In this case, I'm talking about those things that are under our skin. Literally. Go figure!
To share a little piece of my story with you, I have battled horrific breakouts since I was a sophomore in High School. Any of you who know this part of my story, you know that my parents took me to Dermatologist where I was simply put on an anti-biotic for 6 years. Something I eventually became immune to. So, I decided to go to Esthiology school to figure this whole 'skin' thing out for myself. Now that I've got my breakouts under control (for the most part) I am now focused on my hyperpigmentation I have from all of the places I have had breakouts. I have little pink colored scars on both sides of my face below my cheeks but above my jawline that I live with but am currently treating.
If you have hyperpigmentation from the sun, from acne or other mild skin issues, this blog is going to give you some options of what you can do to diminish the appearance of them. Remember, these things are not a quick-fix. They take treatment, as well as preventative care.
What the heck is hyperpigmentation? Let's break it down:
- hyper (excessive)
- pigment (color) or in this case, melanin within the skin.
When excess melanin is produced within the skin, this little wonder of nasty pigmentation occurs. It can be spread over a large area or it can be focal but it is able to affect all areas of the body.
Melanin is produced by melanocytes at the lower layer of the epidermis; which is called the basal layer or stratum germinativum. You can read about understanding your skin and it's different layers here.
As I'm sure most of you know, our melanin is the pigment responsible for producing color within bodies. Thankfully, in most cases we can protect ourselves from hyperpigmentation and we now have the tools and resources to be able to treat it.
Basic treatment options:
- Skin lightening/brightening serums (the most effective from a line) However, to see best results, most skin-care lines work synergistically within the skin so to see best results: use the entire line. I am biased because I work with Decleor, but in working with it first hand myself and on my clients, I know that the Aroma White C line is extremely effective.
- Enzyme Peels
- Chemical Peels
- Microdermabrasion (which, in most cases I find myself hesitant to suggest them to people of a number of different skin types)
- Look for products with vitamin C is going to brighten the skin and lighten unwanted pigmentation.
- Exfoliate, often. In doing so we are shedding off those top outermost layers of our epidermis. As our skin from the bottom moves up, our spots lighten because we're essentially sloughing them off. Dermal scars take some more work, some more products, some more time and sometimes need advanced treatment options.
Advanced treatment options: (for more serious cases)
There are two types of laser light therapy used to treat hyperpigmentation:
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): which emit multiple wavelengths of light. Usually more effective when used over areas with a wider range of discoloration.
- Lasers: which emit a single wavelength. Usually more effective in treating specific scars, age spots and sun spots. Scabbing is more prominent after these treatments.
Both of these treatment options use the same basic principle to treat unwanted pigment. When undergoing either of these treatments, be sure to do your own research in where you go and who you might see.
Preventative care options:
- The number one thing I will recommend for people of all skin types is not a cleanser, or a serum, or an exfoliator; but a good SPF. UV light stimulates melanocyte activity within the epidermis which leads to what we commonly call a sun-spot. That little sun-spot (aside from not looking so cute) can put you at risk for causes serious damage. Did you know malignant melanoma causes 75% of deaths related to skin cancer? 160,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed yearly. While it is more common in women than men, we should all be slathering ourselves with sunscreen. Remember when sunscreen wasn't 'cool'? Well, it is now! We have the information, we have the tools! Utilize them. Don't be a sunny (a sun dummy), protect yourself.
- Consuming different foods that are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and getting in your essential omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids will decrease your chances of breakouts and increase the natural moisture level in your skin which can aid in the healing process within the skin. It also keeps the inflammation level at bay.
- Eating cooked tomato products can act as a natural SPF. Because cooked tomatoes contain licopene.
Our scars make us who we are. Whether those are physical, emotional or emotional scars. We learn from them and we grow from them. Also, know that I love you just the way you are and if there's someone out there who can relate to you and what you might be going through with these things, believe me when I say that it's me. But naturally, I want to help you be your best you and that is why I share this information in the first place.
If I can help in any other way, or if you have any further questions- feel free to comment, email, or tweet at me. Feedback is also appreciated. Blessings to you, friends. xxx
-Jessica.
