There are many possible causes of pigmentation disorders, which are marked by changes in melanin, the pigment in the skin.
The short answer is that melanin -- its amount, quality, and distribution -- creates human skin colour. The slightly longer answer is that melanin is produced within melanosomes, organelles located in the cytoplasm of melanocytes (skin cells in the basal layer of your epidermis). The number of melanocytes in human skin is the same in people of all races; in darker-skinned individuals, though, the melanosomes are larger and contain more melanin. Once melanin is produced, melanosomes migrate to the melanocytes' dendrite tips, where they come into contact with keratinocytes, skin cells closer to the surface of the epidermis. The final stage of the pigmentation process, however, wherein melanin is transferred from the melanocytes to keratinocytes, is still poorly understood.
1) Epidermal Melasma is the most common form and is easily treated with a combination of superficial chemical peels, Limelight or Photo Genesis procedures.
2) Dermal Melasma: If the melanin has leached into the dermis, this is known as dermal Melasma. The deeper the pigment is, the more difficult it is to treat. Dermal Melasma is not treated with superficial peels and is best treated with mid-dermal peels such as a Skin Renewal's 3D peel, Cosmelan, Dermamelan or injected mesotherapy with Tranexamic acid to penetrate into the dermis to reach the pigment.
3) Mixed Epidermal-Dermal Melasma: this is a combination of the above and is treated the same way as dermal Melasma.
One should consult with a Skin Renewal Doctor to rule out the possibility of a systemic health disorder or a cancerous lesion that requires medical treatment. Your Skin Renewal Doctor will conduct a physical examination, examining the location, distribution, colour, and appearance of the areas of increased pigmentation. Ask your Skin Renewal Doctor to look at your skin with a Wood's light (a type of black light) which is available at all Skin Renewal clinics - or the Visia Complexion analyser.
Additionally, your Skin Renewal Doctor will assess the history of the condition, which will help determine whether the disorder may be due to a developmentally programmed, congenital, or acquired cause. Your Skin Renewal doctor will also evaluate whether external factors, such as hormones, medications, chemical exposure, or other environmental influences could have contributed to the increased deposition of pigment in the skin. Furthermore, the practitioner will make note of any prior history of pigmentation disorder and its treatment.
Melasma, also known as hormonal pigmentation, is a considerable problem for South African women. It is a chronic skin condition that occurs on the face in the form of brown patches and is a dynamic (active) condition that needs lifelong management. Its incidence is much higher in Asian and darker-skinned individuals than in fair-skinned people.
Pigmentation disorders such as Melasma or Chloasma (which occurs during pregnancy) arise from increased melanin in the lower layers of the skin and increased free melanin in the skin. Hormonal pigmentation is usually brown with a non-distinct border and is usually found symmetrically on the face or jawline. Melasma can appear on the central facial areas such as the cheeks, moustache, and forehead areas. Melasma affects both men and women, though it is more frequent in women (up to 30% may be affected) and usually starts to appear from the age of 28 years onwards.
Make an appointment to consult with your Skin Renewal Doctor at your most convenient located Skin Renewal clinic and he or she will assist you in determining your risk factors for pigmentation and how best to prevent any problems or conditions that you may be susceptible to.
The initial medical consultation at Skin Renewal will be approximately 30 minutes. And if you think you're unaffected by this condition ask your Skin Renewal doctor to look at your skin with a Wood's light (a type of black light) which is available at all Skin Renewal clinics - or the Visia Complexion analyser. Our patients are always shocked by the as-yet-invisible dark spots that these lamps reveal. The Skin Renewal doctor will decide on a treatment plan depending on:
Many all-natural, topical skin-lightening agents have been found to be quite beneficial in lightening hyperpigmented areas of the skin. These include alpha arbutin, as well as kojic acid, azelaic acid and nicotinamide.
Topical applications of natural, fruit-derived alpha-hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, have been extremely beneficial in combination with the aforementioned bleaching agents. For enhanced results, these products should be used in conjunction with exfoliation treatments such as peels.
1. Lamelle's Luminesce, is an advanced pigmentation program which addresses hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin at several points in its production, as opposed to just one point as with other treatments. Luminesce uses ground-breaking peptide technology (Oligopeptide 34) for treating pigmentation.
