Skin Pigmentation

Antioxidants like vitamins A, B3 and C, as well as Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids work together to fade pigmentation, calm melanocyte (a cell in the epidermal layer of the skin that produces the dark brown or black pigment melanin) activity, stimulate collagen and boost the skins natural immunity.

Metacell Renewal B3 

Comprehensive daily emulsion to correct early symptoms of photoageing.

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Treating pigmentation isn’t just about fading what is on the surface. It is also about restoring health and balance to the skin. Your skincare regime must include an SPF sunscreen.

Advanced Broad Spectrum Sun Protection with a Universal Tint

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SkinCeuticals tinted sunscreen products offer a high level of broad spectrum UVA/UVB all-mineral protection with a universal tint suitable for most skin tones. Formulated with colour-infused technology to enhance natural skin tone and boost daily radiance.

Physical Eye UV Defence provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection without migrating into and irritating the eyes. A unifying tint enhances skin tone while ceramides nourish, creating a smooth, concealer perfect on its own or prior to  makeup application.

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Phloretin CF 

Potent antioxidant provides advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and skin discoloration. Non oily.

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Some skin pigmentation is inevitable simply by being exposed to regular unprotected UV rays. Whether your pigmentation is sun induced or a result of hormonal activity (Melasma), genetics or trauma (squeezing spots etc) to the skin, it ages your appearance.
The skin consists of two main layers, the epidermis which is the upper layer and the dermis which is the lower layer. Within the lowest layer of the epidermis are cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for producing the pigment called melanin. This melanin production is what gives our skin it’s genetically predetermined colour and when over stimulated, can produce excess pigmentation.
Melasma is characterised by patchy brown discolouration of the skin, commonly seen on the cheeks, chin, forehead and upper lip in a symmetrical pattern. It primarily occurs in women but can also appear in men. While it can affect all racial and ethnic groups it is more common in darker skinned individuals. With Melasma, the melanocytes become over stimulated and over produce melanin in response to changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels. This melanin becomes trapped in the epidermis and may also extend to the dermis, making it difficult to treat. Pigmented cells then slowly migrate to the surface, making the pigmentation visible.  The most common cause is pregnancy or oral contraceptive use but it can occur for no apparent reason.

Air Pollution is another cause of skin ageing and pigmentation: According to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, chronic exposure to traffic-related air pollution can cause the appearance of dark spots. The findings of this study showed that exposure to nitrogen dioxide was significantly associated with more dark spots on the cheeks.This is  more visible in women above the age of 50.

http://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(16)00453-X/abstract

Retinol 0.3 contains 0.3% pure retinol and is enhanced with the latest stabilisation and delivery technologies to ensure the full dosage is slowly and evenly released. Designed to help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration.

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Skinceutical Advanced Pigment Corrector 

This multi-layer corrector can help reduce the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration and uneven skin tone to help boost skin’s natural radiance. 

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Read more

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/melasma

Pigmentation

What is pigmentation?

Human skin colour ranges from the darkest brown to the lightest pinkish or white hues.  Skin pigmentation has evolved to primarily regulate the amount of UV radiation penetrating the skin and therefore controlling its damaging effects on the body. The colour of our hair and skin is predominantly due to the amount of brown melanin pigment produced by our melanocyte cells.  The amount of melanin present is determined by our natural skin colour (white, brown or black) and by photo-type, which is the skin’s response to UV exposure, or tanning.

Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation

You will hear a lot about ‘hyperpigmentation’ and ‘hypopigmentation. An increase in melanin (hyperpigmentation) can be caused by an increased number of melanocytes (pigment cells) or from increased production of the melanin pigment. The opposite of this (hypopigmentation) is caused by a decrease in melanin. Melanin’s job is to protect the body from damaging ultraviolet light, which is why if you suffer with hypopigmentation conditions, such as albinism, you will always be advised to take extra care to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

What causes pigmentation?

Do you wonder what might cause your pigmentation? The sun, genetics, medication and skin ageing are the main factors that influence skin pigmentation. These factors can cause melanin to distribute unevenly in the skin and accumulate at the surface of the epidermis, causing an uneven, blotchy, ’freckle like’ appearance. Unsightly dark spots or a diffused pigmentation form on the surface of the skin, most commonly on face, neck, décolletage and the back of the hands.

Types of pigmentation
1. Lenitgo:  also known as ‘age spots’ are due mainly to the intrinsic ageing of the skin.
2. Solar Lentigo:  is caused by considerable, regular sun exposure.
3. Melasma: is pigmentation concentrated across the cheeks and nose and is generally due to hormone imbalances and can be caused by medication or sun exposure during pregnancy.  This is known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’.
4. Ephiledes or ‘freckles’:  are clusters of concentrated melanin.  Although freckles are genetic they are triggered by exposure to sunlight and are sometimes known as ‘Liver Spots’.
5. Post-inflammatory pigmentation occurs following acne and is due to excess melanin caused by inflammation.

What contributes to hyper-pigmentation?

The answer is Inflammation!  Any one thing that stimulates an inflammatory response in the skin can result in hyper-pigmentation.  Genetics, sun exposure, acne, medication  and hormones are the most common. Exposure to the sun is the number one cause of pigmentation and as we all know  if this inflammatory response is severe, this results in a sunburn.  However, even very brief exposure to UV light can invoke this response.  Simply walking outside can cause very subtle inflammatory processes to be initiated in your skin.  This inflammation from continued exposure smoulders along undetected.
Hormone like substances are activated when the sun hits the skin.  These hormones trigger a large number of responses in the skin that lead to increased redness, swelling, pain, irritation and an activation of melanocytes leading to hyperpigmentation.  If the skin is continually exposed to UV radiation over a number of years, the constant becomes cumulative-  the constant production of these inflammatory hormones ultimately results in a permanent activation of melanocytes and therefore ‘blotchy’ hyper pigmented skin.

