SKIN ACADEMY
Skin Conditions Explained
PIGMENTATION, TARGET & PROTECT
WHAT CAUSES PIGMENTATION?
A quick introduction...
Pigmentation refers to the colouring of the skin, and hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe areas of uneven pigmentation. This occurs when the skin produces more melanin, which is the pigment responsible for your skin’s colour.
Hyperpigmentation can affect your entire body or appear as darkened patches or spots that make the skin look uneven, and these spots are known as age spots or sun spots. Other types of hyperpigmentation include melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.While this affects people of all skin types, those with dark skin are normally more affected by hyperpigmentation marks than those with a lighter skin tone, because skin pigmentation is stronger in dark skin. This is harder to manage on darker skin, because brown patches tend to emerge with a higher pigment, and can take longer to fade.
Uneven skin pigmentation is a common skin condition in which dark spots and dark patches appear on the face, hands and other parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun. Learn about the different types of hyperpigmentation, what causes them and how to prevent brown patches in the first place. Though completely removing the signs of skin pigmentation is difficult, there are treatment options to help reduce it.
Also known as sun spots or liver spots, these are caused by exposure to the sun. These normally appear on older adults. For this reason, they appear mainly on body parts that are frequently exposed to UV light, such as the face, neck, décolleté, hands and arms.
WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Pigmentation refers to the colouring of the skin, and hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe areas of uneven pigmentation. This occurs when the skin produces more melanin, which is the pigment responsible for your skin’s colour.Hyperpigmentation can affect your entire body or appear as darkened patches or spots that make the skin look uneven, and these spots are known as age spots or sun spots. Other types of hyperpigmentation include melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.While this affects people of all skin types, those with dark skin are normally more affected by hyperpigmentation marks than those with a lighter skin tone, because skin pigmentation is stronger in dark skin. This is harder to manage on darker skin, because brown patches tend to emerge with a higher pigment, and can take longer to fade.
TYPES OF PIGMENTATION
While there are several types of skin pigmentation, the common ones are age spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation:
Age Spots
Also known as sun spots or liver spots, these are caused by exposure to the sun. These normally appear on older adults. For this reason, they appear mainly on body parts that are frequently exposed to UV light, such as the face, neck, décolleté, hands and arms.
Melasma
Larger patches of hyperpigmentation develop mainly on the face - specifically the mouth and forehead - though it can also appear on the stomach. Although it can affect both men and women, melasma is most common in women and is thought to be triggered by changes in hormone levels and pregnancy.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
This occurs when a skin injury or trauma heals and leaves a flat area of discolouration behind, usually appearing on the neck or face. It’s commonly found among acne or eczema sufferers and can also be caused by cosmetic procedures, such as dermabrasion, laser treatment and chemical peels.
*There are other factors that can cause patches of skin to become darker, such as scarring, birthmarks, solar or actinic keratoses and skin cancers, but these aren’t considered to be forms of hyperpigmentation.
When to seek medical advice about pigment spots
Consult your dermatologist or pharmacist if you’re concerned about any of your dark spots, or notice other symptoms alongside hyperpigmentation such as bleeding, itching, or a change in size or colour. A doctor will be able to identify the type of hyperpigmentation and cause.
HYPERPIGMENTATION CAUSES
While hyperpigmentation is usually harmless, brown patches on skin are more of a cosmetic issue for most people. Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin, which is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their colour. A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, including certain medical conditions or medications, but the main causes are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries and inflammation.
Sun exposure and hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation, as it is sunlight that triggers the production of melanin in the first place. Melanin acts as your skin’s natural sunscreen by protecting you from harmful UV rays, which is why people tan in the sun. However, excessive sun exposure can disrupt this process, leading to hyperpigmentation.Once dark spots have developed, sun exposure can also exacerbate the issue by making age spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots even darker.
Hyperpigmentation and hormones
Hormonal influences are the main cause of a particular kind of hyperpigmentation known as melasma, or chloasma. It is particularly common among women and is thought to occur when oestrogen and progesterone, the two key female sex hormones, stimulate the overproduction of melanin when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Hyperpigmentation can also be a side effect of certain hormone treatments.
Hyperpigmentation and age
As the skin ages, the number of melanin-producing cells, known as melanocytes, decreases. The remaining cells increase in size, however, and their distribution becomes more focused. These physiological changes explain the increase of dark spots in those over the age of 40. You can read more about how the skin ages in skin ageing.
Hyperpigmentation, skin injuries and inflammation
As its name suggests, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs following skin injury and inflammation, e.g. cuts, burns, chemical exposure, acne, Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis. Brown patches develop on the skin after the wound has healed.
Hyperpigmentation, disease and medication
Hyperpigmentation is also symptomatic of a number of illnesses, such as certain autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies.
