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About Hyperpigmentation
Almost everyone on close examination will see some pigment changes especially in the face. This ranges from mild freckling to severe dark blotches. Many cause have been identified. Sun damage is the most often seen and recognized culprit either by itself or as an added insult on top of causative factors. Numerous drugs have been implicated in leading to skin discoloration. Medications especially hormones sensitize the skin to the sun or may produce pigmentation. The exact mechanism of increased skin discoloration is not known. It can occur with increased frequency in certain patients because of the complex relationship between hormones, medications, sun and genetic factors. Hormonal therapy, childbirth, birth control pills, acne, razor bumps, severe sunburn, eczema, chemical irritations, electrolysis, waxing, chicken pox, picking and scratching, insect bites, trauma to the skin, surgical procedures, & perfumes sprayed on sun exposed areas can also have a direct impact. Recent studies have now proven florescent lights also cause photo damaging.
In the specialized cells in the dermis called melanocytes, the chemical tyrocine is converted to DOPA, which is then coupled with proteins to produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This melanin is stored in gradules called melansomes, then released into the basal cells of the epidermis. Differences in color are attributable to the varying amounts and distribution of pigment within these cells.
Systemic pigmentation is damage at the cellular level and has affected the cell itself. This is very difficult to correct at a superficial level and sometimes even the most aggressive medical treatments will not be able to eliminate the problem. Surface pigmentation, discoloration at the superficial level, is generally more successfully treated. However much can be done to overall brighten and lighten skin and protect from further damage. There are many professional peels and skin lightening products that are beneficial for the treatment of pigmented skin conditions and as prevention to suppress melanin and brighten the skin tone.
Beware of overuse of products that contain hydroquinone. This ingredient is in many over the counter lightening products and the skin may develop a resistance or immunity to it or may begin to darken skin even more.
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