Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of the skin, where as hypopigmentation refers to the lightening of the skin and pigmentation is a loss of colour due to skin damage caused by skin infections, burs, blisters and acne
In the deepest layers of the epidermis our cells produce melanin, a pigment which gives our skin its own unique colour. Melanin protects our skin from the sun, which is why on those oh-so-deserved glorious summer days or holidays, the production of melanin increases resulting in tanned or darker skin as the melanin moves into the upper layers of the epidermis.
Pigmentation is a skin disorder, mainly caused by malfunctioning of the endocrine glands and the liver, in addition of course to sun exposure.
Pigmentation can show up either as a loss of colour and pigment in the skin or an excessive colouration and darkening of the skin, causing skin discolouration either all over the whole body, or in the form of small and large spots or patches.
In fair skin tones, melanin gets gradually destroyed as it moves upwards towards the outer layer of the epidermis, where as in darker skin tones, the destruction of melanin doesn’t continue as far as this superficial layer hence the darker skin colour. This is why traditionally, mother nature provided darker skin tones in hot climates and fair skin tones in cold climates.
Whilst pigmentation mostly affects the middle aged amongst us, younger generations show examples of pigmentation in the form of tanned skin and freckles.
Other pigmentation-causing culprits include pregnancy due to hormonal changes, menopause, a lack of Vitamin A, oral medication for health issues such as diabetes or acne and iron, calcium or vitamin deficiencies.
Another less-known cause of pigmentation is using the wrong cosmetics on your skin. Many make up and skincare products contain chemicals and or mercury, which can react with your skin resulting in pigmentation – not to mention redness, acne and other unpleasant skin problems.
When we get a little too much sun, excessive secretion of melanin can result in keratinization, which is a hardening of the skin caused by a build up of dead skin cells. This is why it’s so important to exfoliate regularly (3 times a week ideally) with a high quality natural superstar product like my Luminous Light polishing Powder.
The top 5 ways to help prevent and diminish symptoms of pigmentation are to:
- Protect your skin from the sun with a high quality sunscreen
- Get regular facials and skin peels
- Regular exfoliation
- Use organic skincare products that don’t contain colouring agents
- Regularly practice deep relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety
Use my Biotech Suprême Pressed Serum daily to reap the benefits of the main active ingredient, Pumpkin Fermentation Technology, which delicately exfoliates and brightens skin without irritation, for skin that glows with strength and radiance.
Fruit acid peels are a great way to help fade pigmentation. Fruit acids are natural derived from a variety of sources, most commonly malic acid from apples and pears, citric acid from lemons and oranges and tartaric acid from grapes.
This natural mild chemical exfoliant works by penetrating and breaking apart the uppermost layer of skin, removing dead and damaged surface cells to reveal the new layer of skin underneath. Hello Gorgeous!
