• At last a solution for hormonal pigmentation…

    Date: 2010.08.17 | Category: Body And Beauty Treatment Tips | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    Hormonal Pigmentation

    Hormonal Pigmentation , also known as Melasma, is a considerable problem for most women, especially for those living in sunny South Africa. It is a chronic skin condition that occurs on the face in the form of brown patches and is a dynamic (active) condition that needs lifelong management. According to research, hormonal pigmentation has a considerable impact on how one feels about oneself with many women feeling embarrassed, frustrated and even depressed if the pigmentation becomes chronic and does not fade with time or resolve after considerable topical treatments.

     

     

    What causes Hormonal Pigmentation ?                                                                                                                               

    • UVA rays are a stimulant for melanin (brown pigmentation) to develop on the skin and unfortunately can even penetrate through car window glass.

    • Any change in hormonal status with higher levels of oestrogen is thought to trigger and aggravate the condition (ie. birth control pills and pregnancy). Discontinuing the use of contraceptives rarely clears the pigmentation and it may last for many years after discontinuation.

    • After pregnancy hormonal pigmentation usually clears within a few months of delivery but may persist indefinitely.

    • However many women without these risk factors also develop hormonal pigmentation.

    • Any activities that cause intense heat to the face (from steam showers, hot closed environments, sitting on the beach even under cover and with full sun protection, etc) causes inflammation which is a powerful stimulator of melanin.

    • It is more prevalent in darker-complexioned individuals though persons of any race can be affected due to the intense sun exposure in South Africa.

    • Hormonal pigmentation is seen most frequently in young women but can even be seen in men.

    Where does hormonal pigmentation appear?

    • Hormonal pigmentation can occur on any part of the face but usually appears with a symmetrical pattern on the forehead, cheeks and jawline. On rare occasions, it can even occur on the forearms. How can one prevent hormonal pigmentation from forming?

    To prevent hormonal pigmentation one should:

    • Avoid sun exposure and wear a protective hat when outdoors for extended periods to further block these rays.

    • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to block the UVA rays every day

     What are the different types of hormonal pigmentation and how are they treated?

    The different types of pigmentation can be identified by observing the affected area under a Wood’s lamp.

    • Epidermal hormonal pigmentation is the most common form and is treated with topical therapy together with a combination of superficial or full epidermal chemical peels or pulsed light treatments such as IPL.

    • If the pigmentation has leached into the dermis, this isknown as dermal hormonal pigmentation. The deeper the pigment is and the more difficult it is to treat. Dermal hormonal pigmentation is best treated with mid dermal combination peels such as a RegimA Peels or a Q switched laser which can penetrate into the dermis to reach the pigment together with topical therapy.

    FOR MORE ON PIGMENTATION CONTACT US ON:

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    info@somabodytherapy.co.za

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