Spots Be Gone
Nowadays, skin lightning is just another common way of keeping that youthful glow and reducing the look of dark spots and freckles that can plague an otherwise clear complexion. This summer protect from UV over exposure and prevent these brown spots from developing or worsening. If you are battling this condition now your first steps in combating hyper-pigmentation (brown spots) is curbing the activity of the hyperactive melanocytes -your pigment producing cells in the skin. Topical skin brighteners that inhibit the melanin-stimulating enzyme tyrosinase can effectively limit over production and keep the condition from worsening. Reconsider skin lightning ingredient Hydroquinone (HQ) The industries most popular brightener has many adverse side effects including rebound pigmentation, liver, renal, and bone marrow toxicity has been reported and poses a cancer risk in high doses. Other problems that can occur is permanent staining to the skin a condition known as ochronosis, where bluish-black pigment is formed. In August of 2006 the FDA- proposed a ban on over-the-counter sales of this skin lightener. HQ has been banned in almost every country but the United States.
With all the products on the market targeted to "brighten" the skin consumers are misinformed. They don't understand product lines containing hydroquinone should be used for a short period of time then stopped or not used at all. It will only help to eliminate symptoms, but not resolve the prolonged condition. With all the adverse reactions and side effects natural ingredients often make the best and more sensible skin lightning agents. They pose little risk of irritation safe to use and will treat this condition effectively for the long term.
Getting To The Source of Hyper-Pigmentation
Post-Inflammatory: Easiest to treat.
Photo-damage: Ultra Violet Radiation =Free Radicals=Melanin Protection Response. Bunching in areas of recurrent trauma. (can be treated)
Hormone Association: Due to Pregnancy or birth control related needs chronic tyrosinase inhibition. Most "masks of pregnancy" go away within three months of delivery.
Melasma: Can be difficult to treat.
After the source is determined and pigment production is under control, resurfacing can begin to speed fading of pigmented areas and return the skin to it's original tone. The next step is to draw the pigment up and out. Non-Traumatic Corrective Peels & Vitamin A resurfacing treatments can accelerate cell turnover and renewal to "lift" away discoloration over time "pushing" affected skin cells to the surface where they are eventually shed. The result is smoother, denser and more hydrated even skin.
Finally, staying sun safe is just as important. Hyper-pigmented skin is extremely vulnerable and sun-sensitive and can easily be exacerbated by UV exposure. Antioxidants can also assist and reduce the free radical load and melanocyte activity. Stay away from anything that reduces anti-oxidant activity such as steroids (Retina-A for example is in a steroidal base).
Until next time cheers to beautiful healthy skin that goes beyond skin deep!
Claudia