What every woman should know about hyper-pigmentation.
If you are troubled by your pigments, you are not alone. Skin pigmentation maybe in the form of freckles, melasma (sun spot/age spot) or post-acne pigmentation.
As cells have memories, pigmenatation is one of the most difficult to completely remove skin problems for both dermatologists and beauticians.
WHY Pigmentation?
Our skin is made of 3 main layers. Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis. At the base of the epidermis, melanocytes resembling star-shaped cells interspersed amongst keratinocytes. When UV rays triggered the formation of melanin in the melanocytes, it gets transported as melanosomes through its dendrites to the keratinocytes (nearer to the skin surface) to protect our DNA from being destroyed by the sun.
Whilst a ‘tan’ is meant to protect the DNA from being damaged by UV, over-exposure to the sun cause the skin to be sensitive and overly-produce melanin continuously.
HOW to prevent or treat pigmentation?
- Prevention is better than cure. Avoid sun exposure from 10am-4pm
- Start sunscreen as part of pigmentation treatment skincare routine very early in life
- Wear caps, hats, masks, long suits for gofers, sea sports lovers’ and tennis players
- Use Vitamin C rich products only at night as it is photosensitive and will attract UV to the skin
- If you use Vitamin A rich products, be mindful it will cause irritation in the beginning and it shows results only after around 12 weeks.
- If you go for laser treatment, please avoid sun exposure for at least 1 month as the epidermal layer is very thin. and UV can further destroy your skin cells including DNA
- Do not start any laser or chemical peel treatments unless you are ready to avoid the sun.
- To lighten the existing pigments, suggest to try Guinot Hydra Peel Brightening Facial and use its Guinot Newhite Range of serums, cream and sunscreen
Vitamin C is the gold standard for Anti-pigmentation
How does it work? It interacts with copper ions at the tyrosinase-active stie and inhibits action of the enyzme tyrosinase, thereby decreasing the melanin formation. However, Vitamin C is an unstable compound. It is therefore often combined with other agents such as soy and liquorice for better depigmenting effects.
Vitamin A is the ‘new black’ for Anti-pigmentation
Vitamin A is often the presribed formula for smoothening deep acne scars and stubborn pigments including hormonal pigmenation. All the R creams (from Retinoid, Retinoic Acid works the same way). In the prescription formula, doctors dish out the real thing, Retinoic Acid of different strength. In non-prescription alternatives, it need to be converted into Retinoic Acid by the skin at the cellular level.
Retinoic Acid often cause skin irritation and it is part of the process. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the cells to adatpt to the Retinoic Acid. Skin may appear flushed, drier and peeling. But if the strength of the Vitamin A is appropriate and the applied on alternate nights or once in a week, it indeed can keep the skin looking glowly and youthful. Vitamin A indeed boost the production of Collagen just like Vitamin C.
Hope you’ve enjoyed reading our blog. We look forward to creating more content on skin health for your reading pleasure.
