Skin Discoloration: A guide to Treating

Skin Discoloration: A guide to treating

Uneven skin tone is one of the most common skin concerns we discuss with our patients at Desert Sage Dermatology.

Skin discoloration can affect people of all ages and ethnicities, and can include: freckles, sun spots, Melasma, birth marks, or dark marks that can occur after and injury or rash.

There are many ways to target and treat discoloration, but let's first go back to the basics to understand how discoloration occurs!

Allow me to introduce you to Melanin!

Melanin is what determines our skin color, and regardless of ones race we all have melanin. Melanin is what gives you your unique hair, skin, and eye color; it  also absorbs harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays and protects your cells from sun damage. 

Melanin is produced in the body by melanocytes, which come in 3 different forms:
 

1. Eumelanin: which is responsible for black and brown-colored pigment.

2. Pheomelanin: which is responsible for red and yellow-colored pigment.

3. Neuromelanin: which is responsible for the color of your neurons in our body

So in a nutshell, Mr. Melanocyte is the root of all pigment. Melanocytes are skin cells that live in the deepest part of your epidermis, and through a process called melanogenesis each melanocyte delivers melanin to the skin's top layers where we can see it and judge it!

What culprits contribute to discoloration?

Increased melanin production can be triggered by several key factors that result in uneven skin tone and dark spots.  

• Increased sun exposure: The number one culprit! Wear your sunscreen and protective clothing and avoid long exposure times 
• Inflammation: chronic inflammation = pigment changes. Avoid physical exfoliators, chronically picking at skin or blemishes, and over using products with actives 
• Hormones: Any changes in hormones can affect our skin. This can include starting or discontinuing hormonal contraceptive methods, pregnancy, and menopause
  

How we address discoloration?

I always remind my patients, the pigment did not appear overnight, so it's going to take time and consistency to improve it. You probably have heard the phrase "it takes a village to raise kids", well the same can be applied to treating hyperpigmentation "it takes a village" to reduce pigment. 

A well rounded pigment fighting routine is the best route when improve skin tone. 

First up is using making SPF your BFF. You've seen it, you've heard it, but are you actually doing it daily. And NO your It cosmetics CC cream or Saie beauty slip tint is not enough for daily protection. You need to be utilizing a physical or chemical sunscreen daily.

Next is utilizes products with pigment fighting ingredients like Kojic acid, Azelaic acid, Hydroquinone, Retinoids, L-Ascorbic acid, and Tranexamic acid.

Lastly, come the corrective treatments. Our favorite treatment for pigment reduction would be our Dye-VL laser. This treatment helps target freckles, brown spots, and small blood vessels. We recommend a series of Dye VL for best results as this treatment helps to pull pigment from the deepest layers of the epidermis. 

The Perfect Derma Peel is a crowd favorite as well especially for those suffering with melasma. The Perfect Derma Peel utilizes Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), Glutathione, Retinoic acid, Salicylic & Kojic acid, and Vitamin C to help improve eradicate unwanted pigment. 

Overall takeaway message:

• Apply your sunscreen daily - even if it's cloudy outside!
• Invest in products which high quality active ingredients to target unwanted pigment
• Recognize the triggers that contribute to unwanted discoloration
• Take it with a grain of salt! For most of my patients we live in sunny Phoenix, AZ and a good portion of their lives is spent enjoying the outdoors - that being said you don't need to become a recluse or avoid doing activities that bring you joy! Just be mindful and utilize the tools you have to protect your skin!