Keep scrolling to read.<\/p>\n What are the main causes of pigmentation?<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Jeremy:<\/strong>\u00a0The number one cause of pigmentation is excess UV exposure (sunlight) to the skin. Pigment is created by skin cells called \u201cmelanocytes\u201d whose function is to produce a UV protective pigment called\u00a0melanin. Melanocyte\u00a0activity is greatly increased when the skin is exposed to excess light energy. The melanin produced is carried by tiny blood vessels in the \u201clive\u201c skin layer (the dermis) and deposited in the layer of skin called the stratum basale\u00a0at the junction of the dermis and outer layers of \u201c dead\u201d skin cells (called\u00a0the epidermis).<\/p>\n Other factors that can cause increase melanin production include inflammation, infection and hormonal factors. Hormonally induced hyperpigmentation called\u00a0melasma\u00a0is common in pregnancy and in 15-25% of women taking the oral contraceptive pill.<\/p>\n Age spots or sun spots are almost entirely due to skin damage from too much UV exposure and always occur on frequently exposed areas: the hands, face, d\u00e9collet\u00e9, arms and shoulders. As the skin ages, melanocytes decrease but the ones that remain become more active and they clump into patches, hence the development of \u201cage spots\u201d.<\/p>\n Hyperpigmentation can also be exacerbated by medical conditions (auto-immune\/ gastrointestinal disorders etc) and antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and anti-epileptic medication. The cause of this is usually that the disease of medication makes the skin more susceptible to UV damage.<\/p>\n The take home message is USE SUNBLOCK 2- 3 x A DAY. And make it a good one (Ultra Violette is hard to beat, in my opinion).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n What can we do to manage it via our skincare routines? What ingredients and products actually work?<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Jeremy:<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Use a reputable and safe sunblock 2-3 times a day. I recommend Ultra Violette and La-Roche Posay.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Improve sunblock function by using a vitamin B serum followed by a Vitamin C serum BEFORE you put on sunblock. The B serum reduces skin inflammation (a cause of hyperpigmentation) and the C serum assists in reducing oxidative stress on the skin (reduce physical signs of ageing)<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If you are not planning on falling pregnant, use a Vvtamin A (Retinol) serum or cream at night at least once weekly followed by a good vitamin B serum. I recommend Elixalife\u2019s \u201cHydration B\u201d serum.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Use a compounded tyrosinase inhibitor cream with a combination of kojic and azelaic acid.<\/p>\n Let’s talk about in-clinic and professional treatments. What’s available to target and treat pigmentation in all its forms?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Jeremy: <\/strong>Theres a few! I’ll list them here:<\/p>\n Topical treatments<\/span><\/p>\n These can be compounded by a chemist using a script ordered by your cosmetic doctor. They should include ingredients like Retin A, kojic acid and other tyrosinase inhibitors because they assist skin turn over, lift the pigment trapped at the stratum basale layer whilst suppressing melanin production. Personally, I use a number of agents \u2013 beta-arbutin, l-ascorbic acid, azelaic acid depending on the degree of hyper-pigmentation<\/p>\n And FYI, tyrosinase is a multi-copper enzyme that plays a role limiting role in melanin production. Less tyrosine = less melanin basically (hence the need for compounds that inhibit tyrosinase action in the skin).<\/p>\n Glutathione infusions<\/span><\/p>\n This is a treatment that’s long been used by Asian women, and it can have incredible results. An IV infusion of 1G of glutathione weekly can be used to help treat excess pigmentation, but should be part of a multi-pronged approach.<\/p>\n Laser Treatment: Green Light Laser<\/span><\/p>\n Use of a 532 nm vascular laser can be useful in reducing visible pigment- This is the wavelength of green light and this particular wavelength heats up blood cells in tiny vessels close to skin and basically blasts them away when used appropriately- this reduces redness and brown spots<\/p>\n LASER TREATMENT: FRAXEL THULIUM LASER\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Using a 1927 nm, Fraxel Thulium laser (sometimes called Fraxel Dual due to the fact it utilises two different wavelengths) is one of the most effective ways to reduce pigment. The Fraxel Thulium laser is also amazing because it has the clinically proven ability to remove up to 60% of potentially pre-cancerous lesions with a single treatment. Downtime is 3-5 days but skin looks clearer, with better tone and texture and is clinically healthier.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/GettyImages-1207959832.jpg\")
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