2. Brighter Concentrate by Lamelle has Oligopeptide 34 plus 3 new pigmentation peptides added to the formula which offers excellent results in combating epidermal and postinflammatory hyper- pigmentation (PIH). An added benefit is that the combination of peptides used in the range offers anti-ageing benefits to the skin as they stimulate collagen producing cells. By adding the supplement Ovelle or Heliocare, the Melasma will be reduced further by 37% within 4 to 6 weeks of use.
3. Lumixyl Brightening System is a revolutionary multi-faceted system that dramatically improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation tolerable and without the side effects associated with prescription Hydroquinone or retinoids. An innovation in skin brightening technology, Lumixyl Brightening System uses a decapeptide to target existing hyperpigmentation and to prevent its recurrence. Lumixyl products are proven to be powerful but gentle on skin. Lumixyl is ideal for all skin types, and also has a specific eye area treatment.
The following is a list of skin care ingredients to USE if you have Melasma: Arbutin, bearberry, cucumber extract, hydroquinone, kojic acid, licorise extract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, mulberry extract, niacinamide, retinol, resorcinol, beta hydroxyl acid, vitamin c, and oligopeptide 34.
The following is a list of skin care ingredients to AVOID due to worsening Melasma pigmentation and dark spots: Oestradiol, oestrogen, genistein, black cohosh, chaste berry, hops, red clover, soy, and wild yams.
MSM is a powerful activator of the powerful anti-oxidant Glutathione. MSM may facilitate the breakup of pigmentation in the skin / dermis as it a natural detoxifier. MSM contains sulphur which is necessary for the production of new cells and plays an essential part in the synthesis of collagen and keratin, vital protein substances that are needed to make and maintain hair, nails and skin. Hair and nails grow faster and stronger with good levels of sulphur. This compound is also responsible for the flexible bonds between cells and helps to block the cross-linking of collagen, an effect responsible for the appearance of wrinkles and ageing skin.
Sulphur helps the body to form keratin, the protein that makes up the main part of the outermost layers of your hair and nails. It is a tough, fibrous protein that is very resilient to the effects of damaging chemicals and other harmful agents. Each strand of hair has its own keratin supply, which is stored in the root. Sulphur is also contained in biotin, a B vitamin that is essential for shiny hair and strong nails. You may be interested to know that the natural inclination of hair to be straight or curly is maintained in part by the sulphur amino acids. MSM benefits dry scalp and hair and improves nail growth and benefits your cuticles and nails.
Acne, including rosacea has been shown to respond favourably to MSM in studies, sulphur has also been found to enhance wound repair. MSM acts to keep the skin's cells and the tissue soft. Keeping the skin soft ensures that it remains elastic enough to allow stretching and movement without damage. Smooth, flexible skin is less prone to wrinkles and dry flakiness. It even helps stretch marks. MSM benefits the skin and internal organs.
A perfect antidote to dull, pigmented skin in the winter months is one of Skin Renewal's signature facial: the Brightening mesoglow facial with transdermal brightening agents. This pampering facial is a four-in-one treatment and is exciting everyone who tries it out as it is versatile, suits everyone and leaves skin tighter, and looking brighter, younger and fresher.
1) The most common localised pigmentation disorder affecting the skin is ephelides, more commonly known as freckles. Freckles appear as flat brown pigmentation in sun-exposed areas, usually on the face. They are much more common in fair-skinned individuals, and a propensity to have freckles is an inheritable condition. The degree of pigmentation in the skin changes according to the amount of ultraviolet light exposure so that freckles usually darken in the summer and lighten in the winter.
2) Another very common skin disorder is known Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation, or PIH. The underlying mechanism is unclear but may involve inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. While the causes and clinical presentation of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can vary, they are usually secondary to a traumatic incident to the affected area of the skin such as acne, dermatitis, eczema or any form of inflammation of the skin. Sun exposure can worsen this condition. Topical therapies and treatments as mentioned above in combination with sunblock may help this condition.
3) Solar lentigos / sun spots appear as brown lesions (about 1 centimeter in diameter), typically on the face and hands. Both acute and chronic UV exposure can cause lentigos. While they rarely appear with patients under fifty, they are not caused by age, sun-protected skin is not affected, even in elderly patients. Solar lentigos are completely preventable with sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use. Finally, whether solar lentigos are treated or untreated, patients should undergo routine skin exams, as they may be at greater risk for skin cancer.
