Pigmentation is the New Wrinkle

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Melanin is a major factor in determining skin, eye and hair  colour. The lighter the eyes the more sensitive they are. Learn about Melanin to understand why Pigmentation is the new Wrinkle!!

The Source of Melanin

The cell that produces melanin is called a “melanocyte”.”This cell produces melanin granules called “melanosomes.” It is the malanosome that is responsible for the brown pigment (melanin).

So the amount of melanin in the melanocyte (cell) determines the degree of colour in the skin and hair. Irrespective what race we are, we will have the same amount of melanocytes. It is the size of the melanosomes that differ. For example darker skins have melanosomes that are evenly distributed and are large. In lighter skins the melanosomes are smaller and clump together in little groups.

The Melanocyte is likened to an octopus, with tentacles erupting from the cell to feed melanin to surrounding basal cells, these are known as “Dendrites.”

Dendrites become larger when the skin is exposed to the sun, this allows the melanin pigment to protect the cells from UV damage. In darker skin, the dendrites may extend from the basal layer into the dermis, this is known as “Pendulous Melanocytes”.

Causes of Pigmentation

• Hormonal Influences – Contraceptive Pill, HRT, Hormone Imbalance, Pregnancy, MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone) can also trigger cells receptor.
• UV exposure – Excessive sun exposure with little or no sun protection can influence hyper pigmentation as can the use of sun beds.
• Ageing – As we get older we form “liver spots” this is when the melanocyte deposits melanin between the dermis and epidermis. After the age of 35 the melanocyte cells decrease
• Photosensitivity – Products with artificial fragrance, Renova, Retin-A, essential oils such as Lime or Bergamot, medications such as Accutane, Tetracycline, diuretics, anti cancer drugs, hypoglycemics, anti-inflammatory and certain homeopathic remedies like Hypericium (St Johns Wort) can all be par the course for pigmentation
• Trauma – Deep chemical peels, severe sunburn, cuts, wounds and surgery cause an “inflammatory response” which stimulates melanin production.

The New Wrinkle

Pigmentation is the new wrinkle, with many people being more concerned about even skin tone as dull skin with dark patches tend to draw more attention and give the appearance of ageing than fine lines.

Treatment?

Illuminating treatments that lighten and brighten, are very popular especially in my clinic and I personally swear by the IMAGE Iluma range that have stem Cell extracts, Lightening Peptides & phyto Lightening agents along with the revolutionary ‘Vectorise Technology’ – a unique technology only available in the IMAGE skin care range.

Vectorize Technology is a complex that includes multiple active ingredients that are layered and delivered to improve the effectiveness of the active ingredients needed for results. They are also time released over 48 hours so they truly are the gift that keeps giving!

Iluma quickly diminishes pigmentation using tyrosinase inhibitors and anti-inflammatory ingredients that protect against UVA/UVB. The key ingredients are:

• Indian Kudzu: Inhibits Melogenisis & Tyrosine, plant derived stem cells
• DermaPep: Anti inflammatory, brightening benefits, inhibits Melanogenisis
• Daisy flower Extract: Twice as effective as Arbutin, reduces melanosomes transfer (reduces pigmentation)
• Synovea: 75% reduction in extracellular melanin, Brightening effect.

For more details contact [email protected]