The main factors that influence skin pigmentation:

1. Sun exposure
2. Genetics
3. Natural skin ageing
4. Hormonal fluctuations eg, pregnancy
5. Acne related skin trauma
6. Medication (topical and oral antibiotics)
7. Various forms of eczema and dermatitis
8. Burns: temperature and chemical
9. Fragrance, soaps, deodorants
10. Hair removal (creams, waxing, tweezing)

We will advise as to what the best course of treatments suit plus home care advice to allow you see good results.

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Skin Ageing

 What is skin ageing?

We are all destined to experience skin ageing. Skin ageing is a degenerative process caused by intrinsic (chronological) and extrinsic (environmental) ageing.  These factors are something most of us can relate to, and contribute to the visible signs of skin ageing:

• A loss of skin firmness and elasticity

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Sun damage and pigmentation

• Irregular pigmentation and texture

• Large pores

• Dry skin

• Loss of facial volume

Intrinsic Ageing

Unfortunately, intrinsic ageing is something we have little control over. This is because it is a natural process, determined by internal factors and is programmed by our genes.

Extrinsic Ageing

Extrinsic ageing, also known as photo-ageing, is caused by external factors that we are regularly exposed to and can be prevented or minimised.  External elements such as sunlight, pollution, nutritional intake, smoking, stress and lack of sleep are among the most common factors. The single biggest culprit is the sun!

What causes age spots?

Skin ageing is something we will all suffer with as we grow old. It causes the surface layers of our skin (known as the epidermis) to thin, and the number of melanocytes (the pigment producing cells) to decrease. If we have some areas of the skin that are more exposed to the sun, the remaining melanocytes in these areas will increase in size. This leads to our skin appearing thinner and more pale, with large pigmented areas known as age spots, lentigos or liver spots.

What causes skin dryness?

The production of oil slows down, which can cause our skin to become dry, and also our blood vessels become more fragile, which is why we have an increased chance of bruising.

What causes sunken eyes and a ‘skeletal’ appearance?

We will also lose fat under the skin, which becomes evident in areas such as the cheeks, temples, chin, nose and eyes. This is the basis for a more ‘skeletal’ appearance with a loosened skin and sunken eyes.

What causes fine lines and wrinkles?

Collagen and elastin are the fibres that give our skin its structure and the breakdown of these leads to lines, wrinkles and a loss of elasticity resulting in skin sagging.

It’s important to remember that the sun’s harmful rays are the culprit behind many of our skin ageing changes and although these effects can not be completely undone, with the correct skin care and advanced clinical treatments, they can be significantly repaired. Your skin remembers every hour of sun it’s been exposed to, and although the effects don’t show whilst we are young, it’s extremely important to protect your skin throughout your whole life.

 Your treatment is specifically designed for your own individual ageing symptoms and concerns.  Taking these concerns into consideration a precise collection of the latest advanced machines, skin peels, specialist massage techniques and Cosmeceutical skincare products will be combined to deliver dramatic results.

What causes skin ageing?

1. Sun exposure
2. Pollution
3. Stress
4. Smoking
5. Alcohol
6. Inadequate diet and poor fluid intake
7. Sugar

Prevent premature skin ageing

 1.  Protect yourself from the sun:  The sun plays a major role in ageing the skin prematurely.  Use a minimum SPF30 Broad Spectrum sunscreen everyday and reapply every two hours when in the sun.  Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses.  No sunbathing and avoid the sun between the hours of  12am & 4pm .  Use a high strength antioxidant serum containing L’ascorbic acid (vitamin C) daily.

2.   Healthy well balanced diet: Eat a low Glycaemic Index diet rich in fruit and vegetables, lean meat and fish, nuts and seeds and plenty of water.  Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates as these are proven to accelerate the ageing process.

3.     Drink Less alcohol

4.     Smoking rapidly increases the ageing process and leads to a dull, sallow complexion, killing you vitamin C levels.

5.    Sleep on your back or use a silk pillowcase if possible.  Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

6.     Exercise regularly. 

7.     Reduce repetitive facial expressions.  Using the same facial expression over many years leads to the development of permanent wrinkles.  Wearing sunglasses can help prevent the lines caused by squinting.

8.     Get plenty of sleep

9.     Reduce stress

10.  Use an anti-ageing focused skin care regime using advanced cosmeceutical products and have regular clinical facial treatments.  The gold standard active ingredients recommended for an advanced anti-ageing skin care programme are: Retinol, or other vitamin A derivative,  Use an L ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) antioxidant and a good quality sunscreen.

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SkinCeutical Advanced Pigment Corrector.

Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award Winner. Best Spot-Fading Anti-Ager.

Advanced Pigment Corrector boosts radiance and skin tone . 

SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector has been tested on all skin colour  and is clinically proven and  to help prevent and correct unwanted pigmentation. This powerful multi-layer treatment is a safe and highly effective full-facial approach to reducing stubborn discolorations and preventing reoccurrence. In addition to its efficacy on the appearance of skin discolorations and dark spots, Paraben-free and non-comedogenic.

Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award Winner

Size: 30 ml / 1 oz