When patients visit Life Studios for skin pigmentation treatments, they often express feelings of frustration at how difficult it can be to get rid of dark spots. These spots tend to develop on the face, hands or neck and are typically the result of skin damage from UV radiation. Regardless of the cause, however, skin pigmentation can be very difficult to remove without a carefully developed plan of action.
Let’s take a closer look at the mechanisms behind skin pigmentation and how this issue can be treated.
Why Skin Pigmentation Occurs
Our skin is an evolutionary marvel. It’s very easy to forget sometimes that the skin is the largest organ in our body and protects us from viruses and bacteria, helps regulate our body temperature, and acts as a shield against UV radiation and other environmental stressors.
- UV Radiation: When it comes to UV radiation, the skin has evolved to provide us with natural sun blocking properties by using melanin. When sun rays impact our skin, the body begins to produce more melanin pigment which helps to neutralize some of this radiation as a way of reducing damage to skin cells. Typically, the visible result of this mechanism is an evenly-distributed tan. Sometimes, however, the pigment can accumulate in large clusters that look like spots. In some cases, a patient may have many small spots. In others, an individual may develop just one large spot of skin pigmentation.
- Hormones: Some patients may develop skin pigmentation issues due to hormonal shifts during pregnancy. It is believed that the hormones estrogen and progesterone can stimulate more melanin production in the skin during exposure to light. This is one reason birth control pills can also result in skin darkening.
- Acne: Skin pigmentation issues may also result from acne. Although some patients may have pitted or ice-pick scars that affect skin texture, others may develop scars that appear as pigmented lesions.
- Stretch Marks: Another reason for hyperpigmentation can be due to stretch marks caused by puberty, pregnancy, or weight gain. In both of these cases, the skin stretches too quickly, causing scars to develop in deeper skin layers.
Treating Skin Pigmentation
Life Studios offers a number of treatment options for skin pigmentation issues. In all cases, we work very closely with the patient and base the treatment approach on the patient’s aesthetic goals. Here are just some of the ways we can help you get rid of skin pigmentation.
- Retinol Products: One way Life Studios can help you decrease dark spots is through topical products that contain retinol. When applied to the skin, retinol is metabolized into retinoic acid. The molecules of this acid then boost skin cell turnover by attaching themselves to skin cells and making cellular processes more efficient. With regular use, retinol skin care products promote the shedding of dead and damaged skin cells, thus gradually brightening dark spots.
- Moisturizing Products: Moisture also plays a big role in lightening red and brown spots. For example, ingredients like niacinamide have been shown to reduce the amount of melanin present in the skin.
Personalized Skin Pigmentation Solutions
The most important thing in treating skin pigmentation issues is to develop a personalized approach that takes your unique aesthetic goals into account. After all, reducing dark spots may be the process but it’s not the ultimate goal. The real purpose is to help you feel comfortable in your skin so that you can feel confident and empowered.
Because your goals are as unique as you are, our providers will help you develop a customized treatment plan for your skin pigmentation concerns and will even provide guidance in preventing hyperpigmentation in the future.
Give us a Call!
The expert providers at Life Studios are here to help you. Just give us a call at (916) 797-1878, or use the contact form to send us a note.