Hyper pigmentation occurs when pigment is distributed vertically to areas of the skin more than others, resulting in an uneven skin tone. Pigment no longer breaks down and reduces like a normal tan would, leaving a more permanent darkened mark behind. There are several causes and triggers to hyperpigmentation:
Sun damage – UV and IRA rays.
Freckling is the earliest sign of photo sensitivity and an indicator you may be more susceptible to UV damage and even skin cancer. Freckles, sunspots and pigmentation marks caused by sun exposure is an overproduction of melanin as the skin is under attack and stress and it responds to protect itself from sun damage
Hormonal influences – pregnancy and birth control pills.
Pregnancy can cause melasma, also known as chloasma or ‘pregnancy mask’. It is most commonly seen on the face in the form of irregularly shaped dark areas but can also be present on the arms and stomach.
Trauma after a skin injury or active skin disease triggers an inflammatory response that can leave pigmented marks and is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). I see this most commonly among acne sufferers or where the skin has been broken and can occur anywhere on the face and body. Sun exposure can also increase the darkness of these pigmented marks. Pigmentation except PIH is a lifelong skin condition and cannot be cured but once corrected it needs to be maintained to prevent the disease from reoccurring.
To address hyper pigmentation, I first determine what is the root cause and triggers so I can lower the risk of treatment failure.
A dual approach is needed to firstly suppress and regulate the melanocyte cells that produce the pigment and then secondly purge the pigmentation visually present in the skin. This is carried out through medical grade prescriptive skincare which delivers active pigment suppressing and skin stimulating ingredients. To correct and prevent it is to be used twice a day everyday – also known as a bleaching and blending technique.
Once the skin is properly preconditioned professional procedures can then be used to accelerate the purging of existing pigment and brighten the skin tone. My most popular treatment is my quadruplet therapy where I combine four targeted procedures in one, each taking a different approach to pigment formation for the most progressive treatment in the industry.
