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What is Pigmentation?

Yay! We can now finally say that it is SUMMER, or at least, soon! Those weather mood swings we were experiencing are hopefully something of the past. The change in temperature allows for more summer days and you will probably have a few pool parties coming up, even if it is just for the rugby. How about tanning next to the pool with a G&T in the hand - sounds amazing, right? Imagine how much better that will be if you didn’t have to take 30 minutes to shave your legs that morning! Laser Hair Removal #JustSaying. But, if you are planning on spending time in the sun to become a shade darker, apply sunscreen and wear a hat. But don’t get too carried away! When you don't protect your skin, you're getting more than a tan - you’ll get PIGMENTATION.
You might already have pigmentation and you don’t even know it. Ask yourself: "Do you I brown spots, freckles or dark patches on my skin?" These blemishes are known as pigmentation, and can cause your skin to look a lot older than it is.
As professionals in the beauty industry we will always tell you…

“PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.” - Desiderius Erasmus


What is pigmentation?


Your tan and unwanted dark patches are developed by UVA which stimulates your pigment cells known as Melanocytes. When this happens, pigment called Melanin is manufactured. Pigmentation is sun spots that are formed over 10-20 years, so if you notice some spots showing now, they could have been caused when you were a child.
An excessive amount of melanin production in your skin causes pigmentation and can be seen on the surface of your skin as patches that are darker than the surrounding skin. As hyperpigmentation sit within the top layer of the skin, pigmentation patches are usually flat but visible on the surface.

Who gets pigmentation?


All skin types (I - IV) and tones are prone to pigmentation. However, those with darker skin would generally get post inflammatory hyperpigmentation rather than freckles.

What causes pigmentation?


Two primary causes of pigmentation are hormonal changes which branch from birth control and pregnancy as well as excessive sun exposure. There are other factors such as vitamin deficiencies, acne scarring and medications which cause photosensitivity that has an influence on the pigmentation process.

What are the different types of pigmentation?


There are different types of pigmentation and the 3 main types are:

1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation


This is pigmentation as a result of skin damage, wounding or trauma like burns or acne scarring

2. Melasma


This is pigmentation is caused by hormonal changes and is especially very common throughout the use of a birth control pill and during pregnancy.

3. UV Damage


UVA and UVB light allows for the stimulation of melanocyte activity which causes the production of excessive amounts of melanin in order to protect the skin cells from photo damage activity.

I DON’T WANT PIGMENTATION! How can I prevent it from forming?


Make sure you apply that sunscreen! And always wear a hat. We stock various sunblocks in both our Dainfern and Parkview branch - all focusing on different skin concerns. So you might think "Urgh, but sunscreens leave greasy streaks!" But there are now new and effective formulas which are ultralight, thanks to micro-fine particles that look and feel sheer. Make sure you then choose a sunblock that’s labelled liquid or fluid; the thin consistency absorbs right away, with no pasty stripes.

I already have pigmentation, NOW WHAT?


Glo Laser & Beauty offer various services for the treatment of pigmentation.

1. Laser Pigmentation Treatment


We can help you reduce your skin imperfections with the new FormaTK Pigmentation treatment! This treatment will also give you a complete skin rejuvenation as an added benefit. What makes this treatment so popular, is the fact that cancer awareness grows at such a tremendous speed, which makes you concerned about early forms of pigmented lesions and make clients want to treat it before it gets worse. When an abundance of melanin is concentrated close the skin surface, pigmented lesions occur. This treatment also treats spider veins, the red-pigmentation a person can get.

2. Chemical Peels


Glo Laser & Beauty offers Lamelle and Nimue chemical peels which are focused on the treatment of pigmentation. Generally with pigmentation treatments, you will experience a slight amount of social downtime as a little flaking or peeling will occur resulting in you having an improved result.
Our Lamelle Beta Peels contain salicylic acid which is a beta-hydroxy acid that is derived from the bark of a willow tree. A self neutralising formulation is effective in comedones (Black and whiteheads) and congestion and the treatment will cause some flaking and dryness of skin - especially with the first few treatments.

How is Glo Laser & Beauty’s approach different to other pigmentation services?


Many brands on the market believe that pigmentation sufferers should use harsh and abrasive products to decrease or remove pigmentation. At Glo we believe we need to work with the skin – not against it. If your skin is damaged from pigmentation, it needs nourishment and nurturing to repair it. Although you see pigmentation on the surface layer of the skin, it is produced just beneath it. This means you need to treat these deeper layers to see effective and long lasting results.
Make sure you book your FREE consultation today!
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