Condition: Hyper/Hypo Pigmentation

Hyper pigmentation is characterized by brown spots, patches or blotches on the skin. The most common cause of this imbalance of skin pigmentation is oxidation resulting from ultra violet rays (sun exposure).

Melanin, the primary source of skin color or pigment and that which helps to protect us from the harmful effects of the sun, is produced in the melanocytes, cells in the lower region (basal layer) of the epidermis (upper layer of skin). Melanocytes are equipped with projections (dendrites) which project both sideways and upwards toward other cells called keratinocytes.

Melanin is stored in melanosomes as it is produced. Once the melanin is produced, it is transferred to the keratinocytes. There are two different types of melanin producing cells in the melanocytes of our skin: eumelanin a brown/black-like pigment (prevalent in people with dark complexions and dark hair) and phaeomelanin, a yellow/reddish brown pigment (prevalent in people with fair complexions and red hair). Additionally, the differences in skin types are not due to how many melanocytes are in the skin but rather in the way in which melanin is built up.

The melanosomes in black skin are larger (longer and wider) and when they are transferred to the keratinocytes they do not group together as they do in white skin, which are smaller.

Exposure to ultraviolet rays accelerates the formation and the passage of the melanosomes to the keratinocytes, causing pigmentation. As we age, melanocyte activity decreases and extended, over exposure to the sun’s UV rays (oxidized free radicals) penetrate the skin and damage melanocyte DNA, stimulating melanocytes to enlarge and cluster together causing hyper pigmentation.

Secondary causes of hyper pigmentation include hormonal imbalances triggered by pregnancy (also known as pregnancy mask - Melasma), menopause, or taking birth control pills. Unlike sun damage, hormonally-induced hyper-pigmentation usually disappears once hormone balance is restored.

Additionally, post inflammatory hyper pigmentation can result from skin that has suffered from acne, eczema, or contact dermatitis or resulting from the administering of chemical peels or laser surgery.

Regardless of the cause of hyper-pigmentation, maintaining a lifestyle of Total Oxidation Management can help prevent and/or reverse the condition.

The Wellness Solution

A Total Oxidation Management approach is a non-irritating, non-invasive wellness approach to help improve the appearance of skin affected by hyper-pigmentation. Two Steps, Two Minutes, Two Times a day using nature identical, fresh-dried L ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) followed by a broad spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide (protects against sun’s UVA and UVB rays) can:

• Help inhibit melanin production to fade pigmentation patches
• Scavenge oxidizing free radicals from the sun’s ultra violet rays that stimulate melanin production
• Help promote natural collagen production for healthy cell growth
• Normalize the natural exfoliation rate of skin
• Protect skin against UV-induced damage with zinc oxide (one of only two Broad Spectrum sunscreen ingredients approved by the FDA)
• Improve look and feel of skin

Procedures such as chemical peels, laser, or microdermabrasion which radically exfoliate skin can cause irritation and may worsen hyper-pigmentation. Facial cleansers, creams or lotions that contain glycolic acid, hydroquinone, tretinoin or steroids can cause irritation and/or extreme sensitivity to ultra violet light (sun exposure). Hydroquinone has been linked with negative side effects, can cause worsening of the skin condition and has been banned in much of Asia and Africa.