Dark spots or uneven skin tone?

Why do some of us have problems with dark spots or uneven skin tone?  Certainly, all of us—at any age and skin type—are candidates for these annoying problems.  The origin is the layer of the skin containing pigment cells, known as melanocytes. 

We all have them but some skin types have more or less pigment. This is a genetic.  The more pigment cells we have in this living layer, the more chance for darker, longer-term pigment. 

Numerous things stimulate these cells to become active and surface to the top, creating patches, spots and waves of uneven pigment. 

The most common culprit is the sun.  Sunlight causes melanocytes in all skin types to become hyperactive and inflammatory and patch up to the surface.  Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells found mainly in the epidermis.

Many know this to be called age spots or sun spots. They are usually in the areas where there has been excessive sun exposure such as the neck up, elbows down, face or hyper exposed areas. Just check out the areas that have not been exposed and there is your proof.

There are other reasons as well for pigment cells to become active. Skin injuries may be the cause, ranging from an acne spot to a burn to excessive scratching and cuts.  Luckily, our pigment cells come to the rescue (of injury) and can remain for months. The darker the skin type, the darker the pigment remaining and the harder to get rid of it. 

Other causes are hormonal. This can be known as pregnancy mask and is also seen on woman taking birth control pills. There are some other medications that will also cause pigment issues, most of which improve with reduction of the hormone or medication.

Now what to do! The conventional approach of many decades has been bleaching agents containing thyroxin. The percentages range from over-the-counter to prescription doses.  The problem is the potential for irritation and over usage. 

One of the best ways to treat this is with glycolic acid treatments and products such as Clinage.  The agents and molecules work to break up the pigment cells regardless of skin type and cause and are easy to use ranging from creams, gels, glycolic peels and treatments.  Always be careful not to combine active bleaching agents with glycolic agents without professional guidance. 

Another great treatment is the use of Vitamin C in a special form called Magnesium C, which does not oxidize as quickly and has a more neutral pH. Topical Vitamin C works to decrease the inflammation of the pigment cells and helps heal areas from acne and other injury. 

Niacinamide also has been known to work on this living skin layer to help with the immune system, injury and therefore pigment treatment.  Niacinamide comes in the form of creams. Eye creams tackle dark circles. Use serums for your face or anywhere else on the body to treat pesky dark spots and age spots.

Always be aware of potential bad moles or melanomas stimulated by the sun.  Go for your yearly body checks and be on the lookout for any new freckles or moles. Watch for changes in size, color, symmetry, especially areas exposed to the sun or have suffered a sunburn. 

Melanoma is increasingly the cause of death of young adults and is completely curable if caught early. Pay attention. I sincerely welcome this opportunity I have to communicate this to you.

Until next time……

Is it dry skin or is it a skin condition?

This is the season for dry skin. Many will wonder if it is more than just dry, cold weather causing flakiness and itching. One of the most common reasons to go to a dermatologist is for a condition called dermatitis.  This is a very broad term but mainly describes dry, irritated red itchy skin usually localized in patches. It is stubborn and does not go away on its own.  One of the most common times of year for dermatitis to lurk is during the cold dry winter and seasonal allergy months.  These factors can spur on an underlying condition, which can be of a hereditary form.  Another name for dry skin, often starting in childhood and sometimes later in life is eczema. Your skin can also be sensitive to many irritants ranging from chemicals, dyes, pollens, wool, foods, medications, mechanical irritation and repetitive washing of hands and body to the point of dryness.  Once dermatitis is diagnosed, it usually has to be addressed with some type of therapy. The first step is the removal of the irritants or agents if possible. Then you should refrain from actions causing extreme dryness such as excessive hand washing in a job setting. Of course, you must still wash your hands. Be sure to protect your skin from direct contact of the substances causing the irritation.  Of course, moisture needs to be added to the skin in the form of soothing creams and lotions containing non-irritating substances.  A tepid bath soak, never hot, followed by a soothing healing lotion while the body is still wet is helpful.  Some people will seal in the moisture by wearing cotton gloves or clothing after applying lotion. If the condition does not go away and persists over years, it may be an atopic situation. This is the person who is likely allergic to medications, bee stings, nickel, pollens, dyes and chemicals.  If this is the case, it is chronic and not curable but can be controlled.  Many people notice in changing in environment they get either better or worse.  For example, a trip to the ocean could result in a clearing. However, a visit to a dry, cold environment or a region with heavy pollens such as ragweed and allergens could worsen the skin. The good news is that nothing is wrong internally and the majority of the time it is not associated with rare, internal diseases.  Most dermatologists will prescribe a cortisone cream for flare-ups, to be used topically and internally if severe.  Long term use can be a problem so determining the causes and keeping the skin moist with smooth, soothing creams and lotions such as Clinage will help significantly. When it comes to anti-aging and anti-acne clients, be prudent and evaluate what to use.  Most anti-aging and anti-acne substances such as Retin A and glycolic acid may be too irritating. However, vitamins such as Vitamins A and E, serums, niacinamide creams and mists containing minerals and vitamins with green tea are vey helpful in healing the skin and give skin the continuous moisture it needs. If a persistent rash does not go away and affects your daily functioning, see a dermatologist. Remember to always get a skin check while you’re there for any odd growths or changing moles to detect skin cancer or melanoma.  Both are curable if caught early. Until next time…..

Rosacea

Some call it rosacea. It is also known as hormonal acne.  Rosacea is an inflammation of the superficial blood vessels, many times resulting in acne.  Rosacea is hereditary and dietary related.  Acidic foods, spicy favorites, dairy and red wine can make it worse. Rosacea acne, as it relates in later years, can be associated with change in hormones with menopause.  Not all women get this condition and it’s best treated with a light acne peel and vitamins A, retinyl palmitate, Vitamin C, Mag C (for taking down inflammation and assisting in the healing of lesions and dark spots) and niacinamide, an antibacterial, immune boosting healing property. The real issue—most acne has a hormonal component no matter your age. Rosacea should be treated with diet and also plenty of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phospate (MAP) to keep down inflammation.  Light, glycolic abrasion free cleansers are recommended for a daily regime no matter what the age or cause of the acne.  Regular light peels, such as Clinage’s glycolic peel kit works well and prevents new lesions from forming. It also helps to remove the top, dead layer which clogs pores. The best news? Glycolic peels have the capacity to fill in acne scars with your own collagen and correct the pigmentation after inflammation.  Stress plays a big part in all acne at any age.  Meditation and yoga are helpful as well as a diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables.  Remember, the more pigmented and colorful the better. Spinach, dark green and red peppers, broccoli and dark berries are also high in Vitamin A. And don’t forget to eat your carrots. Acne is chronic and not curable but it certainly is clearable and controllable with the right treatments. Until next time……