Melanin is produced by melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin. This complex protein determines the color of your skin and hair. Both internal and external factors affect the production of melanin. Internal factors can be genetics or hormonal fluctuation, and the external factors are due to sun damage, inflammation, some medications and other skin injuries. Melanin is produced in the body for protection. On the surface of the skin, the melanin absorbs and blocks the harmful UV rays from the cells below. The increased production of melanin in the skin can causes hyperpigmentation. People with a darker skin tone are prone to hyperpigmentation.
As we ages, melanocytes are distributed unevenly and the body’s regulation of it is less controlled. The UV light from tanning beds and the sun stimulates melanocytes activity, and where concentrations of the cells are denser than surrounding areas, hyperpigmentation is affected. Exposure to sunlight is a major cause of hyperpigmentation, and will darken already hyperpigmented areas. Sun rays are most intense between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm so limiting your sun exposure between those hours will benefit already hyperpigmented skin.
Lotus Skin Care Center & Medi Spa (www.lotuslasertreatments.com) recommends all clients to wear a wide brimmed hat and use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at all times, such as SkinCeuticals Physical Sunscreen. This contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You can purchase it from any authorized SkinCeuticals partner, like Lotus Skin Care Center & Medi Spa, located at 5368 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758, 516.798.0200, (www.lotuslasertreatments.com). Sunlight will worsen your condition, so protection is key.
Treatments for already hyperpigmented skin range from using a safe and effective brightening topical cream, such as SkinMedica’s Lytera or SkinCeuticals’ Pigment Regulator. Always purchase these products from authorized partners with these manufacturers, like Lotus Skin Care Center & Medi Spa, located at 5368 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758, 516.798.0200, (www.lotuslasertreatments.com). Products found on the web may look authentic, but unless they are actually listed as an Authorized Dealer on the company’s website, they are either counterfeit or expired products.
In conjunction with the use of these brightening products, chemical peels (like a pigment balancing peel or Vivant body peels) and laser treatments provided at Lotus Skin Care Center & Medi Spa, located at 5368 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758, 516.798.0200, (www.lotuslasertreatments.com) will increase the positive results of brightening already hyperpigmented areas of the body.
