Fighting Hyperpigmentation – All you need to know.

pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is characterized by a darkening of an area of skin caused by the overproduction of a pigment in the skin known as melanin. It is relatively common and usually harmless, but for cosmetic reasons, it is a nuisance to those who have it.

Hyperpigmentation is the result of either of two occurrences: (1) an abnormally high concentration of melanocytes produce melanin or (2) when melanocytes are hyperactive. For instance, sun exposure stimulates the production of melanin.
The following are examples of hyperpigmentation

  • Lentigo/Lentigenes – Lentigo simply means one freckle; lentigenes are multiple freckles.
  • Solar Lentigenes – widely known as ‘sun spots,’ ‘age spots’ and ‘liver spots,’ solar lentigenes are freckles caused by sun exposure.
  • Melasma – Often known as the ‘pregnancy mask,’ melasma is caused by hormonal changes due to pregnancy and is characterized by splotchy, pigmented areas usually on the face

There are various causes of hyperpigmentation, including

  • Overexposure to the sun
  • Heredity
  • Picking at the skin
  • Hormonal changes
  • Certain medications such as antibiotics, hormone treatments, and anti-seizure drugs
  • Inflammation and skin injuries such as acne vulgaris

At the Institute of Healthy Aging we take an integrated approach to treating hyperpigmentation; that is evidence based and scientific. One important focus within our establishment is that we are patient orientated and tailor our treatments to the needs of the client.

We have the following services available for treating pigmentation:

Chemical peels:

  • Lamelle Beta peel – This chemical peel is great for all skin types, even sensitive skins, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, treats all types of pigmentation and has minimal downtime.
  • Lamelle TCA peel – this is a great peel for addressing deep hyperpigmentation, has downtime and you will shed skin for a few days, before new evenly toned skin appears.
  • Cosmelan peel – This is a deep enzymatic peel, a cosmelan peel differs from other skin brightening products and chemical peels in its ingredients, which are designed to treat the specific symptoms of melasma, which can occur during hormone changes in the body due to pregnancy or menopause, and hyperpigmentation, which can occur due to sun exposure or genetics.

Specialized laser treatments:

  • Nd:YAG Laser – This laser works by heating the skin and targeting pigmentation lesions at different depths in and on the skin.
  • Limelight IPL – this laser works by selectively heats the red and/or brown pigments on the skin. These hyperpigmented cells soak up the light and are destroyed. This process causes the healing effect.
  • Fraxel laser – Fraxel can be used to treat most forms of skin pigmentation including sun spots, liver spots, patchy pigmentation and even hormonal or melasma induced pigmentation. Fraxel can lighten skin pigmentation on all areas of the face, neck, chest, arms, hands and even legs.

Homecare:

We have several products which effectively reduce/lighten hyperpigmentation, in addition to these products we highly recommend that you take an Ovelle supplement to assist in combating hyperpigmentation internally.

Ovelle D3® by Lamelle

Ovelle now with D3 is a daily supplement that significantly reduces the processes that induce premature ageing of the skin. Containing the most powerful oral anti-oxidant available – Pycnogenol a patented all natural plant extract derived from the bark of the French Maritime Pine Tree. Ovelle D3 increases the skins resistance to the effects of harmful ultraviolet radiation by over 80% and reduces hormonal pigmentation by 37%.

At the institute of healthy aging, we believe that whether you suffer from hyperpigmentation or not, it is essential to protect your skin – in doing so, you are able to prevent your skin from pigmenting and reducing the formation of pigmentation.
HYPERPIGMENTATION FINAL IMAGE

What you MUST do to protect yourself

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure; try wearing a sun-hat whenever you are in the sun.
  • Apply a sunscreen every day, with minimum SPF of 30 – 50.
  • Reapply the sunscreen every three hours if you are out in the open.
  • Follow a strict night care regime and use a cream containing acids such as Vitamin A or kojic acid.

Winter is the perfect time to address skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation. Allow us to fine tune your aesthetics on the inner and outer, so that you may look and feel your best. We are here to assist you in the process of preventing, correcting and protecting your skin.

healthy-face

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