Skin Discolorations Noemi Iniguez
Acne and dark spots may not always be an issue for everyone. We all have different skin types and our skin reacts differently to certain ingredients in our skin care products or to every day routines in general. Overall, many people face skin discolorations on their face and body. Healthline states, “Discolored skin patches are irregular areas where there are changes in skin color. They are a common problem with a wide array of potential causes.” So whenever you see an area that may be lighter than your natural skin tone, this could be a sign of discoloration. Though discolorations may be harmless, like dark spots and hyperpigmentation, discolorations is a sign of excess melanin levels, which helps even out skin tone. So if the skin has unbalanced and excess melanin levels, it creates an uneven skin tone. Not all discolorations will come out with an “even” amount of skin discolorations, meaning that one area may be more complicated to even out skin tone, because of the imbalanced melanin levels. Not all skin discolorations will be the same also because they can be birthmarks that are either in sensitive areas or are simply incapable of going away without laser treatments. There are however ways to preventing future discolorations and treating them in order to achieve an even skin tone.
Causes Sun Exposure Being exposed to the sun on a daily basis, such as working in the sun, or kids playing out in the sun, may lead to skin damage because of the UVA and UVB rays. When we are overly exposed to the sun, melanin begins to produce excessively in order to protect our skin, so not only do we get a tan, but our melanin becomes imbalanced, thus causing discolorations in certain areas. When sunburns heal, our skin not only cracks, and dries up, but it leaves new skin tissue exposed to the sun, which may be harmful if sunscreen is not properly applied. Furthermore applying sunscreen incompletely may lead to tanned patches which may lead to uneven skin tone. Lastly, even using certain products may make your skin more sensitive to the sun which again leads to sunburns. Even dehydrated skin such as dry knees or elbows, may cause skin discolorations because of over exposed sunlight which again leads to dehydration.
Hormones Women are more likely than men to experience melasma which is a skin disorder that cause uneven skin discolorations. Melasma may also be due to sun exposure but also in birth control or pregnancy. This can also be referred to as the “mask of pregnancy� because of the hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, creates changes in the body such as skin color.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) PIH is caused by discoloration on a person’s face or body. The condition is also caused by the excess melanin level which kicks into overdrive in cases such as injury or an inflammatory reaction to the skin. Although it may happen to anyone, PIH occurs more often on darker skin tones, because darker skin tones have higher melanin levels, so by increasing melanin levels higher, discolorations occur more often on darker skin tones.
Acne When it comes to darker skin, skin is more likely to receive “trauma” because of acne. This “trauma” occurs by creating dark spots or hyperpigmentation in the acne area. So whenever you get a pimple, it is likely for hyperpigmentation to occur if you pop the pimple because of the fact that popping pimples means breaking the skin, which means damage, and that damage leads to uneven skin tone.
Prevention H2O Drinking at least eight glasses of water everyday will not only keep you energized, but it helps your skin stay hydrated, after all, our skin is made up about 64% of water, according to Teen Vogue.
Apply Sunscreen Daily Here at Clear Essence we highly stress the importance of applying sunscreen, not only after using our products, but every time you know that you will be out in the sun for a long period of time. Although it may be a hassle, sunscreen needs to be used in order to prevent future skin damage as well as prevent current skin discolorations from getting worse. It’s also recommended to apply sunscreen even if you’re driving or are in the office because of the fluorescent lights.
Don’t Touch Your Face! Touching your acne, or popping a pimple prematurely can lead to dark spots which also affect skin tones. The more you pop, the more dark spots, and the more dark spots, the more likely it is for skin discolorations to occur because the skin is essentially injured from popping the pimple. So don’t touch your face! Remember, your hands touch a lot of things throughout the day which is filled with bacteria, so you may also injury your face with infections that damage your skin, so don’t touch!
Treatment Clear Essence Platinum Line Skin Beautifying Milk This moisturizing lotion not only helps dry spots, but it also helps even out skin tone by preventing dry spots by creating an even toned glow. This best seller focuses on locking in moisture so that not only can dark spots be prevented, but it helps out with dryness and discoloration using hydroquinone and botanical extracts. Use this product after cleansing and applying your treatment.
Clear Essence Platinum Line Medicated Fade Crème This is a medicated treatment which helps hyperpigmentation, skin discoloration and acne scars for normal to dry skin. The crème helps even out skin tone and fade dark spots with the formula that contains hydroquinone. Plus it contains UVA/ UVB SPF 15, so not only will you be fighting against your dark spots, but the formula also helps prevent future discolorations! Use this product after cleansing your face and then use a moisturizer.
Clear Essence Platinum Line Skin Lightening Serum Clear Essence Skin Lightening Serum treats hyperpigmentation, fades skin discolorations, and lightens dark spots on all skin types and skin tones. This skin lightening serum contains Hydroquinone and botanical extracts which go to work to fade problem areas. This product is especially popular for being safe and delicate enough for sensitive areas such as around the eyes and on oily, acne prone skin. Use as an all over toner or spot treatment.
Hydroquinone and Skin Discoloration
Though there are myths and questions in regards to hydroquinone, the FDA states, “Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching ingredient used to lighten areas of darkened skin. In 1982, we published a rule to propose that OTC skin bleaching drug products containing 1.5 to 2 percent hydroquinone be generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).� Clear Essence does carry products that contain 2% hydroquinone. The reason hydroquinone is used not only in our products but in other company products is, by lightening problematic areas, such as discoloration, dark spots, or sunspots, it helps even out skin tone. The ingredient is meant to even out skin tone and therefore, when achieving results, continue to use sunscreen in order to prevent future discolorations.
Dark spots, Hyperpigmentation, Skin discoloration, and other conditions should not keep you from flaunting your skin! It’s important to be informed however of what’s happening to your skin and how you can prevent your skin from being damaged even further. We may not be able to stop every pimple, but we can try! Most importantly, don’t forget that letting the real you shine through is what matters! If you feel that discoloration is blocking you from shining through, then take these tips into your hands and get ready to glow! You have the power to control how your skin works, and you have the power to achieve radiant and beautiful skin!
Phone: 800-423-4824 Fax: 909-565-4825 Email: cs@clearessence.com