MELASMA
Chloasma and Melasma are a type of pigmentation closely related to both hormonal changes and sun rays. These types of pigmentation often cover large patchy areas and will darken during the summer months or through exposure to sunlight. The areas that are most commonly affected are the cheeks, upper lip, bridge of the nose and forehead.
Chloasma is usually related to pregnancy and often referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. It impacts the majority of pregnancies, affecting up to 50% to 70% of expectant mothers. It develops most commonly on the face but can occur on other body areas. Chloasma is due to the stimulation of female sex hormones during pregnancy, they release more melanin pigments causing dark patches on the skin and sun exposure can also trigger these to become darker and more prominent.
Melasma can usually be associated with a change in contraceptive pill, IUD or a hormone patch. It can also be associated with higher levels of Oestrogen at certain times during the menstrual cycle and the way the skin then reacts to sunlight. Only 10% of those affected are men.
Freckles / Blemishes
Freckles are common and usually a hereditary skin blemish. They are often in areas that are exposed to the sun as UV rays stimulates their production. Most people who have freckles may notice that they disappear in the colder months and come back in the warmer weather when the suns in full force. You may also experience more freckles during warmer months and a broad-spectrum SPF can help manage this.
People who wish to reduce the visibility of freckles can have treatment, with clinical peels being a successful option.
Sun Damage
As premature ageing and sun damage is a result of structural destruction and deterioration in the normal functioning of skin, we approach this condition by revising old and damaged tissue, rebuilding the skin and facilitating optimal function. We revise the decline in processes that occurs when the skin starts to age and by strengthening the skin’s underlying matrix, we encourage the skin to function like a young, healthy skin. When you soak up the sun’s (UV) rays, it speeds up the ageing of your skin and raises your risk of skin cancer. To prevent damage, use a broad- spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.
UVB rays burn the outer layers of the skin presenting a reddening effect and turning brown after some time or flaking and peeling away, whereas UVA rays can make you look old, damaging the elastin and collagen fibres in your skin. When that happens, it begins to sag and stretch, too much time outdoors can put you at risk of wrinkles, age spots, scaly patches called actinic keratosis, and skin cancer.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan, always be aware of too much sun exposure and ensure you are protected with clothing, SPF and shade.
Dry / Dull Skin
A dull or uneven complexion can be related to many aspects:
- Sleep deprivation – can cause your skin to become dull and pale.
- Dead skin cells – not being removed can make skin look dull, dry and flaky.
- Sun damage – is also the main cause of weakened skin laxity and a decrease in collagen levels, resulting in dull, patchy skin.
- Medical history/Medications – this can play a part in how your skin looks and feels.
A pharmaceutical homecare regime would be advised to lift off any dead skin cells and help brighten the complexion along with clinical facials to create a dewy, brighter, even and hydrated appearance.
Treatments Available
Rosacea / Facial Redness
Rosacea is a skin issue characterized by facial flushing, sometimes associated with a burning or stinging sensation. This tends to affect the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose although other areas may also be affected.
Rosacea is actually a relatively common condition but is surrounded by various misconceptions. It can be uncomfortable for patients as it can be itchy, as well as burn during extreme temperature changes such as moving from a warm interior to the cold outside. Pustules and breakouts are very common alongside rosacea and some individuals may also develop more inflammatory features mimicking acne and some may develop swelling of various parts of the face due to excessive growth of the glands and fibrous tissues.
Treatments Available
Dark Circles
There are many contributing factors to dark circles, these include:
GENETICS – family history plays a huge part into whether you have or will develop dark circles.
LACK OF SLEEP – this can cause your skin to become dull and pale, which will allow the dark tissues and blood vessels beneath your skin to show.
AGE – the natural ageing process is another common cause. As you age, your skin becomes thinner. As this occurs, the dark blood vessels beneath your skin become more visible causing the area below your eyes to darken.
DEHYDRATION – this is a common cause of dark circles under your eyes. When your body is not receiving the correct amount of water intake, the skin beneath your eyes begins to look dull and your eyes look sunken.
EYE STRAIN – staring at your television, phones, tablets and computer screens can cause significant strain on your eyes. This strain can cause blood vessels around your eyes to enlarge. As a result, the skin surrounding your eyes can darken.
ALLERGIES – allergies and eye dryness can trigger dark circles. When you have an allergic reaction, your body release histamines as a response to harmful bacteria, the histamines also cause your blood vessels to dilate and become more visible beneath your skin.
Also, allergies increase your urge to rub and scratch the itchy skin around your eyes, this can then worsen your symptoms, causing inflammation, swelling, and broken blood vessels, which can result in dark shadows under your eyes.
SUN OVEREXPOSURE – overexposure to the sun can cause your body to produce an excess of melanin(pigment), causing pigmentation in the surrounding skin to darken.