HyperPigmentation

HyperPigmentation is a major cause of concern and irritation for many women and there are multiple causes as follows.

Melanocytes cells in our Skin produce melanin which is responsible for the color of the skin. Whenever these cells are irritated they produce more melanin causing hyperpigmentation.

Freckles are generally inherited and exposure to the sun darkens them.

Sun spots or age spots as they are sometimes called are caused by overexposure to the sun.

Melasma is common, especially in women of Asian origin. It appears on the upper lip, nose and chin area and sometimes on the forehead and cheeks.

Melasma may be caused by genetics, some medications, oral contraception, pregnancy and nutritional deficiency.

Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation is the result of an injury to the skin, e.g. Cuts, Acne lesions, Aggressive peeling, Sunburn and insect bites.

Some Medications may cause the skin to hyperpigment, e.g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) sulfonamides and barbiturates.

Dark Circles under the eyes may be inherited or caused by excessive rubbing which irritates the delicate skin.

Most of the time the dark circles under the eyes are the blood vessels that can be seen through the surface of the skin.

Treatment options for Hyperpigmentation

There are several Professional treatments for hyperpigmentation which include Microdermabrasion and Chemical peels. These treatments are most beneficial when combined with topical products.

Some of the topical treatments are products containing one or more of the following AHAs, Azelaic acid, Hydroquinone, Retinol, Kojic acid, Vitamin A,C, E and Salicylic acid. Most women prefer using Retinoids because it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.

Skin lightening products can be applied for 3 months and then give your skin a break for a couple of months. In some women over use of skin lightening products causes them to hypopigment (loss of color).

At home remedies include exfoliating your skin twice a week with a soft exfoliating brush or cleanser with microbeads to help remove dead skin from the surface.

Sunscreen is the most important product that should be a part of your daily regimen. It helps prevent and reduce hyperpigmentation, UV light from the sun damages collagen and darkens pigmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers on Hyperpigmentation

How can I Lighten my Skin ?

Start by applying sunscreen lotion SPF20 everyday. Use products that contain skin lighteners like kojic acid, azelaic acid and vitamin C. Skin lightening creams should be used in the evenings only as they normally make the skin sensitive to the sun.

How can I cure under skin Black heads and Dark spots due to Acne scars ?

Twice a week exfoliate your face with a very soft brush or cleanser with microbeads. Look for acne wash that has Salicylic acid, use this every morning to help clear out your pores.

 Go for a deep cleansing facial and ask them to extract the black heads for you.

 Make sure you apply oil-free sunscreen lotion SPF20 every morning before going out to prevent your acne marks from getting darker.

How can I remove blemishes due to Acne ?

There are a lot of ways to take care of the blemishes. Once the acne is under control, you can start using blemish lightening creams to help fade the scars. 

Some of the treatments for scars and blemishes also include microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

Waxing Hair Removal

Waxing falls into the category of Epilation, which is the process of removing hair by pulling it out of the follicle, e.g. waxing, threading and tweezing.

While Waxing Hair Removal can also be performed at home, a Spa environment can use professional products and techniques that can result in better outcomes for hair removal as well as reducing the discomfort usually associated with this procedure.

The smooth skin results typically last for several weeks and hair re-growth is lighter than shaving or depilatory creams.

Correct waxing techniques, and the right wax temperature are very important in obtaining positive results. If the wax is too hot it can cause skin irritation and even blistering. 24 hours before waxing exfoliate the area with a soft dry bush or a dry towel to remove any dead skin. Avoid having a hot bath and shower for the remainder of the day of service. Do not apply any perfumed lotion or tanning lotions for at least 24 hours after waxing. Exfoliate the waxed area with a dry soft brush or a dry towel after 48 hours to prevent ingrown hair.

There are different types of waxes used in waxing hair removal, soft and hard wax. Soft wax is normally used with a strip, that means that a thin layer of wax is applied on the skin and covered with a strip of muslin or pellon material, which removes the hair as it is pulled off. This wax is used on larger parts of the body, e.g. legs, arms and backs.

Hard wax is applied in a liquid form which hardens on the skin and the wax is then gently pulled off. This wax is generally used for sensitive areas like face, underarms and bikini.

Facial Waxing should not be performed on people who have the following conditions or are undergoing treatments:

Conditions: Rosacea, Active Acne, History of Fever Blisters or Cold Sores, Cosmetic or Reconstructive Surgery.

Treatments: Retin-A, Hydroquinone or similar skin thinning products, Blood thinning medications, Topical or Oral Cortisone medicine.

For an example of Professional Spa Waxing Hair Removal treatments, we treat these areas: Lip, Chin, Brow, Full Facial, Legs, Bikini, Brazilian, Arms, Back, Chest, Eyebrow and Underarms: Treatments for Men Waxing and Women Waxing

For more information, visit our ImperialSkin Channel for a number of Videos on Waxing Hair Removal.