Youthful Looking Skin

Causes of Pigmentation

Babies are seldom born with uneven pigmentation (even so-called birthmarks usually appear some time after birth) and if you look at babies and small children you will see that one of the features of youth is clear skin, free from freckles and free from patches of uneven colour.

Pigmentation can be caused by -

As soon as we begin to expose our children to sunshine we see the emergence of freckles and a darkening of the skin (a sun tan). From that moment onwards, how well we look after a child’s skin will dramatically affect how well they age. By the time we are teenagers, the typical Australian has already had a fairly major degree of sun exposure but from the age of 25 onwards our skin begins to age faster. This means that we need to do more to maintain our youthful looks.

Treating Darker Skins

At Australian Skin Clinics we have significant experience in the treatment of all skin types including three, four and five (Asian, Indian and AfroCaribbean).

It can be made worse by the use of inappropriate products on the skin (such as alcohol in fragrances) and continuing sun exposure and heat trauma.

Types of Pigmentation There are two types of pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is darker in appearance to the rest of the skin on the face/body, whereas Hypopigmentation is whiter/paler than the rest of the skin.

Hyperpigmentation Examples Freckles Melasma/Chloasma General unevenness of skin colour (brown patches, reddish spots/acne scars) Keratosis Post trauma increase in pigmentation Moles Lentigines Liver spots/age spots Birthmarks

Hyperpigmentation Example

Hypopigmentation Examples Vitiligo Albinism Post trauma loss of pigmentation

Hypopigmentation Example

© ASC IP Holdings Pty Ltd 2012

Darker skin types are notoriously more difficult to treat and some products and treatments should never be applied to darker skin types.

Sun exposure Injury to the skin (including burns and post-treatment inflammation) Hormone imbalances Some illnesses and medications Acne

Hyperpigmentation

Melasma/Chloasma

Hyperpigmentation in the skin is caused by an increase in melanin, which is responsible for skin colour (pigment). Ethnic skins have more pigment than Celtic skins. Exposure to sunshine is a major cause of hyperpigmentaion (we know this as a sun tan) and will darken already hyperpigmented areas (such as freckles).

Melasma (also known as Chloasma) is a form of hyperpigmentation characterised by darker brown patches commonly found on the upper cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead.

Hormones, pregnancy and some medical conditions such as Addison’s disease can also cause a greater production of melanin leading to hyperpigmentation. Medications that may aggrevate pigmentation include some antibiotics, antiarrhythmics and antimalarial drugs.

Common Problems Lentigines

These patches can develop gradually over time or during pregnancy. Melasma can be permanent or disappear and reappear with each pregnancy. Melasma can also develop when taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives. While Melasma is thought to be stimulated by hormones, the most important factor is sun exposure. Without taking appropriate measures to protect the skin from daily sun exposure, treatments for Melasma are likely to be unsuccessful.

Lentigines (sometimes called liver spots or age spots) typically appear on the back of the hands and on the face. They are flat, light brown areas that do not itch or scale.

Although it is sometimes called "mask of pregnancy" or “pregnancy mask”, men can also develop this condition and people with Melasma will find that some skin products can actually worsen the appearance too.

Treatment Options

IPL, laser, specialist peels, depigmenting gels or creams.

Treatment Options

IPL, laser, chemical peels

Moles

Treatment Suspicious moles must be biopsied but those identified as benign can be removed using our minimal scar technique (available at selected clinics).

Acne can often leave scarring that is reddish/purple in colour or “ice pick” scarring (indentations in the skin).

Treatment Options

Typically we treat discolouration with IPL, Laser, depigmenting gels or creams and chemical peels. We treat the texture of the skin with Fraxel laser resurfacing or dermal rolling.

© ASC IP Holdings Pty Ltd 2012

Moles can appear at any time and may be pigmented or skin colour. All moles should be monitored for bleeding, colour, shape or size changes or itching and irritation.

Acne Scarring

Birthmarks Birthmarks usually appear in the first few weeks after birth. They are non-cancerous, but it is still a good idea to have a doctor look at them as a precaution. We do not treat birthmarks in children unless there is a medical reason to do so.

Treatments for Pigmentation There is no “one solution to fix all” so beware of clinics claiming that this is the case. Most pigmentation requires a combination of treatments to obtain the best results. Cafe-au-lait Spot

There are several types of birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks present as smooth flat areas of discoloured skin. They are sometimes known as: Port Wine Stain Mongolian spots (which look similar to a bruise and bluish in colour), typically appearing on buttocks. Cafe-au-lait spots (light brown like milky coffee) Port wine stains (red/purple areas)

Treatment Options

Advice is essential and specialist treatments may include lasers or IPL.

Hypopigmentation Hypopigmentation in skin is the result of loss of melanin production. Hypopigmentation can include Vitiligo, Albinism and can also be the result of injury to the skin.

Trauma and Injury Skin infections, blisters, burns and trauma can cause loss of pigmentation in the affected area. It is frequently not permanent but may take a long time to resolve.

Treatment Options

Dermal rolling, IPL and laser. Mineral Make-up can be used to camouflage the area, while the body regenerates the pigment.

At Australian Skin Clinics we offer a wide range of treatments for pigmentation including: Specialist peels Cosmeceutical products Depigmenting creams & gels

Laser treatments IPL treatments

Treatments must be tailored to the individual and take into account your skin ethnicity, the cause of the pigmentation and your desired outcome. After treatment you should continue to protect the skin to help prevent reoccurrence.

Protection from Hyperpigmentation Sun exposure will both cause and increase pigmentation so sunscreen is essential! Regular application of ASAP Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 30+ is vital throughout the day when in the sun for prolonged periods. Remember that sunscreen should be used all year round. Even incidental sun exposure (walking to the shops, through the windscreen of the car etc) can cause pigmentation so use Skinstitut Perfect Protection underneath your make-up. Pat onto the skin and finish with mineral make-up for extra protection. Skinstitut Even Blend serum contains ingredients to inhibit the production of melanin. It is an excellent way to lighten present pigmentation and help to prevent future pigmentation development. Use in the morning mixed with Vitamin C and in the evening with Retinol for maximum effect. Vitamin C also provides protection against sun damage so build this into your skin care regimen.

Call Australian Skin Clinics on 1300 303 014 to arrange your consultation. © ASC IP Holdings Pty Ltd 2012

To book your consultation, phone 1300 303 014. We have a philosophy of continual improvement and always strive to increase our services to clients. We provide as much honest information as possible to allow you, our client, to make informed decisions about treatments. See our downloads section on our website www.ozskin.com for more free e-publications.

Our Services Microdermabrasion Laser Hair Removal Laser Rejuvenation Skin Tightening Skincare

Muscle Relaxants Laser Facial Vein Treatment Laser for Pigmentation Dermal Rolling Collagen Stimulants

Dermal Fillers Skin Peels Acne Management Cosmetic Surgery (Ashmore only) Mole Removal (Ashmore only)

For latest offers and up-to-date information, join us: www.facebook.com/ozskin (regular prize giveaways)

www.twitter.com/ozskin

www.ozskin.wordpress.com (our blog site)

Visit www.ozskin.com

Australian Skin Clinics - Ashmore: 7/151 Cotlew Street Ashmore Qld 4214

Australian Skin Clinics - ‘Express’ Clinics: Helensvale: Westfield Shopping Centre Robina: Robina Town Centre