Unwanted pigmentation, or hyperpigmentation, as a result of skin damage creates an uneven skin tone and prematurely ages the skin. The processes behind why uneven pigmentation occurs isn’t entirely known, but there are certain aspects like causes and treatments that we can shed light on. Our professional skin clinic is going to show you what causes pigmentation, how it develops, and how you can treat it.
The causes of pigmentation changes
Sun damage
The UV rays in sun light aren’t kind to our skin, and they’re capable of much more than just burning the skin during the summer months. When your skin is exposed to UV rays for a prolonged period, it triggers an inflammatory reaction from as early as when we first make contact with the sunlight. The inflammation levels increase as the exposure time goes on, and our body produces hormones to combat this. These hormones encourage the temporary excess production of melanin in the skin. However, over time these hormones can remain permanently active, creating uneven pigmentation in the skin and sun spots.
Skin damage and scarring
A form of lesser-known acne scarring known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is an example of skin damage causing uneven pigmentation. When your skin experiences this kind of damage, an inflammatory reaction is triggered, and our body begins to heal the damage. During this healing process, increased melanin production occurs and heals the skin in darker patches than it was originally. The pigmentation can remain behind long after the acne or skin damage has healed.
Pigmentation treatments in London
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are a versatile skin treatment, and they can help rebalance acne and oil production as well as uneven pigmentation. They remove dead skin cells and encourage the production of fresh, healthier skin cells to take their place. This may benefit your hyperpigmentation as the darker pigmented cells and exfoliated away and new cells take their place. However, we at Nuriss offer a far more targeted treatment in the Cleopatra Glow Facial. This chemical peel uses alpha hydroxyl acid and lactic acid to hydrate and brighten your skin for a glowing and more even complexion.
Laser treatments
These laser treatments use concentrated laser light to treat hyperpigmentation by non-invasively breaking down the dark patches. The energy used heats these concentrated areas of redness and pigmentation, causing the areas to fragment or break up and later be absorbed or removed by the body. The dark colour of the pigmentation helps to absorb the light, so it causes minimal damage to the surrounding healthy skin.
Skin brightening treatments
Lightening treatments inhibit the production of Tyrosinase, an enzyme that triggers the production of melanin in the skin. We use the Illuminis Brightening range to improve the skin’s lipid barrier function, helping to protect it from further developing pigmentation concerns. While it brightens, it also helps protect, reducing the inflammatory factors that lead to uneven pigmentation. The active lightening agents used are safe, gentle, and effective in creating a more even and healthy-looking skin tone.
Achieve a more even skin tone safely and effectively at our London skin clinic. Speak to a member of our team on 0203 971 9031. to book your initial dermatologist consultation with one of our skin experts today.