TREATING PIGMENTATION IN DARKER SKIN TONES
We all want to have naturally beautiful skin, no matter our age, gender or ethnicity. Feeling confident and in control of our skin can be a huge boost in our lifestyle and the way we view ourselves. So, when our skin is playing up or looking different than how we would like it to, it can be incredibly frustrating.
Whilst there are fantastic makeup options on the market to create a flawless look, there is no substitute for the confidence that comes with naturally healthy, glowing skin. Facial skin problems range so vastly from person to person and the condition that causes one person frustrations may be totally different to someone else’s. For many women with an ethnic or darker skin tone, pigmentation in the skin can often be their biggest battle when it comes to achieving a flawless look.
Pigmentation in ethnic skin – What is it?
Pigmentation in darker, ethnic skin tones is essentially the result of the over production of melanin pigment. Women and men of colour have more melanin present in their skin, which can manifest into darker patches and create an uneven tone.
More women than men with ethnic skin may suffer with pigmentation, and this is due to the fact that the female hormones of oestrogen and progesterone can also overstimulate melanin production in the skin. This can actually get worse during pregnancy when more of these hormones are produced, or when exposed to sunlight and UV rays – this can lead to conditions known as melasma or chloasma – different types of conditions that also result in darker patches on the skin. If you are a woman with dark skin, you may find that, unlike women with caucasian skin, wrinkles and ageing aren’t such a problem for you, however, the darker, uneven patches caused by hyperpigmentation are.
Where should I go to treat this skin complaint?
Pigmentation can be a tricky condition to know how to treat effectively, and because of this it is really important that if you are looking to correct this condition you find a clinic who knows how to treat it confidently. In fact, many clinics become nervous treating skin that is above level 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale.
The Fitzpatrick skin type system has been around since 1975 and works on a 1-6 scale. It ranges from the ‘lowest’ skin type 1 which is classified as ‘ivory skin’ that is likely to burn easily and freckle in the sun and goes right up to the ‘highest’ skin type 6. Fitzpatrick skin type 6 is ‘dark brown to black skin’ which never freckles and will always develop a dark tan in the sun. Skin type 4 is olive and light brown skin that often tans. Here at SkinRx Aesthetic Clinic we are adept at working with all skin types and are very confident when working with skin types 4-6 on the scale to give all our clients the best skin they can possibly have.
Professional skin care treatments can make the world of difference when it comes to hyperpigmentation in ethnic skin. Our range of peels can lift dead skin cells, refine skin texture and also work to balance and brighten any dull skin. Skin which is clogged, congested or dull can actually make pigmentation in dark skin look even worse, but with the right professional skin care treatments you can make a world of difference. Fumni Fetto in her article for Vogue recommends getting professional treatments every 6-8 weeks to treat pigmentation.
What treatments can I have to treat hyperpigmentation?
So, what do we offer here at SkinRx Aesthetic Clinic? We have a range of tried and tested treatments here in our clinic. All of these treatments can be used a stand-alone treatments, or as part of a package for your skin care needs. Our welcoming, qualified professional will be able to guide you in more detail about each treatment option and which will work best for your personal skin complaint. Below is a brief run down of the treatments we offer and the benefits they can have in the treatment of pigmentation in ethnic skin.
1. Skinglow drip
Here at SkinRx Aesthetic Clinic, our team are highly trained to safely administer unique IV Vitamin Drips. Our IV Vitamin Drip Treatments have been developed by experienced doctors and pharmacist, allowing for the safe administration of high dose concentrations of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Our Glutathione IV, Skin Radiance drip has been specially formulated and combines glutathione with vitamins and minerals to restore collagen, stimulate elastin production and brighten skin. This is what makes this IV drip so effective in working to improve and brighten discolouration caused by hyperpigmentation.
2. Cosmelan peel
For the treatment of discoloration and pigmentation in the skin, look no further than the Cosmelan Depigmentation Peel. This unique, multi-ingredient chemical treatment can reduce the unwanted appearance of blemishes and dark spots. Within a week after your peel, you will notice a brighter, smoother complexion of your skin. After a few weeks your skin will have a much healthier glow and this will continue to improve.
Benefits of the cosmelan skin peel?
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots caused by pigmentation
- Works to treat both Melasma and Chloasma
- Minimal discomfort and gentle enough to suit all skin types
- Very quick results
3. Mesopeel Melanostop Tran3x
The Melanostop Tran3x peel blends azelaic acid, resorcinol, phytic acid and tranexamic acid.
Azelaic acid (20%) inhibits melanocytes, lightens pigmented maculae and helps normalise the keratinisation process
Resorcinol (10%) is a keratolytic – it modifies permeability of cell membranes. It combats hyperpigmentation and has a whitening effect
Phytic acid (6%) acts as powerful copper chelating agent, copper being an essential cofactor for activating tyrosinase. It has depigmenting and antioxidant effects
Tranexamic acid (3%) inhibits the inflammatory and vascular components of hyperpigmentation
Treatment cycle: six successive applications with a minimum rest period of two weeks between. Maintenance applications are recommended every six months.
This is a gentle peel with little to no downtime. It renews the epidermal layers, while increasing its thickness and lightening the skin. Alone the ingredients are powerful, but in combination they produce results that are astonishing. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes and is virtually pain free and can be a fantastic treatment used every 2 weeks to really make a difference in hyper-pigmentation in your skin.
4. Celluma LED Light therapy
LED light Therapy is a revolutionary new technology. At SkinRx Aesthetic Clinic we offer Blue and Red LED Therapy. The specific colour wavelengths are able to penetrate the skin to treat a wide number of conditions such as Acne, Pigmentation, Eczema and Psoriasis. For pigmentation issues, the treatment works by utilising wavelengths of light energy, this energy works to penetrate the skins underlying tissue to trigger collagen production and other biochemical mechanisms leaving skin brighter and more rejuvenated.
How can I book my consultation?
Get in touch today for professional, friendly advice. We will work closely with you to carefully select the best treatment choice to help you get started on your journey to feeling like the best version of you.