Integrity Skincare Blog

The Full Details on Hyperpigmentation (aka those brown spots)

October 4, 2012 4:11 pm

We all strive for a clear, even skin tone, but unfortunately many of us battle some level of hyper-pigmentation. This is not a skin type but rather a common condition brought on by many factors ranging from medication, sun exposure, hormonal changes, and acne or trauma to the skin.

So What Is Hyper-Pigmentation?

 

Hyper-pigmentation is a darkened patch of skin which is due to an increase in melanin and can occur in any skin type – oily, dry, dark and light. Also called sun spots, age spots, freckles, or liver spots they generally tend to appear on the face or hands as these areas are constantly exposed to the sun.

The color of our skin is produced by receptor cells, called melanocytes. These cells are very sensitive to light and when stimulated by sunlight or hormonal issues the melanocytes kick into over drive trying to protect the skin. Their way of doing that is to produce excess amounts of melanin, thus darkening the skin’s color which we see as hyper-pigmentation.

How Best To Deal With Hyper-Pigmentation

Now that we understand what causes hyper-pigmenting, how do we get rid of it and keep it at bay? The best way to get rid of hyper-pigmentation is to increase cellular turnover and use a sunscreen. Here at 360 Skin we have written extensively about chemical peels and microdermabrasion, two procedures that work wonders at evening skin tone and texture by forcing the skin to increase cell turnover.

Another great way to get rid of hyper-pigmenting is to use a skin lightener or a skin bleach. Now before you get scared, neither of these is going to make you look as pale as a ghost. What they do basically is anesthetize those melanocytes in your skin causing them to stop overproduction melanin. That’s it. They get put to sleep and what you’re left with is your natural, even skin tone.

We carry two great products in the studio that we love AND use on a daily basis: Image’s Ageless Skin Lightening Serum, and an excellent bleach, Image’s Total Skin Bleaching Serum.

Image’s Ageless Skin Lightening Serum is a mild, oil free serum with a natural blend of bearberry, kojic acid and licorice. These three natural ingredients will aid the turn over of cells, causing your skin to shed dead skin cells at a quicker pace and lighten your skin tone from within.

Ageless Skin Lightening Serum

Image’s Total Skin Bleaching Serum kicks things into high gear by adding to the mix hydroquinone, glycolic, and azelaic acid; together these ingredients lighten even the most stubborn dark spots.

Ageless Total Skin Bleaching Serum

During the whole process (and for the rest of your life!) you’ll also need to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. This will go a long way to minimizing the appearance of hyper-pigmentation and preventing it from occurring in the future.

 

So there you have it! Hyper-pigmentation is nothing to fear and completely reversible with the right products and guidance from your very own Medical Esthetician here at 360 Skin.  An even, pigment free complexion is the first, huge step toward maintaining a youthful, fresh appearance.

 

This post was written by Brandon