SKIN CARE PIGMENTATION: TREATMENT OF SKIN LIGHTENING AND FAIRNESS

PIGMENTATION: TREATMENT OF SKIN LIGHTENING AND FAIRNESS

The Major Problems Around The World Are Based On Three Tiny Particles:

The atom

The ovum

The melanosome

What is Skin Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is the result of abnormal production and deposition of color pigment which is melanin, by the skin color cells, the melanocyte.

What are the causes of increased pigmentation?
Hyper pigmentation may be due to increased melanin deposition in the upper layer of the skin ie: epidermis, or lower layer of the skin ie: dermis.

Epidermal pigmentation responds well to treatment but pigmentation in the deeper layers is relatively difficult to treat and may take a long time to lighten.

Freckles -

These are light brown small flat spots that appear on areas of sun exposed skin such as the cheeks and nose. They are usually present when young and get more with aging. They are generally genetic in origin.

Lentigines(age spots) -

These are brownish discrete pigmentation that occur on the face, arms, legs and other sun exposed skin as a result of chronic sun exposure. They are usually noted first in the 30’s to 40’s and get progressively more with age. Some of them can become slightly thickened with time. These are harmless and are not cancerous. They can be left alone or removed for cosmetic reasons.

Melasma -

It is a very common pigmentary problem affecting the Asian skin. It usually appears as brownish patches over the cheeks, forehead, temples, nose, upper lips, jaw line, as also hands may be affected. It results from the interplay of genetic, hormonal and UV factors. Women are more commonly affected than men. Worsening is often reported after sun exposure, pregnancy, and the use of oral contraceptives.

Under eye dark circles -

May be hereditary, due to stress, eye strain, anemia, atopic and asthmatic tendency, lack of sleep, etc.

Photopigmentation -

Patchy or diffused tanning of the skin due to chronic sun exposure.

Post inflammatory pigmentation -

Due to healing of acne, eczema, post trauma scars etc.

Drug induced pigmentation -

Due to strong fragrance cosmetics.

Lichen amyloidosis -

Birthmarks -

Usually seen at birth or may appear later in life also.

Tattoo -

These are pigments inserted into the skin for decorative purpose. Usually professional tattoos are difficult to remove.

What is the treatment at The Esthetic Clinic for pigmentation problems?
In general,
Avoid use of harsh soaps.
Use a good face wash and body wash.
Use a good sunscreen of spf 30 or more daily twice even if you are indoors.
It is best to follow your dermatologist’s advice to source the cause of your problem and its appropriate solution.

1. Freckles -

These can be reduced and lightened by avoiding sun exposure and with regular use of sunscreens and skin lightening creams. If the creams and sunscreens do not give satisfactory results, they can be safely removed with -

Microdermabrasion - with ultrasonic penetration of skin lightening agents.

Peels - A wide range of peels like glycolic, TCA, pyruvic, arginine, kojic, mandelic, cosmelan    etc. can be used as decided by the doctor.

Radiofulgration

Intense pulse light

Pigment laser treatment


2. Lentigines -

Prevention is with the regular use of broad spectrum sunscreen and sun avoidance. Solar Lentigines may be lightened with bleaching creams or treated with -

Radiofulgration

Light liquid nitrogen treatment

Intense pulse light

Pigment laser treatment


3. Melasma -

This a challenge to treat as recurrence after initial successful treatment is high. It is best controlled with the regular use of broad spectrum sunscreens, sun avoidance and lightening creams. For difficult cases -

Chemical peeling as mentioned for freckles

Cosmelan peel

Obagi peel (available only at very few centres across the world)

Pigment laser therapy may offer additional benefits but the results are variable.


4. Under eye dark circles -

Correction of cause if possible

Spot under eye peels

Ultrasound technology like Acugel

Mesotherapy for stubborn cases

Fractional laser sessions for stubborn cases

Skin tightening by radiofrequency if lax skin is the cause

Topical under eye skin lightening creams and masks

Iron supplements and antioxidants

5. Birth marks -

Pigment laser

6. Tattoo

Sandabrasion

Surgery

Specific tattoo removal laser

	Pretreatment tattoo		After 4 sessions of laser

	Pretreatment		After 3 sessions of pigment laser

	Pretreatment Melasma		After 3 sessions of skin peels

	Pretreatment under eye dark circles		After 3 treatments with acugel package