May Sale – 20% OFF all pigment reducing products
SkinCeuticals Phyto +, PCA Pigment Gels and Kinerase Skin Brightening System

$15.00 OFF Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation

HYPERPIGMENTATION TIPS from Cara Linda

Treating Hyperpigmentation
Skin Discoloration and melasma affect millions of people world-wide, me included.  Although scientific research has uncovered multiple effective agents to reduce its appearance, through my own struggle and that of my clients, I feel there is no one ingredient perfect for everyone.  As with any skin condition, education is important to achieving a positive result when treating hyperpigmentation.

Causes
They’re often called “sun-spots”, “age-spots”, freckles, hyperpigmentation and melasma (also known as “mask of pregnancy”).  Exposure to UV sun rays, acne or injury scarring and hormonal changes in the body are some of the most common reasons for skin discoloration. Melanin, which is responsible for the pigment in our skin, reacts to injury by producing more melanin in that area.  As much as we love that bronze summer glow, tanning is actually an injury to the skin.

Effective Ingredients
Effective treatment requires interrupting the formation of melanin.  Below are just a few of the traditional and newly developed brightening agents used today.
Hydroquinone (HQ) – decreases the formation of  melanosomes “packets of pigment”, and reduces melanin production.
Kojic Acid – decreases the melanosomes produced.
Arbutin – an HQ derivative that allows for controlled release of lightener without irritation.
Licorice and biowhite – melanin inhibitors
Retinoids – Speed up cell turnover, which sloughs away dark patches.

Products/Treatments
In my experience, the most dramatic results are achieved when clients clearly understand their condition and the purpose of the treatments and skin care regimen recommended by their esthetician.  Chemical peels, and LED treatments, in my opinion, work best in reducing hyperpigmentation followed by a skin care regimen which includes a spot treatment and sunscreen.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month.  For information on how to spot skin cancer, refer to my  archived website tips at www.cara-linda.com.

To your skin health,
Linda

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