Pigmentation. It’s an issue many of us have had to contend with at some point in our lives. Maybe you overdid the sunbeds as a youngster? Self-confessed sun worshipper? Acne sufferer? Pregnancy melasma? There are all sorts of triggers for pigmentation. Depending on the cause, pigmentation can leave us feeling self-conscious and searching for solutions. Here’s more about pigmentation and your SkinBase solutions…
What does pigmentation mean?
Pigmentation is the colouring of our skin determined by the amount of pigment or ‘melanin’ we have in it. We come in every shade imaginable and our melanin helps protect us from the damaging effects of the sun. Which explains why those with fair skin burn more easily.
What causes hyper or hypo pigmentation?
Illness or injury can trigger changes in the skin’s colour. When the skin changes are darker we call this hyperpigmentation. If skin becomes lighter it is hypopigmentation. Irregular areas in which there are changes to skin colour are much more common than you might think.
Burns – Sun damage or other heat trauma like steam or heat from a hot oven may cause temporary changes to your skin’s pigmentation. It may even result in scar tissue. Medications can also increase your photosensitivity. These can make skin more susceptible to the sun’s rays.
Hormonal Changes, especially during pregnancy, can cause skin colour changes. Melasma, or chloasma, can cause dark patches on the face, often called the “mask of pregnancy.”. Some contraceptive pills can also make skin more susceptible to pigmentation.
Pigmentation and your SkinBase solutions
At SkinBase, we are mostly concerned with hyperpigmentation. SkinBase treatments including microdermabrasion and IPL can help with hyper-pigmentation concerns.
Microdermabrasion
The SkinBase microdermabrasion facial can vastly improve the appearance of facial pigmentation, especially melasma.
A course of Microdermabrasion will remove the outermost layers of the skin each week, stimulating cell renewal. Thus bringing pigmentation to the surface to slough away naturally. The number of treatments needed in a course will vary. The treatment is progressive, so if you continue to see results. Keep going. It can take many treatments but the results are worth it.
During a course of microdermabrasion, it is imperative your protect your skin with a high factor sun cream. The outermost layer of skin provides some sun protection. Thus removing it will leave skin open to the elements.
IPL Photorejuvenation
IPL photorejuvenation treatment is great for stubborn pigmentation. The light pulses target the skin. The body’s own healing processes get to work, sloughing away the pigmented patches. Skin will look smoother and uneven pigmentation and redness reduced.
Sun Protection
Using sun protection and avoiding overexposure to UV is an effective way to avoid the most common pigmentation problems. Avoid sitting in or being out during the hottest part of the day. This is when the sun’s rays are at their most damaging. If you can’t avoid being out during this time, apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Reapply sunscreen often.
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