Pigment Production is a Complicated Process

The color of our skin is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

It Starts at the Basal Layer Located at the deepest level of the epidermis, or stratum basale, melanosomes pigment packets) begin an upward journey through the skin layers. These disperse throughout the skin layers to create color in the skin.

FUN FACT: The amount of pigment contained in, and the distribution of, melanosomes, is different by race.  The number of melanocytes is the same.

The Complexity of Pigmentation

The process of pigmentation synthesis occurs in 14 different steps:

• 3 occur outside the melanocyte

• 11 steps occur within the melanocyte

10 of the steps that occur can be pharmacologically affected by topical product application. The remaining 4 steps happen so quickly they cannot be impacted by external forces.

How does Hyperpigmentation occur?

Ultraviolet Rays from the sun, hormone changes and a disrupted skin barrier and other environmental insults begin an inflammation process in the skin.  Chronic inflammatory factors and a comprised skin barrier will trigger an abnormal process in the skin.   The end result being unwanted pigmentation.

Mechanisms of Current Products

More than 30 ingredients have been reported to impact pigmentation.  KEY is knowing that one ingredient will only impact no more than 3 hyperpigmentation steps.  This is why your products need to have a wide variety of ingredients so we can affect all 10 of the steps.

What is the worst type of irregular pigmentation?

Probably the hardest type of irregular pigmentation to treat is called melasma. Women with melasma often will see big dark patches on their chin, forehead or cheeks. Melasma is usually starts due to a hormonal imbalance but once the cells have been effected the sun will cause this type of pigment to become much worse when not protected by the correct topical agents.

What kind of treatment options are available to someone with melasma?

Because the process that caused the melasma is complicated and the melanocytes are deep in the skin, there isn’t a quick fix. What we try to do at Radiance is create a personalized regimen that will combine both in-office treatments and at-home products. However we will always say the single most important step is wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

We carry many product lines at Radiance that help a wide variety of pigmentation.  One of our favorite products to recommend is the Epionce Melano Corrective System. It was created to work throughout the entire complex pigment process in the skin safely, so it is wonderful for long-term daily use.

What are some of the ingredients that could be used to succusfully help correct pigmentation?

Licorice root, Crithmum maritimum algae, Undecylenoyl phenylalanine, Bamboo, Pea, Paper Mulberry, White Water Lily just to name a few.  The key to correction is the correct combination of products, the availability of the product to penetrate into the skin and the percentage of ingredients.    

Pigmentation is a complex process.  Therefore the correct guidance from a liscensed professional will help you achieve your goals safely and effectively.  Please call Radiance today to find out how we can help.  We offer complimentary consultations by appointment only.