Hyperpigmentation - Get even with uneven skin
August 09, 2024Get hyperpigmentation under control.
All skins contain pigment (colour); some just have a little more than others. But all of us want to have the same, even tone amount of colour in our face. Nobody likes dark spots, splotches or patches of skin, which is why science has long searched for the answers to what is one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat: hyperpigmentation.
The pigment that gives our skin its colour is called melanin. In response to illness, injury or exposure to too much sunlight, the skin produces melanin in an attempt to protect the skin. Too much or uneven production of melanin and we get hyperpigmentation.
PIH is discolouration of the skin after it’s been damaged: bad acne, burns, wounds that form scars, excessive skin irritation and some skin disorders. And it is most common or visible in darker skin types.
The injury causes inflammation, and many of the molecules the body naturally releases to the inflamed area have a tendency to “aggravate” melanocytes in the area. These start producing excess melanin and hyperpigmentation is the result. PIH in the top, epidermal layers of skin is sometimes less visible, but when the damage goes as deep as the dermis you could end up seeing a blue-grey skin discolouration.
The pigment in our skins, melanin, is actually a kind of natural built-in sunscreen. Melanin exists in skin to absorb UV rays, before they can do more serious damage like sunburn or irreparable DNA damage in skin. And the body’s natural response to sun exposure is to create more melanin to try and better protect itself.
By doing so, the body often creates uneven amounts of melanin, and you’re left with dark spots on the face. Most types of hyperpigmentation you can think of, freckles, sun spots and age spots, are all caused by the sun.
Melasma is caused by hormone fluctuations, and almost 70% of pregnant women will experience it to some extent. But, while pregnancy is a big trigger for it, even birth control and the slightest change in oestrogen levels can cause melasma. Thyroid dysfunction is also a possible cause.
What happens is that melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin in the skin) are very sensitive to hormone levels in the body. If there’s a hormone imbalance, melanocytes tend to overproduce melanin. And the dark spots appear.
Sun protection is a crucial part of treating any kind of pigmentation. A single episode of unprotected sun exposure can set your pigmentation treatment plan back significantly. Use a broad spectrum sun protector and look out for harmful chemicals in sun protectors that might stimulate melanin production. Try Sknlogic Protect SPF 40, a broad spectrum sun protector that uses both chemical sunscreens and physical sun blocks. Use a hat whenever outside for long periods of time.
Stubborn hyperpigmentation should be seen as a chronic skin condition – the longer you have it, the more likely it is in the dermis, the deeper layer of your skin. This condition needs to be managed, but is not always curable. Because pigmentation might be from the deeper layers, it could also get worse before it gets better. The key is to persevere!
Look for ingredients that inhibit melanin production and block cells from overproducing pigment.
Try Diminish Day and Diminish Night.
Diminish Day with Alpha Arbutin inhibits melanin production, Vitamin C & E protects the skin from free radical causing antioxidants.
Raspberry extract works as an anti-inflammatory, Cowslip extract has a lightening effect & sunscreens protects the skin.
Diminish night includes higher concentrations of actives than the Diminish day and also includes Daisy extract that inhibits melanin production.
Experience the transformative power of our overnight chemical peel. Designed to be used after eight weeks of consistent Sknlogic skincare, Multi Active Lotion harnesses the strength of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Pineapple extract to accelerate cell turnover.
This potent formula works to brighten, smooth, and refine your complexion. Vitamin C and E protect against environmental damage, while Vitamin B5 soothes and calms the skin. The addition of Cowslip extract further enhances the product's ability to target discoloration.
Arbutin Booster is a targeted hyperpigmentation corrector leverages a synergistic blend of Alpha and Beta Arbutin. Alpha Arbutin potently inhibits tyrosinase activity, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, while Beta Arbutin provides a natural source of skin-brightening properties. This combined approach offers comprehensive management of hyperpigmentation, promoting a more uniform skin tone
In some instances like when hormones are to blame, or severe acne, oral therapies as prescribed by a doctor, or Sknlogic Diminish and Multi Active ranges might be necessary to help manage the root causes, but treating the hyperpigmentation itself really comes down to lightening the skin.
This is where specialist treatments such as chemical skin peels, laser exfoliation or microneedling come in: administered by a doctor or trained skincare therapist, they can be very effective in exfoliating and lightening affected areas of skin.
Be vigilant
Women taking hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills containing estrogen, may experience increased sensitivity to pigmentation. This can make it more challenging to treat existing dark spots. To manage this, it's crucial to be extra vigilant about sun protection and incorporate a high-quality antioxidant into your skincare routine. Try C15 Booster with Vitamin C & E and Ferulic Acid.
Remember, regardless of your skin type or hormonal factors, effective treatments for hyperpigmentation are available. Consulting with a skincare professional can help you develop a personalized plan to achieve a more even complexion.
Don't let hyperpigmentation dim your shine!
