Ever wonder why pigmentation occurs on skin?
Inflammation, sun damage or even injuries (even those related to acne) can cause pigmentation. It is usually combined with other various environmental factors that enhance the cascade of skin’s inflammation causing additional damage and rooting pigment deeper into the skin. These factors are determined through a person’s lifestyle, ancestry and sun exposure.
Various environmental triggers can initiate the inflammation cascade to cause a pigment reaction. Proper protection and skin care routine can help with the pigment correction of skin.
Most people suffering from skin pigmentation problems characterized by uneven tone or patches on the skin are not aware that something can be done about them.
What is Skin Pigmentation?
Your skin contains skin cells called Melanocytes that produce a substance called Melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives the skin its colour. It is also commonly referred to as skin pigment.
Melanin is secreted by the melanocyte cells to form a layer just beneath the outer layer of the skin or more accurately, the first layer of the epidermis. The purpose of melanin is to act as a filter protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays that penetrate deep into the skin.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Dark spots or uneven skin tone is caused by under or over activity of the melanocytes that either produce too little or too much melanin causing patches or discoloration of the skin. Discoloration can also occur if the skin is damaged or traumatized in some way.
Pigmentation problems occur in two different forms; Passive and Inflammatory
Passive Pigmentation results from an internal imbalance which stimulates the melanin stimulating hormone. These imbalances can be caused by pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, the contraceptive pill and various medications.
Inflammatory Pigmentation occurs as a result of the activation of our skin’s natural defences. Melanin moves up to defend against trauma caused by sun exposure, poor skin products or injury.
Treating pigmentation disorders involve medication, deep peeling or bleaching the skin. More effective methods involve regulating the natural processes of the skin and stimulating the skin cells to balance melanocyte activity and normalize the secretion of melanin.
Addressing pigmentation with daily home care products is essential to reduce unwanted pigment. Both our DMK and Lira Clinical’s product line contain brightening agents targeting pigment from start to finish of your home care program. Maintaining bright, beautiful skin is just as important as managing pigment. Applying products to the entire facial area and not just where you see discoloration is key as some spots could be lurking invisibly under the surface. Age prevention now avoids skin correction later. A daily broad-spectrum sunscreen application is one of the best preventative steps you can take.
