Hyperpigmentation and How to Treat It
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin caused by an increase in melanin in skin cells. It is a darkening of the skin caused by an increase in melanin, which causes pigmentation. It is an unusual darkening of an area or areas of the skin caused by excess melanin production.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun damage (chloasma, melasma, freckles), inflammation, or other skin injuries, including those related to acne vulgaris.
Sun Damage
Sun damage can cause a prematurely aged appearance. Sun damage, also identified as photo damage, refers to how the sun alters the look and feel of the skin. Sun damage or Photo-aging of the skin is a direct result of UVA and UVB light exposure.
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that is brought about by oil glands disorder that results in blocked pores and occurrence of pimples. The dark spots that persist in the location where an acne pimple used to be are caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common condition in which the skin darkens because of an overproduction of melanin in reaction to inflammation.
Treatment for Hyperpigmentation
Treatment of hyperpigmentation may include hydroquinone, kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, ascorbic acid, tretinoin (Retinol), and or laser treatments. All of these treatments will ultimately fail if the affected area is exposed to the sun without adequate UVA/UVB protection.
Skin Lightening or Bleaching Products
Hydroquinone is a widely used treatment for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone works by blocking the enzyme responsible for melanin production, thereby lightening the skin. Kojic acid is a natural product made during the fermentation process of the Japanese rice wine sake. Kojic acid works as a skin lightener by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which triggers the production of melanin.
Recommended Products:
Obagi Nu-Derm Clear is a topical prescription strength treatment that includes 4% hydroquinone to correct hyperpigmentation and improve and even skin tone.
Obagi-C Rx System C-Clarifying Serum is the first and only 4% hydroquinone + vitamin C serum with L-ascorbic acid vitamin C. Penetrates the dermal layers to reduce melanosome activity while promoting more even skin tone and providing potent antioxidant therapy.
Kinerase PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System is a revolutionary 3-step topical skincare system that replicates the benefits of an in-office dermatologist photofacial procedure at home. A clinical study showed that 89% of women had noticeable improvement of sun damage in just 4 weeks.
Skin Exfoliating Products
There are many very effective exfoliating products on the market today. Many use a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid), vitamin A (Retinol), vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), and other ingredients to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliants are available in cleansers, creams, and gels, they not only helps improve hyperpigmentation, but also leaves your skin smooth and soft.
Recommended Products:
SkinMedica Retinol Complex has three forms of vitamin A in a microparticle delivery system enhance skin texture through exfoliation and skin regeneration with minimal irritation.
Obagi-C Rx System C-Exfoliating Day Lotion exfoliates the top layer of the skin to enhance penetration of active ingredients. Brightens and smoothes skin. Antioxidant activity neutralizes free radicals and prevents future damage.
Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte is an alpha-hydroxy acid (6% glycolic acid, 4% lactic acid) that removes old skin cells while promoting new skin cells for a lighter, brighter, firmer complexion for skin that needs deeper exfoliation.
Protect The Skin Your In
Remember, all treatments will ultimately fail if the affected area is exposed to the sun without adequate UVA/UVB protection. Always use a broad-spectrum (protecting from both UVA and UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater to protect uncovered skin, the higher the better. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a laboratory measure scientists developed to measure the time it takes skin to burn under UV exposure. Despite evidence that sun damage starts from childhood and builds up over time, many people, especially adolescents, still practice unsafe sun protection. Sun protection is the most important step you can take to promote and maintain healthy, young looking skin.
Recommended Products:
Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 is a sunscreen with 10.5% Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate. Combines high UVB absorption and dynamic UVA blockage in an elegant, matte finish. Non-whitening, PABA-free, and fragrance-free for all skin types.
Obagi-C Rx System C-SunGuard SPF 30 is a sunscreen with 9% micronized zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate that helps to protect newly transformed, younger looking skin. Prevents premature aging from UVA/ UVB radiation. Protects skin radiance.
For more information on hyperpigmentation and how to treat it or the Obagi skin care products recommended in this article, please visit www.SkincareImports.com
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