About Hyper-Pigmentation

     Treating, repairing and protecting the skin against darkening of the pigment cells has become our main research focus the past 7 years.  The increase of new clients requesting help with hyperpigmentation discoloration has risen dramatically, overtaking those with Rosacea and Acne, so the demand for effective new products has as well.  As a record number of American women are in various stages of menopause, with a cultural history of tanning fads in their lifetime as well as widespread use of hormone replacement therapies, cortesteriod drugs, anti-biotics, birth control hormones, anti-anxiety or depression medications and other issues triggering this pigment  problem, experts see a tremendous number of patients with pigment disorder symptoms.  In turn, their daughters are following in their footsteps, using these drugs at an even earlier age, hence showing symptoms earlier than we have observed before the mid-1990's.   Known as hyperpigmentation, melasma,  chloasma, age spots, liver spots, mask of pregnancy, solar lentigines, freckles, brown patches and xeroderma, photo-damage, actinic or solar keratosis...these individual  conditions are quite different and so are the recovery treatments. 

      Another group of pigment issues is referred to as Post Inflammatory Hyper Pigmentation, described in another article - click to go there.

     We have compiled a list of "triggers" for hyper-pigmenting as well as Rosacea and other health concerns that are symptomatic in the skin.  Click here to read the current updates on the list...

     There is no quick fix for melasma and a lifetime of precautionary care will be advised because the skin cells retain the memory and unless one uses prevention products  with tyrosinase inhibitors (like Murad's Pomphenol Sunguard and Pure Skin daily supplements, 100% natural Lucent  Refining Serum or Lotion, Glymed's Skin Brightener and Living Cell Clarifier) and broad spectrum sun blocks (all of our sun protection lotions, view on our various brand pages or PIH), the darkening may come back any time your skin is exposed to your triggers. Regular sessions of microdermabrasion and depigmenting solutions with your aesthetician will speed up the process. Once you feel you have completed your pigment correction program, practice Tyrosinase inhibitors like GABA , L-Arbutin and Kojic Acid based skin creams or serums  every night for a few more weeks to prevent rebound discoloring.  Typically, an initial program of skin color recovery (that is, back to your natural color) may take 4-6 months of application of these products and careful defense from triggers.  Clinical studies have shown that a significant number of research patients who kept up their skin care products for up to a year did not see reoccurrence of the same pigmentation coming back to the areas treated.  Don't ever get caught outdoors without your sun block!  Keep gloves, hats and jacket in your car all year for quick protection.  Monthly skin cancer and mole self exams are critical to adults to perform, especially if you have spent your life in the sun.  Go here to see more information on exams.

    Take extra precautions with your children because over 80% of lifetime sun damage is caused during our youth (up to 18 years of age).  The effects may take up to 25 years from the first sun burn, to start showing up as skin cancer, skin tags, melasma, age spots, wrinkles and lining, broken blood vessels in the skin, loss of skin firmness, poor healing abilities and more.  Remember:  freckles are the body's warning signs of sun damage already taking place in children.

    Alas, even in  2008 I find that most people do not apply sun protection practices to their  daily life!  I hear confessions from many adults who only bother with sun screen when on vacation!  And then they don't re-apply it during a day at the beach, golf course, hiking or on the water!   I'm asked constantly if there is a cure for melasma or for rosacea or for sun damage.  The first line of defense is sun protection and that is not being practiced so all the prescription drugs, all the cosmetic skin care products, all the facial peels and cosmetic surgery is literally wasted because one simple step is not taken every day.   When applying sun screen products, DO NOT rub the lotion into the skin like a moisturizer:  it must leave a noticeable film on the surface of the skin to deflect UV light as a means of protecting you!

   The latest warning is that mosquito repellant with DEET must not be applied to skin that also has sun screen containing Avobenzone, Oxybenzone or Octinoxate as there is a toxic and deep penetrating chemical response to the mixture.  Especially of concern for children and pregnant women.

   For those of you used to my 25 years of lectures on sun damage, I'm "pleased" to announce that today's news has finally offered this: "Study indicates that time spent driving may increase risk of skin cancer from the sun... Feb. '07"

   Unfortunately, no mention made of the benefits of using sunscreens as prevention...  Joy-Marie

More Sun Protection Information

About House Calls