Although the cause of Melasma (hormonal pigmentation) is not absolutely clear, it would seem that, in many cases there is a direct connection to any change in hormonal status with higher levels of oestrogen e.g. during pregnancy, the use of oral contraception, hormone replacement therapy or any condition where oestrogen levels increase. Discontinuing the use of contraceptives rarely clears the pigmentation and it may still last for many years. Interestingly, it can also occur in men.
Recent evidence shows that there are other underlying causes such as "Leaky Gut" , certain medication, use of the Mirena, thyroid dysfunction, inflammation in the body and stress (which causes Leaky gut).
More recent evidence shows us that there are other triggers that may set up an entire cascade of effects that affect the patient’s hormonal profile and eventually manifest as Melasma on the skin. Even heat can be a trigger for pigmentation! Bad news for those of us who like our hot baths, steam baths and saunas; these could also stimulate pigmentation!
The most important part of gaining control is to find the cause, in order to get rid of these patches.
How do I get rid of it? It’s fairly simple; find out the cause and then eliminate or avoid the triggers.
1.
Get the correct treatment and holistic advice from your Skin Renewal Clinic to deal with the visible damage. Starting from the inside, there are some tests that can be done to ascertain what is affecting you and your skin.
2.
Use products that will inhibit and slow down pigmentation. The Obagi product range focusses on treating stubborn pigmentation by removing the pigment that is already present, preventing more pigment from being formed and then maintaining that result indefinitely. Hence the Obagi slogan, “Obagi for life!”
3.
The Obagi System includes a 7 Step program that you can use at home and these products are so well formulated that you can stay on them for life. These products are also vital in the preparation for in-office treatment.
The system includes ~ Products 1 and 2: A Cleanser and a Toner which focus on soothing the skin and bringing down inflammation (a common trigger for pigmentation)
~ Product 3: A phenomenal day product known as Clear FX which contains potent pigmentation inhibitors. Clear FX also protects the skin during the day and prevents further damage.
~ Product 4: skin resurfacer, known as Exfoderm, which encourages constant cell turnover. This helps to maintain the results of the Blue and/or the Radiance peels which are the choice treatments for Deep pigmentation (Blue Peel) and superficial pigmentation (Radiance Peel)
~ Product 5: This is really an amazing product. Blend FX is really a powerful all-round formulation. It contains the same powerful pigmentation inhibitors as Clear FX, but, it can be altered to meet the needs of the patient, by adding certain prescription strength actives (such as Tretinoin) to further increase the potency and results of the product. Blend FX can even be combined with Hydroquinone (in severe cases) to further enhance the results. Blend FX with the inclusion of Tretinoin and HQ can only be used under a Doctor’s supervision (provided that Doctor has undergone the Obagi Blue Peel Medical training).
~ Product 6: Is a soothing, calming, comforting moisturiser known as Hydrate (also available as Hydrate Luxe for very dry skin). This product promotes barrier function and barrier repair.
~ Product 7: Lastly is the all-important SPF 50, known as Sun Shield Matte.
What kind of treatment can be recommended?
If the Melasma has gone down into the dermis, it is more difficult to treat but with the award winning Obagi Blue Peel, we can now reach these deep pigmented areas, and all skin types can now be treated effectively.
The Blue Peel is a specially formulated TCA which is a layer dependent treatment done only by Doctors. The patient is under excellent care and supervision. A specially planned preparation phase (which includes the use of the 7-Step system) is followed to get the skin ready for this treatment, making the results of the Blue Peel absolutely phenomenal, and preventing any unwanted side-effects.
For patients who prefer a slower and less aggressive approach, Obagi also offers the Radiance peel which can be done over a course of treatments and combined with Skin Renewal’s other in-office treatments including Laser, Limelight, Needling and Mesotherapy
Obagi is really the ultimate addition to the Skin Renewal Clinics and will certainly take our service and results with pigmentation to the next level.
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