There are many possible causes of pigmentation disorders, which are marked by changes in melanin, the pigment in the skin.
The short answer is that melanin -- its amount, quality, and distribution -- creates human skin colour. The slightly longer answer is that melanin is produced within melanosomes, organelles located in the cytoplasm of melanocytes (skin cells in the basal layer of your epidermis). The number of melanocytes in human skin is the same in people of all races; in darker-skinned individuals, though, the melanosomes are larger and contain more melanin. Once melanin is produced, melanosomes migrate to the melanocytes' dendrite tips, where they come into contact with keratinocytes, skin cells closer to the surface of the epidermis. The final stage of the pigmentation process, however, wherein melanin is transferred from the melanocytes to keratinocytes, is still poorly understood.
1) Epidermal Melasma is the most common form and is easily treated with a combination of superficial chemical peels, Limelight or Photo Genesis procedures.
2) Dermal Melasma: If the melanin has leached into the dermis, this is known as dermal Melasma. The deeper the pigment is, the more difficult it is to treat. Dermal Melasma is not treated with superficial peels and is best treated with mid-dermal peels such as a Skin Renewal's 3D peel, Cosmelan, Dermamelan or injected mesotherapy with Tranexamic acid to penetrate into the dermis to reach the pigment.
3) Mixed Epidermal-Dermal Melasma: this is a combination of the above and is treated the same way as dermal Melasma.
One should consult with a Skin Renewal Doctor to rule out the possibility of a systemic health disorder or a cancerous lesion that requires medical treatment. Your Skin Renewal Doctor will conduct a physical examination, examining the location, distribution, colour, and appearance of the areas of increased pigmentation. Ask your Skin Renewal Doctor to look at your skin with a Wood's light (a type of black light) which is available at all Skin Renewal clinics - or the Visia Complexion analyser.
Additionally, your Skin Renewal Doctor will assess the history of the condition, which will help determine whether the disorder may be due to a developmentally programmed, congenital, or acquired cause. Your Skin Renewal doctor will also evaluate whether external factors, such as hormones, medications, chemical exposure, or other environmental influences could have contributed to the increased deposition of pigment in the skin. Furthermore, the practitioner will make note of any prior history of pigmentation disorder and its treatment.
Melasma, also known as hormonal pigmentation, is a considerable problem for South African women. It is a chronic skin condition that occurs on the face in the form of brown patches and is a dynamic (active) condition that needs lifelong management. Its incidence is much higher in Asian and darker-skinned individuals than in fair-skinned people.
Pigmentation disorders such as Melasma or Chloasma (which occurs during pregnancy) arise from increased melanin in the lower layers of the skin and increased free melanin in the skin. Hormonal pigmentation is usually brown with a non-distinct border and is usually found symmetrically on the face or jawline. Melasma can appear on the central facial areas such as the cheeks, moustache, and forehead areas. Melasma affects both men and women, though it is more frequent in women (up to 30% may be affected) and usually starts to appear from the age of 28 years onwards.
Make an appointment to consult with your Skin Renewal Doctor at your most convenient located Skin Renewal clinic and he or she will assist you in determining your risk factors for pigmentation and how best to prevent any problems or conditions that you may be susceptible to.
The initial medical consultation at Skin Renewal will be approximately 30 minutes. And if you think you're unaffected by this condition ask your Skin Renewal doctor to look at your skin with a Wood's light (a type of black light) which is available at all Skin Renewal clinics - or the Visia Complexion analyser. Our patients are always shocked by the as-yet-invisible dark spots that these lamps reveal. The Skin Renewal doctor will decide on a treatment plan depending on:
Many all-natural, topical skin-lightening agents have been found to be quite beneficial in lightening hyperpigmented areas of the skin. These include alpha arbutin, as well as kojic acid, azelaic acid and nicotinamide.
Topical applications of natural, fruit-derived alpha-hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, have been extremely beneficial in combination with the aforementioned bleaching agents. For enhanced results, these products should be used in conjunction with exfoliation treatments such as peels.
1. Lamelle's Luminesce, is an advanced pigmentation program which addresses hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin at several points in its production, as opposed to just one point as with other treatments. Luminesce uses ground-breaking peptide technology (Oligopeptide 34) for treating pigmentation.
