HYPERPIGMENTATION

Sun exposure causes complex chemical changes in the skin, and these chemical changes are responsible for the various forms of damage that are externally visible as hyperpigmentation.  Damage to melanocytes, or pigment cells that produce melanin and give our skin color, causes cells to be distributed skin unevenly to the surface of the skin and this produces the various forms of discoloration.  For this reason, we stress the importance of sun block.  Individuals who are prone to developing pigmented areas of the skin must be absolutely consistent in their use of sun block for even the most casual exposure.  Unless they are consistent in this regard, even the most advanced therapies will prove to be ineffective. Birth control pills and many other medications can also play a role in the promotion of hyperpigmentation.  However,  it is sun exposure that provides the trigger resulting in skin discoloration.  There are three important points to look for in selecting a good sunblock:  1) It should provide "broad spectrum" coverage, i.e., it should be both UVA and UVB protective.  2) It should have an SPF of 15-30, anything greater than 30 typically has more chemicals and may cause skin irritation, and a higher SPF does not provide significantly greater coverage.  3) It should be waterproof;  this is more likely to provide longer lasting protection.

Topicals referred to as "bleaching agents" don't really "bleach" the skin...they make dormant the pigment cells.  These products take approximately one month before effects are visible, and if the products are stopped, the effects are generally reversed.  Bleaching agent preparations can be extremely beneficial in "lightening" pigmented areas of the skin.  The use of these topicals are extremely compatible with a glycolic acid  skin care program.  The effectiveness of bleaching agents is partly dependent on their ability to penetrate.  Glycolic acid    appears to aid in the penetration of bleaching agents probably due to the action of glycolic acid in enhancing the exfoliation rate of the dry thickened top layer of skin (stratum corneum).  Much of the color change we perceive is located in the stratum corneum: when topical bleaching agents and glycolic acid are used regularly and consistently,  the pigmentation will gradually diminish and the dry aged thickened skin will significantly improve.  Other treatments which enhance the exfoliation rate such as micropeels  and microdermabrasion , are usually recommended for better results.  Remember, in addition to topical bleaching agents, glycolic acid , and adjunct treatments , individuals must use a full broad spectrum sun block daily in order to prevent a recurrence of this condition!

Hydroquinone is a well known topical bleaching agent and is available by prescription by Dr. Rasmussen.  She also offers two bleaching agents  which include a blend of natural lightening ingredients (glycolic acid, L-arbutin acid, azelaic acid, licorice root), and one that contains a blend of (glycolic acid, retinol, extracts from licorice root, mulberry fruit, grape, fennel seed, olive leaf, and tomato) that when used together, are helpful in diminishing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tones.  In addition, Dr. Rasmussen offers two  uniquely "cosmeticly elegant" sunblocks  that not only provide broad spectrum coverage, but are also waterproof.