Why does facial skin get discolored?
Uneven pigmentation affects most people at some time in life regardless of ethnic background or skin color. Facial skin often appears lighter or darker than normal in some areas and this tendency is frequently found elsewhere on the body. There may be blotchy and uneven areas, patches of brown, excessive freckling or general skin tone inconsistencies.
Skin pigmentation disorders occur because the body distributes either too much or too little melanin to a given area. Melanin is the pigment produced by melanocyte cells and its production is triggered by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which creates the color of the skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin consists of two main components that combine to create varying skin tones. Eumelanin produces a range of brown skin and hair color, while pheomelanin imparts a yellow to reddish hue. Melanin does provide some amount of sun protection for the skin by absorbing ultraviolet light. Darker skin colors are less susceptible to sunburn and the overall effects of sun damage.
Increased melanin production, also known as hyperpigmentation, is often referred to as melasma, sunspots or solar lentigenes. Aside from sun exposure and hormones, hyperpigmentation can be caused by skin damage, as in the case of remnants of blemishes, wounds or rashes. This is especially true for those with darker skin tones.
The most typical cause of darkened areas of skin, brown spots or areas of discoloration is unprotected sun exposure. On lighter to medium skin tones, these dark spots will emerge as small or medium-sized brown patches of freckling that can expand and accumulate over time on areas of the body that receive the least protection from sun exposure. For those with darker skin colors, these discolorations can appear as patches or areas of ashen-gray skin.
What is melasma?
Melasma is a tan or dark facial skin discoloration. The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, upper lip, and forehead that often develop gradually over time. Melasma is thought to be caused by stimulation of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells by estrogen and progesterone when skin is exposed to sun. People with light skin tones who live in regions with heavy sun exposure are particularly susceptible to developing this condition. Genetic predisposition is also a major factor in determining whether a person will develop melasma. It is also thought that overproduction of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) due to stress can cause outbreaks of this condition. Thankfully, melasma does not cause any problems beyond cosmetic discoloration.
What are sun spots?
Sunspots (also known as liver spots, age spots and lentigos) are blemishes on the skin associated with aging and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. They range in color from light brown to red or black and are located in areas most often exposed to the sun, particularly the hands, face, shoulders, arms and forehead, and the head, if bald. These areas of discoloration are not related to the liver physiologically, but do have a similar color. It was once believed, incorrectly, that liver spots were due to liver problems. From the age of 40 years old and onward, the skin is less able to regenerate from sun exposure and discolorations are very common in this age group. They have been known to proliferate in some individuals under emotional distress. In the vast majority of cases these discoloration spots pose no health threat and medical treatment isn’t necessary.
What about hydroquinone?
In human medicine, hydroquinone is used as a topical application in skin whitening to reduce the color of dark spots or hyperpigmentation. This use is banned in some countries (e.g. France) because of fears of a cancer risk. The safety of hydroquinone is based upon proper use of the medication but will vary from person to person. Hydroquinone cream or gel is for external use only and should be limited to an area equal to that of the face and neck or hands and arms. It should not be used near the eyes. Safety has not been established in children younger than 12 years of age. If no bleaching or lightening effect is noted after 2 months of use (or 3 months if using the 2 % cream), stop treatment with the hydroquinone.
The most commonly reported side effect is skin irritation, such as burning or stinging. Periodically, a blue-black darkening of the skin may occur. Should this happen, the product should be discontinued, and a physician should be contacted. In addition, no in-depth pregnancy studies have been completed and thus it is not known whether hydroquinone can cause damage to a fetus when applied to the skin. A physician should be consulted in the case of pregnancy, and use of this product should only occur if clearly needed. It should also be used with caution in nursing women, as it is not known whether hydroquinone is absorbed into breast milk.
At Sisquoc Healthcare, we do not use hydroquinone in our products because of the science-based concerns about its long-term effects. If you do choose to use a product with hydroquinone, please be certain you’ve done ample research and/or have consulted with a skin care specialist.
Why Lucederm works
Lucederm is a combination of the newest innovations in skin lightening science and the reliable, natural elements of successful treatments from the past. It is this therapeutic, delicate blend that is the foundation for the industry’s most gentle and highly effective lightening cream.
The primary lightening agents in Lucederm are alpha-arbutin and kojic acid. Alpha arbutin inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, which leads to increased development of melanin, more effectively than its beta version, which is found in many lightening products today. Alpha-arbutin is a pure, water-soluble active ingredient that promotes wonderful lightening and even skin tones for all skin types.
Kojic acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment differences and age spots. Approved for cosmetic use in 1989, kojic acid has an effect similar to hydroquinone without the risk of excessive burning or skin irritation. It is derived from a fungus, and studies have shown that it is extremely effective as a lightening agent, especially used in conjunction with our proprietary formula. In addition, kojic acid has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to further protect new, luminous facial skin.
Arguably the most outstanding characteristic of Lucederm is the lasting lightening effects that the cream has when compared with any of its competitors. The secret of the extended skin brightening is the presence of kojic dipalmitate. This wonderful element helps Lucederm deeply adhere to facial skin for an extended period of time allowing the active ingredients to penetrate and lighten the darkened areas. The result is beautiful, vibrant facial skin that stays full of life and glows weeks and months on end!
Natural extracts and elements also play a large role in completing the lightening and refreshing of facial skin. Mulberry and bearberry extracts are exceptional natural lightening agents that work with our active ingredients to reduce any uneven skin tones. Melissa officinalis balm and licorice extracts provide a soothing and moisturizing effect while decreasing the risk of irritation. It is this wonderful blend of natural elements and active lightening agents that make Lucederm the premier skin brightening cream available anywhere in the world today.
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Suggested Use: |
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• Liberally apply Lucederm to clean, gently-dried skin twice daily.
• For maximum results, use a quality sunscreen product throughout the
day of at least 15 SPF to protect your new and radiant skin.
• Store Lucederm at room temperature and avoid excessive heat
or direct sunlight. |
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