Pigmentation: The Full Story

Pigmentation: The Full Story

Everybody has pigment in their skin as it is needed to give the skin its colour, and also to give hair and eye colour.  This pigment is called melanin and is produced by cells called melanocytes. 

Melanocytes are our army of protective cells and will react when the skin is exposed to UV rays, by sending more melanin up to the surface of the skin to protect the deeper layers from damage that is caused by these external aggressors.  This is our skin’s natural defence mechanism and we can see this take effect when we tan.

Everybody wants that “healthy glow” and to be tanned but do not realise that this is actually causing damage to their skin, and excessive tanning or sun exposure can lead onto more serious conditions such as skin cancer, or the destruction of the melanocytes which will lead to an irreversible whitening of the skin, known as hypo pigmentation.

A prime example of someone who destroyed their melanocytes is Michael Jackson, last time we saw him he was under an umbrella as he had destroyed his army of protective cells, so his skin would not naturally be protected by melanin in response to UV.  His skin would just burn or blister so he had to keep completely shaded.

There are two main types of pigmentation, known as hyper pigmentation which is the darkening of the skin, and hypo pigmentation which is the lightening/whitening of the skin. 

Hyper pigmentation is the only type of pigmentation that can be treated with the correct skincare products and treatments such as chemical peels, and is usually caused by the following factors:

·      Sun Exposure including sunbeds/UV damage

·      Hormones; hormonal imbalance such as PCOS or Endometriosis and pregnancy

·      Stress

·      Medication and herbal remedies

·      Acne

·      Heat and light trauma

Whereas Hypo pigmentation cannot be treated with skincare and would need to be assessed by a medical practitioner and is caused by:

·      Disease

·      Hereditary/Albinism

·      Injury

·      Burns

·      Lack/loss of melanocytes

In addition to our Melanocytes producing the pigment melanin we also have another process happening within our skin and this is called Melanogenesis.  This is the over production of pigment and occurs when there is a chemical reaction between an enzyme naturally in our skin called Tyrosine and the copper catalyst Tyrosinase. This process is also stimulated by UV rays as this is our natural protection.  UVA rays are the deepest penetrating and can travel 300 times deeper than UVB, whereas UVB rays are more superficial but these cause us to burn or tan.  Did you know 95% of premature ageing of the skin can be due to sun damage?!

To effectively treat and diminish hyper pigmentation, there are three key factors we need to take into consideration. 

First and most important is the use of a broad spectrum physical SPF.  So how do we know which SPF is a physical broad spectrum SPF, why do we need to choose it and what are the alternatives?  A physical SPF acts like a shield to the skin by reflecting the UV rays off the surface of the skin and it will be effective immediately once it is applied.  The key ingredients that comprise a physical SPF are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.  Zinc Oxide is also naturally healing and soothing to the skin so it will not cause any irritation or inflammation.  This makes it suitable for a sensitive skin and an acne skin.

On the other hand, and the more widely available alternatives are the Chemical SPF’s.  These will absorb the UV light into the skin where a chemical reaction then occurs allowing the chemical ingredients to protect the skin approximately 30 minutes after application.  This chemical reaction however can cause sensitivity, redness and a mild burning or tingling sensation to the skin. 

The next step is we need to stop the over production of our pigment, melanin, and this can be done with the correct Skincare products.

Finally we need to use a Chemical Peel treatment to remove the build-up of excess pigment in the superficial and deeper layers of the skin.

DermaQuest’s recommendation for treatment of Hyperpigmentation:

Our Favourite Homecare Option

MelaQuest Serum with Cysteamine:

This brightening serum features micro-encapsulated cysteamine to target stubborn discolorations, dark spots, and uneven skin tone in multiple ways, resulting in brightening and unification of skin tone. Synergistically blended with vitamin C and peptides, skin remains brightened and radiant.

