IN our recent column, we have talked about having a skincare routine and knowing the ingredients and/or products that are best for your skin type – and will ultimately – treat your skin problem. Well, our topic today is somewhat a sequel to that last skincare 101.
We mentioned previously that caring for your skin requires commitment,. This goes without saying that treating skin problems also involves the right attitude and of course, Timing. Yes, my dear readers. There is such a thing as “right timing” when we are dealing with skin conditions, especially with one of the most common and challenging of all which is Skin Discoloration.
Skin discoloration, also called hyperpigmentation, occurs when your skin produces excess pigment in spots or larger patches across your body. It can appear in different forms such as dark spots, age spots, post-acne marks or redness. There are a number of factors that cause skin discoloration, but sun exposure is usually the main culprit. UV coming from the sun (especially when you are not wearing sunscreen) causes dark spots. And the primary reason why winter is the best time to treat pigmentation, is because there is low UV during the winter.
Also, sunlight triggers melanin production, which is the number one cause of skin hyperpigmentation conditions such as sun spots. It follows the same principle for when you go through most skin treatments, your skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. Hence, it is a good idea to schedule your treatments when the weather is cooler, days are shorter, and the sun not so glaring.
Types of skin discoloration and its causes
Sun spots – as the name suggests, these are small discolored skin patches caused by repeated exposure to UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. While we can’t avoid some skin-darkening after sun exposure, permanent damage occurs with repeated exposure. Sun spots are most common in people above 50 years old, but they can develop at any time.
Dark spots are small areas of skin discoloration, often similar in appearance to freckles. However, unlike freckles,, they won’t fade on their own. Although there are a variety of catalysts that can lead to the development of dark spots on the skin, darker skin tones are more prone to developing discolorations because they naturally produce more melanin.
Melasma – manifests itself as larger patches of hyperpigmentation mainly on the face, is particularly common among women. It is thought to occur when the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulate the overproduction of melanin when skin is exposed to the sun. Whilst the primary trigger is hormonal, sunlight can drive the melasma process an exacerbate the condition.
Age spots – are small, flat, dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as your face, hands, shoulders and arms. Age spots are most common in adults older than 50, but younger people can also get them if they spend a lot of time in the sun without proper SPF application.
Post-acne marks – sometimes referred to as post-inflammatory inflammation (PIH), is a type of discoloration that can develop after the skin is damaged from a pimple. The inflammation from the breakout stimulates melanin production, resulting in the appearance of a dark spot, roughly the same size as the original breakout. Though this kind of discoloration is most common among those with darker complexions, anyone can develop a post-acne mark after a breakout. It may fade on its own, but this process takes time.
Redness is a common skin concern that has many different causes such as irritation, exposure to certain medications, sun burn and skin conditions like rosacea. Some redness may be temporary, while others are long-lasting with certain skin conditions.
Uneven skin tone or skin texture – can be an umbrella word for multiple types of skin discoloration caused by sunspots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, for example. It can also refer to uneven skin texture, like dry patches, built-up dead skin cells, fine lines, or blotchiness. Both uneven tone and skin texture can be signs of a dip in skin health or damage caused by several factors, including but not limited to UV rays, pollution, or even the medication you take.
As you may have noticed, sun exposure is the primary cause of skin discoloration. It is also on of the most challenging skin conditions we encounter and have managed to treat for the past 10 years. Just like every case is different, we see it to it, that we customize our treatment according to our clients’ specific needs and condition.
One of the most popular treatment we use to manage skin discoloration is our Signature Rosy Peel Kit combined with Customized Treatment at the spa and an Iskin at-home regimen. We have been treating melasma and stubborn hyperpigmentation with great success for over 10 years now and we would love to help you –– especially NOW that we are in the BEST time/ season to manage this sun-exposure causing problem. Give us a call. We’d love to help you. If you are in the LA area, feel free to swing by iSkin Beverly Hills. And if you happen to be in the Inland Empire and Orange County, we have MiSkin Spa for your self-love and self-pampering needs.
For more information you may visit iskinbeverlyhills.com.
Visit iSkin Med Spa and MiSkin MedSpa for a free consultation. iSkin is located at 8665 Wilshire Blvd. Penthouse Beverly Hills ,90211 or call 424-382-1002
MiSkin MedSpa is located at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120 in Rancho Cucamonga, 91370 or call 909-9898464.
You may also follow us on social media: @iskinmedspa and @miskinmedspa or watch her youtube channel that talks about how you can make “beauty a lifestyle,” on “Beauty Talk with Imee.”
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Known to several Filipino-American awarding circles, Imee has recently been awarded the “Premier in Beauty and Skin Treatment.” for iSkin Face and Body Spa. She maintains a monthly beauty column on Asian Journal, and a YouTube Channel, “Beauty Talk With Imee.”
Imee Ong-Maghanoy is an established aesthetician, a business owner and CEO of iSkin Beverly Hills, iSkin MedSpa and MiSkin MedSpa. Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for more than 20 years. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine. iSkin MedSpa and MiSkin MedSpa are fast emerging as a top spa destination in LA. iSkin is located at 8665 Wilshire Blvd penthouse Beverly Hills, CA 90211. MiSkin MedSpa is located at 9227 Haven Ave. Suite 120 in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91370.
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