Skin hyperpigmentation is caused when special cells produce too much pigment called melanin, which in normal amounts just gives skin its particular colour. The brownish patches that appear are completely harmless; however since in most cases they appear on exposed areas such as the arms and face they can be judged unsightly and cause a severe psychological impact.
What causes this over production of melanin?
The principle culprit is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays which stimulate the cells that produce melanin and cause them to go into over-drive. This is why hyperpigmentation tends to be more common among people that hail from the sunnier regions such as the Mediterranean, Africa or Latin America. Melanin over-production may also be stimulated when significant hormonal changes are happening e.g. pregnancy, taking the contraceptive pill etc. This makes sun exposure in these individuals even more likely to develop hyperpigmentation problems
How can La Roche-Posay help with Hyperpigmentation?
In two ways Correct and Prevent!
Correct:
La Roche-Posay’s new Pigmentclar serum contains a powerful mix of ingredients that have been clinically shown to reduce the appearance of brown spots and hyperpigmentation.
Pigmentclar serum is designed to work in two ways to regulate melanin production more efficiently – direct action on the cell with an anti-dark spot complex formulated with PhE-Resorcinol together with strong anti-oxidant ingredients such as Gingko and Ferrulic acid which affect the cell’s environment thus having an indirect effect in reducing melanin production. Whilst these ingredients work inside the skin, existing areas of hyperpigmentation are targeted with a gentle surface exfoliation to quickly unify your complexion.
The advantage of choosing a serum to treat hyperpigmentation is its ability to carry a higher concentration of ingredients to deeper levels of the skin where the pigmentation may have set making it near impossible for other formulations to reach.
Prevent:
Since we are 100% certain that UV rays from the sun are the main cause for hyperpigmentation it follows logically that protecting ourselves from the sun by using a sunscreen daily will highly minimise the risk of developing or worsening hyperpigmentation. Never was the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ truer than in this case. Anthelios sunscreens from La Roche-posay offer very high protection with different textures that make them suitable even for everyday use.
Pigmentclar serum, Anthelios sunscreens and all La Roche-Posay products are available in all pharmacies throughout Malta and Gozo.
