Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin causes a darkened appearance to the skin in either small or large areas. 

Pigmentation is the natural colour of a person’s skin and it is related to melanin production. Melanin protects skin cells and their DNA by absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UVR). 

Darker skin types, in general, are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation than lighter skin types because their skin naturally contains more melanin. 

Hyperpigmentation Types and Triggers: 

  • UV induced: This type of hyperpigmentation shows in the form of freckles, age spots and uneven skin tone. It is caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays (UVR), whether from the sun or tanning beds. 
  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH is found in areas of the skin that have been subjected to inflammation due to trauma, acne or irritation (eg. fragrances). Inflammation stimulates Langerhans cells (immune cells), which alter the activity of melanocytes (skin cells), causing increased pigment production.
  • Melasma (chloasma): Melasma appears as symmetrical patches most often on the cheeks, chin, upper lip and forehead. It can be related to pregnancy, birth control pill, menopause or hormone replacement therapy. 

The Hyperpigmentation Process: 

  1. Hyperpigmentation triggers eg. Inflammation, UV rays, hormones. 
  1. Melanin production is stimulated within melanocytes. Tyrosinase is one of the key enzymes in this process.
  2. Melanin is transferred from melanocytes to skin cells.
  3. Skin cells are in a constant state of upward motion to the surface.
  4. Skin develops dark spots or areas on the surface, or is uniformly darker (as in a tan).

The Hyperpigmentation Process:

1. Hyperpigmentation triggers eg. Inflammation, UV rays, hormones. 

  1. Melanin production is stimulated within melanocytes. Tyrosinase is one of the key enzymes in this process.
  2. Melanin is transferred from melanocytes to skin cells.
  3. Skin cells are in a constant state of upward motion to the surface.
  4. Skin develops dark spots or areas on the surface, or is uniformly darker (as in a tan).

Hyperpigmentation can become darker as the skin cells move closer to the surface. This point is important because with many treatments, hyperpigmentation can darken in appearance before fading. 

Hyperpigmentation can become darker as the skin cells move closer to the surface. This point is important because with many treatments, hyperpigmentation can darken in appearance before fading. 

What treatments we would recommend:

Light Chemical skin peel – These peels will have a combination of high medical grade ingredients (Kojic acid, resorcinol, Glycolic, Citric, Latic, Salcylic acid) which will help target and treat active pigmentation as well as post inflammation caused by acne, scars or sun damage. £99 per peel

Medium PRXT peel —The PRX-T33 formula is a treatment designed to promote stimulation of fibroblasts and growth factors without causing inflammation or damaging the skin. PRX-T33 is a combination of 33% TCA , 5% Kojic acid and hydrogen peroxide which penetrates in to the dermis activating a process of regeneration without attacking the epidermis.

Deep TCA peel – TCA is a deep chemical peel that goes down to the sub dermal layer allowing for a deep exfoliation

Laser/IPL – Using light therapy we can target superficial pigmentation

Products

AM
Exfoliating Cleanser
Vitamin C
Pigmentation inhibitor serum
Sunscreen

PM
Exfoliating Cleanser
Pigmentation inhibitor serum
Retinols or exfoliants
Hydrating cream

All products and treatments are subject to change depending each individual.