The formation of the pigment melanin occurs in the basal layer of the epidermis by a cell called the melanocyte. Melas is a Greek word meaning “black”.
Skin problems related to acne, scarring and hyper-pigmentation are generally the end results of the Defense System of our skin. Contributing factors include, genetic and racial factors, product incompatibility, stress, hormonal imbalances, drug use, and excessive cuticle build up on the skin.
Hyper-pigmentation is formed when the Defense System of our skin overproduces melanin and can be categorised into two types, which is based on the underlying causes of Passive or Inflammatory.
Passive Hyper Pigmentation
Passive hyper-pigmentation is normally caused by internal chemical imbalances, due to hormonal imbalances, drug reaction, pregnancy and menopause. These are all typical cases where hyper-pigmentation can occur.
Inflammatory Pigmentation
Inflammatory pigmentation is caused by outside attacks to the skin.
Some common causes include over-exposure to the sun, reaction to cosmetic products, direct injury caused by lacerations and picking, or burning.
Establishing the cause or causes of the pigmentation is essential when choosing an appropriate treatment regime. To effectively treat pigmentation, we must always think beyond the surface. Pigmentation is what we see, but it can be related to UV rays weakening the structural integrity of the skin, triggering deterioration of skin’s defenses and immune responses, promoting cuticle build up, increasing free radicals, and oxidisation of light sensitive vitamins C and A within the skin. An effective treatment plan must be more than just fading the pigment or peeling it off, it must work with the overall intergrity of skin’s mechanism.
Remove
You need an effective removal system preferably a formulation that swells, softens and dissolves the skin. This is not only gentle dissolving away of the darker pigment, but it swells and softens the cells, creating a perfect pathway to get your Tyrosinase inhibitors down to the basal layer to block any ongoing over production of melanin.
Rebuild
Now we need to strengthen the skin’s structural integrity, enhancing cellular functioning and re-establishing the skin’s defenses and immune responses. If we don’t rebuild and strengthen the skin, weakened skin will remain in defense mode, and reproduce melanin for its protection.
Protect
On a daily basis, providing antioxidants and replacing light sensitive vitamins are essential for rebuilding and protection of the skin. Sunblock must be worn everyday, to avoid further damage.
Maintain
Regular treatment will keep the skin healthy, strong and functioning effectively in long term. The skin is a system that needs balance and all structures need to work in synergy with each other. When a condition appears on the surface, we must always think of underlying causes on the skin as a system. To effectively treat pigmentation we must also address this condition with this correct skin revision system.
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