EVERYTHING you need to know about pigmentation!
The human body is wonderfully composed of different functions and properties. One of the most striking aspects of the skin's aesthetics is its colour, which is due to a pigment called melanin. It so happens that the amount of pigment is not always distributed evenly across the body. This is called pigment spots or melasma. This blog post aims to give you a deeper understanding of what pigmentation on the body is, why it occurs, how to help prevent pigment spots, and which treatments we recommend if you already have pigmentation in your skin.
What is pigmentation on the body?
Pigmentation on the body refers to uneven colour changes in the skin. These changes occur when melanin, a natural pigment produced by special cells called melanocytes, is distributed unevenly in the skin. Melanin is what gives the skin colour, and the amount and distribution of melanin determine whether we have a light, medium or dark skin tone.
The amount of melanin shows through our skin colour.
Why does pigmentation occur?
There are several reasons why pigmentation can occur:
1. The sun's effect: When our skin is exposed to UVA and UVB radiation, a reaction takes place in our body. UVA rays cause the melanin that has already been produced to oxidise, so that it becomes darker. In other words, we get browner in the sun. UVB rays increase the production of melanin from the melanocytes, meaning there is more melanin in the body. The reason these processes happen is that our body wants to protect the DNA found inside our cells. The melanin can distribute itself unevenly, and shows up as uneven pigmentation on the body. Overexposure to the sun's UV rays is one of the most common causes of pigmentation.
2. Ageing: With age, the skin can begin to produce melanin unevenly.
3. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, use of the contraceptive pill, or hormonal imbalances can also lead to melasma, a type of pigmentation that often appears as dark spots on the face. There are also some types of medication that can increase the chance of developing pigmentation.
4. Injuries and inflammation: Scars from acne, injuries or inflammation in the skin can also cause melanin to be distributed unevenly and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Preventing pigmentation on the body
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of pigmentation:
Sun protection: Use sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) with at least SPF 30, and wear a sun hat and protective clothing when you are out in strong sunlight.
Avoid sunbathing: Avoid excessive sunbathing and sunbed use, especially during the most intense hours of the day. Reducing your time in the sun will have a preventive effect.
Use skincare products: Use skincare products that contain ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and niacinamide, as these can help reduce pigmentation and promote a more even skin tone.
How to treat existing pigmentation with MeLine?
For pigmentation there are skincare ranges that can be considered. MeLine is the ONLY skincare range that specialises in pigmentation and uneven skin tone. The range contains products for both face and body, as well as for dark and light skin types. Clinical studies show that MeLine can reduce uneven skin colour by up to 90-95% in 60-90 days!
MeLine has both clinic treatments with chemical peels and a home programme with, among other things, day and night cream, cleanser, serums, mask, spot treatment and much more! To get the best possible result, we recommend that you combine clinic treatments with skincare products you can use at home. If you come in to see us, we can work out together how many clinic treatments are optimal for you and your needs, and which products you should have at home.
