Pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is probably the number one skin concern of many South African’s today. It affects all skin types But, with this skin condition, there is no quick fix or easy answers. The reason for this is that there exists more than one type of pigmentation, each one influenced and caused by many factors.

In this blog, I aim to educate you about some major types of pigmentation and provide you with realistic and honest advice on how to achieve true, long lasting results. I am writing this from my own personal experience as this is my major skin priority and one that I have spent many years trying to understand. I am happy to report that I have seen the most remarkable results using QMS for my pigmentation!

The most honest advice I can give anyone today is that pigmentation is manageable but not curable. Although you will most likely not get rid of your problem 100%, the good news is that pigmentation is treatable, and with the right advice in homecare, professional treatments and – very importantly – lifestyle choices, you will see successful results long term.

Figuring out your major form of pigmentation

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Simply put, this is a darkening of the skin following inflammation or trauma. Skin’s with a naturally darker pigment might find that after an acne breakout, (you know, those annoying pimples caused by stress or hormones), often leave a pigmented scar after healing has occurred. The skin is a protective organ. If it has experienced trauma and it knows that it has strength in its pigment, it will activate the melanocytes and melanin synthesis will be increased. Combine this with the sunny South African weather and what you get is pigmentation.

Another example is the development of pigmentation in men who shave regularly. If the shaving is aggressive or any irritation is experienced afterwards, he may develop pigmentation.

Also, take caution if you have a darker skin when you consider active aesthetic treatments such as laser and peels. Your post treatment care is where the success lies. Less is more. Protection and repair with high quality topical anti-inflammatories are extremely important as this will prevent inflammations turn into pigmentation.

If this is your major type of pigmentation, look at Collagen Intravital Plus. Boost your skin’s immunity with anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and multiple vitamins and minerals. Drink 2 capsules daily and target both inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Active Exfoliant Resurfacing Fluid 7% is a gentle AHA peeling that will help you on so many levels. It is a must-have for all forms of pigmentation.
Sun damage and sun spots

Fair skins in South Africa are most at risk for developing sun spots – also known as age spots. Progressive development often occurs over the age of 40. But we tend to see this at a younger age in our country.

Clients who develop these spots will often comment and say: “but I am never outdoors and I always use a sunscreen”. The truth is continuous exposure to UV rays throughout life causes damage to our skin’s memory – the cellular DNA. And, most of us have had sun burn at some point in our lives. Your skin remembers this in its DNA.

When we are young, we have all the necessary enzymes and repair processes in our skins that can counteract the UV damage. But, as you age, these processes are negatively affected, and skin damage appear.

If this is your major form of pigmentation, use Cellular Sun Shield SPF50++++. Not only is this a superior protection against the full light spectrum, but it contains a DNA repair enzyme to boost your skin’s defence mechanisms against UV rays. It will even out pigmentation and boost the skin’s immune system.

Epigen Daily Detox Serum which incorporates latest scientific research into epigenetics and how the environment affects our DNA, can effectively strengthen the skin against environmental factors and target deep seated sun damage.
Hormonal pigmentation

This is almost always the trickiest form of pigmentation to treat as the major culprit is from hormonal origin.

All women are subject to develop hormonal pigmentation during pregnancy and with the use of contraceptive medication. It is true that some are more prone to developing this while others will not. The hormones influence the skin by making it more sensitive to UV rays. Once exposed to UV rays, the melanocytes are activated to produce increased amounts of melanin. Unfortunately, in an uneven and irregular fashion. If possible, stop or change the form of contraception. And in the case where this is not possible, the focus needs to be on strengthening and protecting the skin.

I would recommend a product containing tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that activates the melanocyte to produce melanin when exposed to UV rays. A tyrosinase inhibitor will intercept this process and thereby reducing the synthesis of melanin, improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Even Tone Serum contains highly concentrated tyrosinase inhibitors that at the same time, strengthen the skin’s protective functions.

Use the Cellular Sun Shield SPF50++++ as this too increase the skin’s immune system and contributes to even pigment production. And lastly, Collagen Intravital Plus will prevent the pigmentation from settling in the deep layers while also complimenting any topical treatment.

What do I need to do to achieve real results?

If hyperpigmentation is your major skin concern, and you want to see long term results that last, there are two very important points I would like to highlight. These factors will play a role no matter what you choose to treat your pigmentation with. It is because the skin condition that is hyperpigmentation requires this, not the ingredients or the brands, but the skin itself. They are:

Commitment

This means accepting personal responsibility to do what is necessary to achieve these results. You need to commit to this for the long run. This means also accepting that quick fixes are out of the question. And if you are in this for the long haul, you will have to look at committing to the lifestyle choices that only you can make too. A few examples that come to mind: Committing to use the home care products, every day; Arriving for your professional treatments; Not spending time outdoors without sun protection; Looking at factors that affect your skin in general; and sticking to your routine by being disciplined.

As a professional skin care advisor, I can tell you what to do, I can do your treatments successfully however, only you can ensure that consistency takes priority. Only you have the power in making informed decisions in your every-day life. You might be spending the money and expecting results, but only with consistency and comprehensive focus will one achieve the desired results.
Investment

Treating pigmentation is a long-term investment. There is no way around this fact. This is relevant no matter what treatment choice you go for; or what brand you select to use. You will be required to invest in highly concentrated products and maintain this over a period of time. You will simply waste your money if you buy on price rather than value. Or worse, spend money on treatments and gaining no results if they are not complimented with the correct and relevant home care products. I like to look at this this way: If you go for a professional treatment of 1 hour once a month, you are doing 12 hours of treatment in a year. It is simply not realistic to expect results with 12 hours of treatment a year! On the other hand, if you invest in a 1 hour treatment every month and then back it up by using active products every day, you are then complimenting your professional investment and continuously treating our skin 365 days a year. This is what delivers realistic results and prevent you from wasting your time and money.

This does not mean that you have to buy all the products at once. You can only stick to it if what you are using is also sustainable. Don’t feel overwhelmed. Speak to a professional and let them advise you according to your budget and lifestyle.

In addition to this, make sure you use products and treatments of the same brand. Looking at ingredients alone will not deliver the best results. Synergy of products are of utmost importance and this is often overlooked (or underestimated).