free radicals cause abnormal melanin production and impaired DNA/cell replication.
How to Treat Hyperpigmantation:
- Avoid sunburn
- Use a broad-spectum sunscreen. Look something that includes anti-oxidants
- Topical antioxidants like vitamin A & C are essential to use on daily basis. They help to protect and rebuild the cells. Vitamin C and A is a power-house in treating pigmentation. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. They boost collagen and elastin production. Vitamin C has photo-protective properties. However, it is not a substitute for sunscreen. Please contact Unique Verve about your skin analysis and product consultation.
- Use of AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) products help to exfoliate dead and and hyperpigmented cells, and stimulate the production of new cell growth. AHAs accelerate cell turnover, thus increasing the production of collagen. Remember that each one of us has different skin type and skin condition, hence each treatment requires a customized treatment plan and an individual approach. Please contact Unique Verve about your skin analysis and product consultation.
- Regular professional facial treatments that are based on antioxidants like vitamin C and A will help to improve skin color and texture, fine lines and boost elastin and collagen production. Active Vitamin Penetration with Ionzyme DF Machine ensures deep penetration of antioxidants/serums; Advanced LED Photopulsation light also helps to diminish hyperpigmenation. Such facials are available at Unique Verve in Boston.
