Even minimal daily sun exposure can cause damage to the skin which can first appear as a form of pigmentation. Wearing a sunscreen on a daily basis is essential!
Sun damage and pigmentation are very common skin concerns which are predominantly caused by UV radiation and the lack of awareness around sun protection. The other common cause of pigmentation is of hormonal origin, particularly melasma, which is often experienced amongst pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Types of hyperpigmentation include:
Post-inflammatory pigmentation - this is hyperpigmentation that occurs at the site of an injury and as a result of inflammation, typically seen in acne.
Although the major lifestyle factor involved in sun damage and pigmentation is the overexposure to sunlight, diet can still play a role. Ensure you include a lot of green leafy vegetables in your diet, amongst others that are rich in beta-carotene: carrots, pumpkin, and peppers. Sauted tomatoes and tomato sauces are a great source of lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant to counteract some of UV induced pigmentation. Consuming a wholefood Indian cuisine rich in turmeric, cumin and coriander is one delicious way of shielding against the sun! Overall, a colourful diet can give your skin a healthy colour that gives some natural level of SPF. However, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is still necessary!
Most forms of sun damage and hyperpigmentation is sensitive to the light and heat that lasers project, therefore, it is usually best to treat it with skincare and peels. They can either be superficial or deep, effecting different layers of the skin. The deeper layer of the skin is affected, the more difficult it is to treat, and a more comprehensive solution is needed. The dept of the pigmentation will also determine what ingredients are best to implement into your skin care routine.
Exfoliation and topical ingredients such as alfa-hydroxy acids, kojic acid, Vitamin C, alpha-arbutin and retinols are sufficient in many causes. Growth factors and stem cells are great to implement into your routine as they can restore some of the DNA damage inflicted by the sun. However, very deep hyperpigmentation affecting the dermal layers of the skin require hydroquinone, retinoic acid, and an additional peel in clinic to perfectly eliminate any unwanted discolouration.
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