Hyperpigmentation is one of the main concerns expressed to clinicians and treating it can be a difficult process with keeping it from reappearing even harder.
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. “Hyper” means more, and “pigment” means colour. Our pigment in our skin is controlled by our melanocytes – a cell in the skin and eyes that produces and contains the pigment called melanin. The melanocytes are in the layer of basal cells at the deepest part of the epidermis.
Healthy melanocytes will evenly distribute pigment throughout the skin, giving a smooth and even complexion. Unhealthy, inflamed or damaged melanocytes can either over-produce clumps of pigment leading to hyperpigmentation (dark spots), or stop producing pigment altogether leading to hypopigmentation (white spots).
Common causes of hyperpigmentation is exposure to UV rays (sun exposure), hormonal influences, age, skin inflammation, acne, medical conditions and skin injuries.
Treatment options for Hyperpigmentation
Prevention is always going to be key and we recommend doing this by limiting your exposure to the sun and living a healthy lifestyle as well as good skincare routine containing the fundamental 3 (see pyramid below)
This pyramid was designed leading dermatologists, Dr. Zoe Draelos and Dr. Flor Mayoral, Photozyme and highlights that the fundamental 3 elements to the basis of any skincare should be – SPF, antioxidants and DNA Repair Enzymes to maintain skin health.
Additionally, several studies have proven that sunscreen is not enough by itself to prevent sun damage. We know that 80% of skin ageing is due to sun damage and no sunscreen is 100% effective. DNA repair enzymes such as Photolyase, a key ingredient in Photozyme products, are imperative to prevent damage.
DNA Repair enzymes, SPF and antioxidants play a vital role in the PREVENTION of hyperpigmentation along with limiting your UV exposure in the first place.
Once hyperpigmentation occurs, then we look to the following treatments to help treat it such as:
- Laser
- Peels
- Hydroquinone
- Tretinoin
- Cyspera
Some being more effective than others with some having more downtime and side effects. Picking the right hyperpigmentation for you is important and we recommend obtaining informed information prior to starting.
With any of these treatment options, hyperpigmentation is highly likely to return over time once treatment is stopped (apart from PIH where once the acne stops the pigmentation usually doesn’t return for most).
So, how do DNA Repair Enzymes help in this management process?
We know that the main cause of hyperpigmentation is UV induced and that this UV damage equates to DNA damage. Our body already has the ability to repair DNA damage, but like with anything this depletes with age and it will also depend on the amount of damage we are exposed to such as sunburn.
Research from the National institute of Health in the USA (NIH) has shown that replenishing these enzymes in the skin increases the detection and repair of DNA damage. In this way, effects of UV damage – brown spots, wrinkles, discolouration of skin, sagging skin with less springiness can be improved. The study of DNA Repair Enzymes won a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2015. As seen in the Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, this action of repair of DNA damage plays a major role in fighting skin cancer.
So, making sure all clients undertaking pigmentation treatments, are also using the fundamental 3 skincare products to protect, prevent and repair from further damage.
Without having the fundamental basics and going straight to treatment – only heightens the risk for further damage, increased exposure and therefore in the long term more DNA damage.
Our Top Pick
Photozyme MD | Youth Recovery Facial Serum 50ml
For DNA Repair technology, look no further than Photozyme DNA Youth Recovery Serum. With a potent mix of 3 important DNA repair enzymes, this is a unique facial serum.
Photozyme MD DNA Youth Recovery Facial Serum is fortified with ingredients that help REPAIR and PROTECT the skin. It contains 3 natural DNA Repair Enzymes that attack DNA damage caused by UV rays, resulting in increased improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots while improving overall tone and clarity of the skin.
BENEFITS:
- Visibly reduce the signs of aging caused by sun damage
- Provides superior antioxidant protection
- Evens out skin tone and texture
- Hydrates the skin
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Can be used AM and PM.
This would be top recommendation and then in combination with our Vitamin C E Ferulic DNA Serum in the AM and GFS Night serum in the PM.