Discolouration

Cutaneous ageing signs such as discolouration become visible from as early as the twenties, especially with excessive sun or environmental exposure. However between the ages of 35 to 49 years there is a sharp increase in prevalence of skin changes clearly ascribable to photo-aging such as pigmented spots and discolouration of skin. Awareness of the damaging effect of UV radiation on the facial appearance and sun avoidance and protection before the age of twenty will help reduce the risks for developing discolouration lesions later in life.

Ageing skin unsettles women more than men; because society believes a woman loses her attractiveness once visible signs of facial ageing set in. Characteristics of skin facial aging include fine and coarse wrinkle formation, pigmentation changes, sallow colour, dry texture, loss of elasticity, loss of skin tone, sagging subcutaneous tissues, underlying muscle hypertrophy and volume loss in the face.

Ageing skin is associated with a range of cosmetic concerns - from pigmentation problems and splotchy skin to redness due to enlarged vessels or capillaries, all causing discolouration of the skin. Photoageing caused by ultraviolet light exposure, tends to act more on the surface of the skin. There are sun freckles or irregular pigmentation and dilated blood vessels (often referred to as "broken" blood vessels) that lead to an overall uneven tone and discolouration.

Home therapies:

At Skin Renewal we offer traditional topical home therapies such as AHA s, PHA s, Kojic Acid and Hydroquinone to treat discolouration as well as recent advances in pigmentation technology such as the recently launched Luminesce brightening range by Lamelle.

Luminesce, an advanced pigmentation program which addresses hyper-pigmentation by reducing melanin at several points in its production, as opposed to just one point as with other treatments. This wider inhibitory effect is an industry first, positioning the Luminesce range as one of the most innovative. Lamelle uses groundbreaking peptide technology (Oligopeptide 34) for treating pigmentation and has recently added 3 new peptides to the program which offers excellent results in combating epidermal and post inflammatory hyper- pigmentation ( PIH). An added benefit is that the combination of peptides used in the range offers anti-ageing benefits to the skin as they stimulate collagen producing cells. Traditionally skin discolouration has been one of the most challenging conditions to treat, but there is definitely hope thanks to Luminesce. Luminesce used twice daily for 8 weeks will reduce the appearance of pigmentation and is safe for use on all skin types unlike traditional skin lightening cosmeceutical products as well as prescription medications These traditional products try combating hyper-pigmentation with disappointing results or worse - cause hypersensitive skin, which in turn aggravates the pigmentation.

In Office therapies:

At Skin Renewal with the introduction photo rejuvenation treatments and exfoliation treatments such as Pearl™ laser, Limelight ™ , Mela T and M peels by Lamelle, TCA and Chemibrasion virtually any patient can be a candidate for a brightening of their skin depending on the area . As each patient's case is different; we will tailor a treatment program specifically for you and your circumstances. A highly professional team led by a medical doctor assesses every patient and an appropriate combination treatment together with long term maintenance program is recommended. The new concept today is to start with photo rejuvenation devices early so as to prevent the deterioration of skin colour and texture as one gets older.

Skin Renewal Tip:

Asian and African skin is prone to excessive freckling, hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Dark patches around the eyes and face caused by hormonal fluctuations, are also a serious problem for Asian women. As this condition is worsened by UV exposure, proper sun protection is essential. The Luminesce brightening range from Lamelle can be safely used around the eye area and together with Carboxytherapy treatments and superficial epidermal peels, promises new possibilities for treating the dark patches in areas previously impossible to treat.