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What a beauty therapist wants you know about hyperpigmentation

rosabodysense

Two women with hyperpigmentation on their face

If you suffer from dark spots, freckles or so-called ‘age spots’, you’ve probably heard of the word pigmentation. Or at least Googled what it is and, in some cases, how to get rid of it. 


For the most part, hyperpigmentation — which is the catch-all term for conditions that cause patches of skin to become darker than others — is generally harmless. However, some prefer to remove the discolouration for cosmetic reasons. 


“And that’s where I’m here to lend a helping hand,” beauty therapist Rosa Scialo, founder of BodySense Beauty Treatments, says. “Hyperpigmentation can have a real impact on some people’s self-esteem, confidence and quality of life, but I bring good news! If you’re hoping to remove dark spots from your face, there are a number of products, in-clinic treatments and home-treatment plans that can help this common skin condition. But it’s all about finding the best hyperpigmentation treatment for each individual.”


But first, what is pigmentation?


Pigmentation means colouring. Along with your hair and eyes, the pigmentation (colour) of your skin is determined by how much melanin you have. 


Melanin is also the natural substance in your body that provides pigmentation to your hair and eyes. Those with darker skin tones, hair and eyes have higher concentrations of melanin. While those with fairer features have less. 


But melanin serves another purpose. The substance is your body’s first defence against the sun. It absorbs harmful UV rays in a bid to protect your cells from sun damage.


“Exposure to sunlight increases the melanin production in everyone,” Rosa explains. “That’s why your skin tans when you sit in the sun. And it’s all down to the special group of cells, called melanocytes, which manufacture melanin and deposit the substance in your epidermal cells, which make up your epidermis — the outermost layer of your skin.  If we tan too quickly and burn, that’s because melanin hasn’t had a chance to rise.”  


So what is hyperpigmentation and how does it occur?


Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term that refers to patches of skin that are darker than others. 


The condition occurs when skin cells produce too much melanin. And this can happen for a number of reasons, including: 

  • Sun exposure — according to Harvard Health, this is the main cause of hyperpigmentation. 

  • Genetics — this includes the likes of some freckles. 

  • Skin injury — often referred to as Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), this type of hyperpigmentation can be caused by acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, cuts, scrapes, surgical incisions, burns, insect bites and certain skin treatments that have been incorrectly performed.

  • Photosensitive medication — some medicines contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity. For example, one research study found that in a group of 212 patients each taking an oral contraceptive agent, melasma (a harmless skin condition that causes brown or grey patches on the skin) developed in 29% as a ‘direct result of the drug’.

  • Hormonal changes — which might happen during puberty and pregnancy, for example.

  • Autoimmune conditions — this includes Addison’s disease and Lupus. 


How to get rid of hyperpigmentation 


“Hyperpigmentation can be stubborn to remove,” Rosa explains. “Depending on each person and their skin, dark spots can take weeks, months and, in some cases, years to fade. Which is why prevention, like wearing sunscreen with a high level of  SPF, is better than a cure.”


However, aside from wearing SPF, day in, day out, under the right supervision and in the right hands there are a number of safe and effective in-clinic treatments and products that can help tackle dark spots and discolouration. This includes:


  1. Retinol — a form of vitamin A, this ingredient is used to treat acne, reduce signs of ageing and it has been proven to help lighten dark spots over time. 

  2. Niacinamide — one clinical study found that this form of vitamin B3 could ‘significantly decrease’ hyperpigmentation after four weeks of use. 

  3. Vitamin C — this antioxidant protects your skin from free radicals and it can reduce the appearance of dark spots. 

  4. Azelaic acid — often used for acne breakouts, post-acne scarring and melasma, azelaic acid is known for treat all types of hyperpigmentation including PIH. 

  5. Chemical peels — Peels gently exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production. This reduces the appearance of dark spots by removing the top layer of skin, which reveals healthier, smoother skin underneath.

  6. LED — LED phototherapy stimulates cell renewal and collagen production. It can resolve proven skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. It can also accelerate skin healing, reduce pigmentation and create a more even skin tone. 

  7. Microneedling — This treatment triggers the body’s natural healing response stimulating production of collagen and elastin so skin returns to a healthier, more radiant youthful appearance.

  8. ALLSKIN | MED Pigment Control Plan — This is a three step at-home skincare regime to manage pigmentation following any treatment.


However before deciding on what solution will work best, it’s important to do your research and find a professional who  you can trust. “Our skin is as unique as our fingerprints,” Rosa says. “So what might be safe and effective for one person, might not be the same for the next. It’s why we bespoke each of our treatments at BodySense.” 


The bottom line? 


If hyperpigmentation is something you’re conscious of, have a consultation with beauty therapist Rosa to assess the best treatment for you and your skin. 


Rosa has more than 35 years’ experience in the beauty industry and has helped many clients say goodbye to all types of hyperpigmentation. 


Just take a look at our before and after page if you don’t believe us.


To find out more information, give Rosa a ring on 07719 568651 or drop her an email on rosa.bodysense@btinternet.com


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