We’ve had lots of clients this week asking about pigmentation problems and how to protect skin during the summer months. Many pigmentation problems worsen over the Spring and Summer months, when Ultra Violet Rays (UVR) trigger the melanocytes and cause a darkening of the skin.

There are many different types of pigmentation and treatment depends on whether it is a passive or inflammatory type of pigmentation.

Some forms of passive pigmentation include Chloasma and Melasma, associated with a hormonal trigger and subsequent cascade of Melanin Stimulating Hormone. This type of pigmentation can be a result of pregnancy (Chloasma) or medication such as the Birth Control Pill (Melasma).

Inflammatory pigmentation is common and can often be a result of some injury or trauma to the skin. For example, Fitzpatrick Skin Types 4, 5 and 6 are particularly prone to inflammatory pigmentation associated with post acne scarring.

The Fitzpatrick Scale is essential when considering pigmentation issues and a useful tool when considering treatment options. For example, a redhead with pale skin, blue and freckles is likely to be a Fitz 1, whereas a client with black skin, dark hair and eyes is likely to be a Fitz 6. Different treatment plans are needed for different Fitpatrick Skin Types to gain optimum results.

It is essential, before embarking on any treatment to reduce pigmentation, that you ensure your skin specialist has a good understanding of pigmentation issues and the Fitzpatrick Scale. A thorough assessment of your skin is essential.

Pigmentation issues can be treated brilliantly but they can be complicated and its important that an in depth knowledge of skin is demonstrated by your skin specialist before you commence treatment.

Whatever your Skin Type and treatment plan followed, it will always be absolutely essential to wear a sunscreen, come rain or shine.

Pigmentation worsens when UVR triggers the pigment producing cells (melanocytes). One of the only ways we have to successfully prevent this, is to wear a broad spectum UVA/UVB sunscreen.

I would recommend an SPF of around 15 to 30 (with full spectrum UVA/UVB protection) for most of the year, though I would be tempted to increase this to a Total Sunblock, during the summer months. It is important to remember to reapply regularly and don’t just rely on one morning application, especially when its hot and sweaty or you’re in a situation where the cream may rub off, e.g in a swimming pool on holiday.

There are many ways pigmentation can be treated and lots of things that can be done to improve the condition of the skin, restoring a nice even skin tone. But the first step is definitely to invest in a good quality sunscreen and introduce it into your daily skin care routine asap. A simple step but worth it’s weight in gold for those serious about improving pigmentation issues.

Kind Regards

Kate

www.facethefuture.co.uk

For a detailed insight on pigmentation, also visit the Pigmentation Centre website.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 at 11:56 pm and is filed under General, Health, Skin Problems. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.