It can also be triggered by chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, tricyclic antidepressants, antimalarials and anti-seizure drugs, sometimes causing patches to be grey. More serious causes of hyperpigmentation include hemochromatosis and Addison’s disease.
4 WAYS TO PROTECT FROM PIGMENTATION
1. Avoid direct sunlight - Try to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. Sit under a sun umbrella or in the shade when you’re outdoors to minimise your sun exposure.
2. Use a hat - Shade your face and scalp with a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Apply SPF - Choose sun protection that is at least SPF 15 and use it daily, even in the cooler months, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
4. .Limit touching your skin - Scratching or picking a mosquito bite or a spot can result in inflammation and lead to darker pigmentation on your face, so it’s best to avoid touching your skin. When you do touch your skin, for example when applying your skin care or makeup, make sure you wash your hands first.
6 STEPS TO TARGET PIGMENTATION
Step 1: Exfoliate to lift pigmentation
& stimulate new skin cell growth
Exfoliating treatments and products help fade pigment and bring new skin cells to the surface.
Step 2: Prevent the formation of new pigmentation
Use melanogenesis inhibitors to block melanin production and other specialised ingredients to prevent transfer of pigment from melanocytes to skin cells. Look for kojic acid, licorice, emblica, oyster phoenix mushroom and vitamin C.
Step 3: Protect against UV rays
Skin that is not protected from the sun is susceptible to further hyperpigmentation. Using a photo-stable daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is the key to preventing further pigmentation.
Step 4: Camouflage
AlumierMD’s innovative color-encapsulated tinted sunscreens even out skin tone while protecting from UV damage.
START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY
PIGMENTATION TREATMENT PLAN
Understanding your skin is the first step to a fully developed skincare routine. Thanks to our trained team of clinical experts, we have specifically designed skincare regime guides to cater to your concern. Whether you want to start slow with a 2 step routine, or are wanting immediate results that last - Our tailored treatment plans will help you kick-start your journey to a brighter, more even-toned complexion.
AM ROUTINE
CLEANSE
Purifying Gel Cleanser
Purifying Gel Cleanser is a pH-balanced foaming cleanser that gently and effectively cleanses skin by removing impurities and excess oil, leaving it supple and smooth. Coconut and plant-based surfactants gently cleanse. Chamomile, aloe and opuntia ficus-indica soothe and hydrate for skin that feels fresh and comfortable.
EXFOLIATE
Bright & Clear Solution
A refreshing skin conditioning solution that refines skin complexion, instantly brightens, and reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines & wrinkles. Lactic acid and caviar lime gently exfoliate cellular debris to brighten and improve skin texture. Kakadu plum extract offers a boost of vitamin C and arnica with soothing properties, contributes to the look of healthy skin all while this expertly crafted formula works!
TARGET
Intellibright Complex
Intellibright Complex is a lightweight serum that contains naturally powerful skin brightening agents that work by different mechanisms to enhance results and resistance to new pigment formation.
Arbutin, kojic acid, and punica granatum extract even skin tone and improve the appearance of discolouration and sun damaged skin. Hydroquinone-free formula.
MOISTURE
HydraLight
HydraLight moisturiser is a light moisturising formula that nourishes and improves skin texture using soothing and hydrating ingredients like low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, aloe and niacinamide. Powerhouse peptides firm and strengthen the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while antioxidants provide protection from free radical damage.
PROTECT
Clear Shield Broad Spectrum
Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42 is a lightweight, non-comedogenic, quick-drying physical sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays using a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Niacinamide soothes and relieves redness and sodium hyaluronate hydrates.
PM ROUTINE
CLEANSE
Purifying Gel Cleanser
A refreshing skin conditioning solution that refines skin complexion, instantly brightens, and reduces the appearance of pores. Lactic acid and caviar lime gently exfoliate cellular debris to brighten and improve skin texture. Kakadu plum extract offers a boost of vitamin C and arnica with soothing properties, contributes to the look of healthy skin all while this expertly crafted formula works!
TARGET
EvenTone
EvenTone is a lightweight serum that contains naturally powerful brightening agents that work by different mechanisms to enhance results and resistance to new pigment formation. Emblica, white shiitake mushroom, licorice, and brightening peptides reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone. Hydroquinone-free formula.
MOISTURE
HydraLight
HydraLight moisturiser is a light moisturising formula that nourishes and improves skin texture using soothing and hydrating ingredients like low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, aloe and niacinamide. Powerhouse peptides firm and strengthen the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while antioxidants provide protection from free radical damage.
As a professionally dispensed skincare platform, we offer clinical-grade concentrations of Vitamin A which is ONLY available through trained skincare providers. New patients will be required to do a single sign-up to our prescription portal so that access can be granted to purchase AlumierMD Skincare.