The Chemical Peel treatments most effective at treating hyperpigmentation are:

Hibiscus Flower Mandelic Peel:

An effective treatment combining the Hibiscus Flower to give an instant brightening to the skin, while the Mandelic and Azelaic acids work together to deeply exfoliate and lift undesired hyperpigmentation from the deeper layers of the skin. This peel also incorporates amino acids to give the support and structure to the rejuvenation of the cells in the deeper layers of the epidermis.  This is a great introduction to a course of Skinbrite Peels

Skinbrite Peel:

The combination of Lactic, Mandelic and Phytic Acids all work together to brighten the skin and create an even skin tone.  Incorporating Salicylic Acid removes hardened sebum in the epidermal layers and also allows for deeper penetration of the other ingredients to pull the pigment up  to the surface of the skin to be exfoliated away.  A very effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, dark spots and acne scarring. 

Lira Clinical's recommendation for treatment of Hyperpigmentation:

Our Favourite Homecare Options:

Pro Brite-Plus Serum:

To encourage a smooth and even complexion, this power serum blends tranexamic and ferulic acids with MASQ-tech™ for ultimate brightening benefits. Troubled pigment and redness have met their match with brightening power plus defense against oxidative stress.

Pro Lite Serum:

Transform your complexion with this powerful brightening serum. Utilizes key ingredients like Sea Fennel Plant Stem Cells and Vitamin C to effectively brighten skin tone and reduce redness. Enhanced with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Gooseberry and Mulberry Extracts, as well as Licorice Extract for added brightness.

The Chemical Peel treatments most effective at treating hyperpigmentation are:

Vita Brite:

This exclusive formulation blends the power of MASQ-tech™ with L-ascorbic and mandelic acids to create a universal, effective, and resurfacing solution. This enzymatic solution can be used on any skin type or condition to brighten, firm and hydrate.

Sensilis's recommendation for treating Hyperpigmentation with Sensitivity:

Skin D-pigment [Serum ATX B3]:

This light-textured serum is effective on hyperpigmented, sensitive skin and helps to reduce and prevent the appearance of dark spots. Formulated with 2% Tranexamic Acid to reduce dark spots, 10% Niacinamide and Vitamin C, which acts as de-pigmenters and Azeloglycine to improve luminosity. Tested on Melasma and lentigines in fitzpatricks I, II, III, and IV. 

Skin D-pigment [AHA1O Overnight]:

An enriched emulsion texture treatment for improving cell renovation on hyperpigmented sensitive skin, helps to reduce and lighten the appearance of dark spots. Formulated with 10% high tolerance polyhydroxy Acid, which helps to regenerate the skin, Liposomal Ellagic Acid that provides luminosity and Alpha Arbutus (Hydroquinone-like) that reduces the production and accumulation of melanin and reduces the appearance of dark spots. Tested on Melasma and lentigines in fitzpatricks I, II, III, and IV. 

Alphascience's recommendation for treating Hyperpigmentation:

Mela Bright [C+] Serum:

MELA BRIGHT [C+] helps correct stubborn dark spots. It is suitable for all phototypes, including V to VI, and for daily use. This serum also helps reduce the signs of aging and smooth wrinkles.

MELA BRIGHT [C+] is the first serum with stable cysteamine to effectively reduce pigmentation.
IMPORTANT: Cysteamine has a characteristic scent. Thanks to our Nextgen® stabilization technology, this scent does not change over time, including heat, and will disappear after a few minutes after application to the skin. It is therefore not necessary to rinse.

Epionce's recommendation for treating Hyperpigmentation (The Melanocyte System):

Melanolyte Tx and the Melanolyte Serum:

A powerful botanical-based Duo formulated to help brighten and correct the visible appearance of uneven tone. It is clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of unwanted spots on face and body without irritation as well as leading hydroquinone systems when used in conjunction

 

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1 comment

I was wondering if you could send me a antioxidant peel treatment protocol. It’s not in the new manual and I have ordered it as part of my opening order.
There’s also mentioning about Dermaplaning protocol but I can’t seem to find it in the manual.
Thank you
Kate

Kate Spolnik

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