What Causes Hyper Pigmentation and How Can It Be Treated? Posted by Rippon Medical Services Ltd /  Medical Aesthetic treatments  

Hyperpigmentation can be referred to by many different names including dark spots, age spots, sun spots or just simply uneven skin tone. Regardless of how you refer to this complex skin condition, one thing remains the same - most people who suffer from hyperpigmentation want to reduce or remove it and some are not even sure how it got there in the first place. 

Common causes of hyper pigmentation 

The signs of hyperpigmentation are certainly easy to spot - they're those brownish patches that give you an uneven skin tone and become more numerous as you get older. Such dark spots can appear on the face as well as on the hands, shoulders and décolletage, there are many different causes of this common skin concern but the most common are sun exposure, hormones or inflammation. 

Sun exposure 

The sun's rays penetrate your skin and stimulate your pigment cells, which are called melanocytes, to produce the pigment known as melanin. This is the skins way of protecting itself from harmful UV rays that can cause damage to cells and even lead to cancer. However, with over exposure to UV these melanocytes go into overdrive and start to produce too much pigment (melanin) which results in an uneven, mottled appearance on the surface of the skin. 

Such spots can surface seemingly out of nowhere, although they aren't necessarily as random as may first appear, it is the accumulation of damage from the UV to the melanocyte over many years that eventually leads to dark spots being visible on the skin. It can take as long as 20 years for this damage to take place, which is why most people start to notice them later 30's, a broad spectrum SPF 30 should be worn daily all year round to prevent this. Worryingly, there is an increase in people much younger concerned with dark spots, this is due to over exposure to sun without adequate protection in the quest for the perfect tan or over use of sunbeds. Luckily pigmentation caused from UV tends to be the easiest to treat. 

Hormones 

Hormones can wreak havoc with our skin, especially when they fluctuate and change dramatically. This is usually due to factors such as pregnancy, menopause or even severe levels of stress. Change in hormone levels can cause the melanocytes in our skin to become overactive. One example is Melasma or "the mask of pregnancy" as it is sometimes known. This is when pregnant women experience darkening of their skin across their cheeks, forehead and upper lip due to the surge of hormones in their body. Their skin can return to normal once their hormones settle but often they will require treatment to clear it completely, especially if they have been exposed to the sun at the same time. 

There are other common potential causes of hyperpigmentation such as inflammation and such dark spots are usually harmless, being undesirable from a cosmetic rather than medical standpoint. Rarely, serious conditions like Addison's disease, haemochromatosis and Melanoma (Skin Cancer) – can be the cause and in particular if a mole appears to change in colour, size and texture we would always recommend seeking medical advice. The best methods for removing dark spots in recent years have seen the emergence of over-the-counter serums for hyper pigmentation. 

However, the reality is that unless you are using prescription only based ingredients such as hydroquinone in a safe and tested formula like Obagi the results are going to be minimal. OTC serums are great to brighten and smooth the skin, especially if they include ingredients such as Lactic Acid and Vitamin C. Skin Care Products. 

Obagi Nu Derm is a complete skin care system customised by skin type and it can help to transform your skin. This best-selling, clinically proven skin care system is available in two customised sets based on skin type, Normal to Dry System and Normal to Oily System, and also includes Complementary Products to enhance your skin care routine. 

The Nu-Derm system penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to exfoliate dead and damaged skin cells leaving healthy new skin in its place. Its a complete skin care regimen dedicated to lightening hyper pigmentation and improving the appearance of wrinkles and its been clinically proven to work. After 12 weeks of use, patients with mild to moderate sun damage noticed a three times greater improvement in their hyper pigmentation than with traditional hydroquinone treatments; and patients noticed a six times greater improvement in fine lines and wrinkles than with over-the-counter remedies. 

Ready to get started? 

The best way to begin the skin rejuvenation process is with the Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel. This gentle cleanser uses a blend of herbs, natural cleansers and aloe vera to clear the skin of dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin of essential moisture.Ideal for all skin types, this gel cleanser perfectly prepares your skin for other Nu-Derm treatments, like Exoderm and Exfoderm Forte, which use AHAs to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Of course, the most important part of your skin care regimen is to prevent more damage from occurring. Nu-Derm Physical UV Block SPF 32 uses zinc oxide to make sure that the sun wont be hurting your skin again anytime soon. So, give it a try. In only 12 weeks you can have younger-looking and younger-acting skin now thats a transformation we can all use. 

Who can prescribe Obagi Nu Derm System? 

The Nu-Derm System is the physician-dispensed, prescription-strength skin care system that can actually transform your skin a the cellular level. By addressing the signed of hyper pigmentation and photo damage and restoring the healthy function of your skin cells, this system is clinically proven to result in younger-and healthier-looking skin. Over the years, your skin has been exposed to a Not all physicians can dispense these products - only prescribing physicians who have specialist training on the products. 

WHY SHOULD I HAVE TREATMENT WITH RIPPON MEDICAL SERVICES? 

1. ADVANCED AESTHETIC MEDICAL DOCTOR: You will be treated by one of CUMBRIA'S leading AESTHETIC doctors who is highly experienced and specialist trained in delivering of Obagi Nu Derm System treatment. 

2. SERVICE & CARE: We pride ourselves on patient care and experience, therefore, you can be ensured that your visit and treatment is as informative, comfortable and professional as possible. 

3. AFTER CARE POLICY Our aftercare policy ensures our patients receive the best care following their treatment. 

4. CLINIC LOCATION: The treatment is carried out at our clinic on Fisher Street, in the historical part of Carlisle, with Carlisle Castle and Cathedral close by. We are situated opposite a public carpark and 5 mins walk away from Carlisle Bus and Train Stations. 

5. HIGH PATIENT SATISFACTION: Our patients are very happy with their results resulting in many returning to have additional areas. We also have many that recommend friends and family to the clinic 

6. PREMIUM MEDICATION: We use only premium and FDA approved products for the treatment. 

7. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AUTHORITY We are an approved and regulated clinic, via Safe Face, this ensures that we carry out high standard treatments, hygiene and care to our patients. Telephone 01228 791447 or 07787541689 to book your FREE consultation ...