In the past decade there has been an enormous surge in the popularity of skin brightening products formulated to specifically treat hyperpigmentation and increase skin luminosity. The International Dermal Institute has studied and updated their understanding of the underlying causes of hyperpigmentation, and subsequently created products containing the newest technology for the most effective, safe treatment of hyperpigmentation.
What Determines Skin Colour?
Skin colour is mainly determined by the amount of melanin present in the skin. There are two parts that make up skin colour. Constitutive skin colour, which is the basic melanin content that is genetically inherited and Facultative skin colour which is the result of other influenced such as sunlight and hormones and there impact on our skin colour. Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx treats the facultative skin colour that is the result of sun exposure.
Hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure
Whilst the amount of melanin in our synthesized in our skin is determined by our genetics (constitutive skin colour), there is an overriding effect of the environment, such as exposure to UV radiation, which determines skin pigmentation levels (facultative colour). The main function of melanin is believed to be to protect the skin from sunlight, this is due to its ability to absorb the UV radiation. When exposed to UV radiation, melanin synthesis is stimulated, resulting in a tan. As well as the development of an overall tan, sun exposure may also stimulate hyperpigmentation in specific spots, primarily on the hands, face and neck.
Hyperpigmentation caused by hormones
in addition to genetics and the environment, skin pigmentation is effected by endocrine (hormonal) factors, prescription drugs, stress, topically-applied products including cosmetics, and wound healing to skin tissue. the most common hormonal hyperpigmentation is melasma, better known as the mask of pregnancy and it is caused by the combination of Estrogen and UV light. Studies suggest that 75% of women may develop melasma during pregnancy. it is seen as an irregularly shaped patch of hyperpigmentation ranging from light brown to dark brown around the facial area.
How can hyperpigmentation be controlled?
The most obvious means of controlling pigmentation, especially sun induced, is to regularly apply broard spectrum sunscreen. This will help control future pigmentation, even when pigmentation is hormonally induced, as exposure to UV is a contributing factor in melasma as well.