Pigmentation

Price: By consultation only

SALON TREATMENTS AT ANU THERAPIE FOR PIGMENTATION
course of 6 weekly glycolic peels can improve the pigmentation & is usually a better option for hormonal pigmentation

What considerations should I take into account before commencing treatment?

If you are taking any medications (i.e. dianette, antibiotics etc) that can contribute to pigmentation, there is no point starting a treatment until you come off the medication.

If you are using sunbeds or regularly sunbathing, it would be pointless starting treatment as UV exposure is counter productive to treatment.

Eliminate the cause; the location of the pigmentation may indicate a cause i.e. pigmentation around the eyes can be caused by stress, due to high levels of cortisol in the system. Pigmentation around the lip can be hormonal, maybe from use of the pill or pregnancy. Hormonal pigmentation can be a deeper type & is sometimes more difficult to treat. Pigmentation on the top of the face & hands is usually from sun exposure & is the easiest to treat as its very superficial

You must be prepared to use a daily sunscreen always to prevent it from coming back, because UVA light is the same strength Winter & Summer & is responsible for contributing to it

TREATMENTS FOR PIGMENTATION

Can I tell if I will respond to treatment?

Pigmentation marks may be either superficial (Epidermal) or deep (dermal), unfortunately there is no way of telling which it is. It is possible for salons to treat superficial pigmentationonly. But it may only improve, complete removal is not always possible. Deep pigmentation will not respond to salon treatments, medical intervention with deep peels are the only option, however deep peels do run the risk of removing all pigment in the area & leaving the treated completely white which will never pigmentate again so it can actually make the skin look worse.

What factors in the body contribute to formation of pigmentation?

The skin produces pigment when melanin is produced, Melanin is a protein & there are three main elements that the body requires to produce it (1) Tyrosine, an amino acid. (2) Tyrosinase, an enzyme and (3) Copper

If any of the above 3 products are not present, pigment cannot be produced. Dermalogica brightening system inhibits tyrosinase, reducing pigment production.

What homecare products can help & why?

Dermalogica's Brightening System (Day Bright, Night bright & daily micro exfoliant) contains 11 botanicals, which inhibit the production of the enzyme tyrosinase & copper thus helping prevent pigment from forming. It also contains lactic acid, which exfoliates the damaged pigmented cells, & promoted production of fresh new unpigmented cells. There is also a sunscreen in its day bright to protect from further damage. It is important before applying night bright to use daily microexfoliant beforehand, because it contains salicylic acid to exfoliate & brighten skin, which allows greater penetration of night bright. Night bright only needs to be applied to the affected area.

Are there other products that lighten the skin?

(1) Hydroquinone : 2%-4% hydoquinone has been safely approved by the FDA as a skin lightner. It blocks the action of the enzyme tyrosinase so interferes with melanin production. Long-term use of higher doses can lead to hypo-pigmentation (lack of colour).

Disadvantages Hydroquinone:

1/3 of population allergic to it

May cause ochronosis (bluey/purple tinge to skin)

Can cause contact dermatitis

Could cause skin cancer, due to degenerative effect on cells, with prolonged use

Photosensitivity with prolonged use

Higher doses are banned in all European countries, & most Asian countries.

(2) Azelaic acid: medical grade treatment

This enhances effects of hydroquinone

(3) Hydrocortisone; for treating psoriasis & eczema, this drug has side effects which is loss of skin colour

(4) Retin A: An Acne & anti age treatment, which accelerates skin exfoliation, so can remove damaged superficial pigmentation marks

(5) Kojic Acid: A safe & very effective skin lightner, used in the Bioreve range available at Anu therapie can safely help lighten pigmentation marks.