2. Brighter Concentrate by Lamelle has Oligopeptide 34 plus 3 new pigmentation peptides added to the formula which offers excellent results in combating epidermal and postinflammatory hyper- pigmentation (PIH). An added benefit is that the combination of peptides used in the range offers anti-ageing benefits to the skin as they stimulate collagen producing cells. By adding the supplement Ovelle or Heliocare, the Melasma will be reduced further by 37% within 4 to 6 weeks of use.
3. Lumixyl Brightening System is a revolutionary multi-faceted system that dramatically improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation tolerable and without the side effects associated with prescription Hydroquinone or retinoids. An innovation in skin brightening technology, Lumixyl Brightening System uses a decapeptide to target existing hyperpigmentation and to prevent its recurrence. Lumixyl products are proven to be powerful but gentle on skin. Lumixyl is ideal for all skin types, and also has a specific eye area treatment.
The following is a list of skin care ingredients to USE if you have Melasma: Arbutin, bearberry, cucumber extract, hydroquinone, kojic acid, licorise extract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, mulberry extract, niacinamide, retinol, resorcinol, beta hydroxyl acid, vitamin c, and oligopeptide 34.
The following is a list of skin care ingredients to AVOID due to worsening Melasma pigmentation and dark spots: Oestradiol, oestrogen, genistein, black cohosh, chaste berry, hops, red clover, soy, and wild yams.
MSM is a powerful activator of the powerful anti-oxidant Glutathione. MSM may facilitate the breakup of pigmentation in the skin / dermis as it a natural detoxifier. MSM contains sulphur which is necessary for the production of new cells and plays an essential part in the synthesis of collagen and keratin, vital protein substances that are needed to make and maintain hair, nails and skin. Hair and nails grow faster and stronger with good levels of sulphur. This compound is also responsible for the flexible bonds between cells and helps to block the cross-linking of collagen, an effect responsible for the appearance of wrinkles and ageing skin.
Sulphur helps the body to form keratin, the protein that makes up the main part of the outermost layers of your hair and nails. It is a tough, fibrous protein that is very resilient to the effects of damaging chemicals and other harmful agents. Each strand of hair has its own keratin supply, which is stored in the root. Sulphur is also contained in biotin, a B vitamin that is essential for shiny hair and strong nails. You may be interested to know that the natural inclination of hair to be straight or curly is maintained in part by the sulphur amino acids. MSM benefits dry scalp and hair and improves nail growth and benefits your cuticles and nails.
Acne, including rosacea has been shown to respond favourably to MSM in studies, sulphur has also been found to enhance wound repair. MSM acts to keep the skin's cells and the tissue soft. Keeping the skin soft ensures that it remains elastic enough to allow stretching and movement without damage. Smooth, flexible skin is less prone to wrinkles and dry flakiness. It even helps stretch marks. MSM benefits the skin and internal organs.
A perfect antidote to dull, pigmented skin in the winter months is one of Skin Renewal's signature facial: the Brightening mesoglow facial with transdermal brightening agents. This pampering facial is a four-in-one treatment and is exciting everyone who tries it out as it is versatile, suits everyone and leaves skin tighter, and looking brighter, younger and fresher.
1) The most common localised pigmentation disorder affecting the skin is ephelides, more commonly known as freckles. Freckles appear as flat brown pigmentation in sun-exposed areas, usually on the face. They are much more common in fair-skinned individuals, and a propensity to have freckles is an inheritable condition. The degree of pigmentation in the skin changes according to the amount of ultraviolet light exposure so that freckles usually darken in the summer and lighten in the winter.
2) Another very common skin disorder is known Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation, or PIH. The underlying mechanism is unclear but may involve inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. While the causes and clinical presentation of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can vary, they are usually secondary to a traumatic incident to the affected area of the skin such as acne, dermatitis, eczema or any form of inflammation of the skin. Sun exposure can worsen this condition. Topical therapies and treatments as mentioned above in combination with sunblock may help this condition.
3) Solar lentigos / sun spots appear as brown lesions (about 1 centimeter in diameter), typically on the face and hands. Both acute and chronic UV exposure can cause lentigos. While they rarely appear with patients under fifty, they are not caused by age, sun-protected skin is not affected, even in elderly patients. Solar lentigos are completely preventable with sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use. Finally, whether solar lentigos are treated or untreated, patients should undergo routine skin exams, as they may be at greater risk for skin cancer.
