HYPERPIGMENTATION
(Brown spots, sun spots, age spots,discolorations)
Hyperpigmentation means an excess of pigment.
The main culprit of hyperpigmentation (brown spots) is Sun Exposure
The sun is the skin’s worst enemy, so it should come as no surprise that it’s the top pigmentation catalyst. The best
way to prevent so-called “age spots� and freckles is to always apply proper sun protection, especially on children who’s
skin is much more susceptible to permanent damage.
Hormonal imbalance
Skin pigmentation is commonly unbalanced by pregnancy, birth control pills or other hormone-influencing factors. In fact, studies
indicate that this affects up to 75% of pregnant women. And about 30% of women on birth control pills. This is due to the influence
of estrogen, progesterone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Often showing up in a condition called the “Mask of pregnancyâ
€� or melasma.
Skin inflammation
Skin inflammation, usually related to a wound or to a contact allergy (such as poison oak), can sufficiently traumatize the skin into
over-producing pigmentation also seen in people after acne. Darker skin tones usually suffer from this type of discoloration more
severely, and for a longer period of time.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are genetically-inherited. Because they frequently extend into the deeper layers of the skin (dermis), laser surgery is
generally the only way in which to significantly reduce their appearance.
Skin brightening
Some people may have a deficiency in the liver enzyme that metabolizes carotenes. People with this deficiency who eat large
quantities of carrots, peppers, or other yellow/orange vegetables may find that their skin color changes. In particular, their skin may
become tinged with yellow or orange pigment.
Some of you may have white patches, known as hypopigmentation, which is simply a lack of pigmentation in the skin.
Hyperpigmentation can show up in various forms on our bodies: as freckles, moles, age spots, café au lait spots, blotchy
irregular patches of skin, and even as a pregnancy mask.
As a normal part of aging, our bodies tend to increase pigmentation levels in the
skin.
An important note here about prevention: the number one way to avoid additional hyperpigmentation or prevent any from
developing, is to wear sunscreen EVERY DAY! The sunscreen you choose should contain an SPF of at least 8-15, with an
SPF of 30 being ideal if in the sun for a long period of time. The longer you stay out the higher spf you should use! I
recommend for day to day use of spf to apply higher spf in the warmer months and lower in the colder months unless you
are doing outdoor activities in the winter months then use your spf 30!. Or if you wish you can apply sunblock to the
brown spots or areas where needed only instead of the whole face. This means year round application, rain or shine, no
matter where you live. The sun's rays cause damage to our skin when we are in our cars, when it is cloudy out, and even in
the two minutes it might take to walk out to your mailbox. The American Academy of Dermatology says that just 2 minutes
of direct or indirect sun light causes premature aging and skin damage.
The following is a list of ways you might be able to treat your hyperpigmentation. If you aren't sure of a
product or method of treatment, consult your dermatologist, facialist/esthetician or an expert in the
skin care field. Remember it may take months to years to treat spots, so be patient and consistant!
1. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHA (beta hydroxy acids) work to subtly remove sun-damaged/darkened skin, since they both act
as exfoliants to remove surface dead skin cells. AHAs with a 5%-20% concentration and BHA with a 1%-2% concentration are most
effective in changing the appearance of your hyperpigmented areas. .
2. Hydroquinone is the active ingredient found in many skin lightening products. This ingredient may reduce the darker appearance of
brown patches by reducing melanin production in the skin and acting as an exfoliant. Tretinoin is the active ingredient in the
prescription formulas of Retin-A and Renova, and can help improve the appearance of brown patches. Both of these products can be
irritating to some skin types, and it is an absolute must that sunscreen be used faithfully during the course of treatment, since the skin
becomes more prone to sun damage with the use of these products. Strength to be used 2-4% for hydroquinone to be effective!
Hydroquinone can be found at any drugstore, you may have to ask your pharmacist for the 4% strength or ask your esthetician or
doctor! A combinataion of AHA cream and Hydroquinione or other lightening product is the fastest way to get rid of spots!
3. AHA peels at concentrations between 20% and 70% often will reveal a more even skin tone. This is considered a medical peel and
can only be administered by a physician. Lower concentrations done regularaly by an esthetician is also be very beneficial!
4. Microdermabrasion is a type of skin resurfacing treatment performed by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and
facialists/estheticians. A machine is used to deliver a deep exfoliation using fine crystals, which are blasted on your skin and then
sucked up with a vacuum action. You can expect some pretty good results with this procedure if you receive treatment from a
professional who administers treatment correctly, and if you continue the treatments for as long as necessary. Microdermabrasion
produces the best results when it is constantly repeated! This usually means receiving 6-8 treatments over a couple of months, taking
a break, and then doing at least 6-8 additional treatments. This procedure is time consuming and costly!
5. Laser resurfacing can also correct skin discoloration. It is one of the most effective treatments available, but it is also one of the
riskier treatments available and costly.
FACT: If you use lightening products without exfoliating your skin daily they cannot / will not work properly!
FACT: If you don't wear sun block over skin lightening products, your brown spots will get darker!
3 key products that you must have to lighten your skin: 1-Skin Lightening Complex with ingredients such
as Kojic Acid, Bearberry Extract, 2% Hydroquinone, Lemon, 2- Exfoliant (such as aha creams or gentle scrub that can be
used daily) 3-Sun Block SPF 30An exfoliant is absolutely necessary during lightening processes because dead skin cells
"block" the lightening product from penetrating your skin! Your skin cells die every 4 hours! Can you imagine all the
dead skin cells you might have built up if you never exfoliate? Remember, skin care products cannot penetrate through
dead skin cells.