Face Dark Spots: 8 Questions About Hyperpigmentation
What causes dark spots on my face and body? How long will they take to fade? Is it possible to get rid of dark spots sooner? And what are the best products and treatments for dark spots and marks on the skin?
These questions are way more common than we think. Estimates are around 80% of people will be diagnosed with a pigmentation[1] disorder in their lifetime. That’s 8 out of every 10 people. And those persistent dark spots and splotches can have a very negative effect on your confidence. Not to mention the damage that goes along with it that causes premature aging.
For over a decade, Lamelle has studied dark spots, highlighting how it’s formed in your skin. This is how we’ve created some of the most innovative hyperpigmentation products available. And it’s how Lamelle continuously helps you #FaceDarkMarks with confidence.
WHAT CAUSES DARK SPOTS ON THE SKIN
Dark spots and dark marks on face and body skin are a sign of an overabundance of the skin pigment molecule called melanin. Cells called melanocytes in our skin produce melanin as a form of natural sun protection. And the amount and type of melanin is what gives us our skin colour and tone.
When dark spots form, it’s a sign that the melanocytes in that area of the skin are overproducing melanin. We call this condition hyperpigmentation, and it affects all skin types, from the fairest to the darkest of skins.
TRIGGERS AND TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION
There are three types of hyperpigmentation, based on what triggers them. The root cause sometimes needs slightly specialized treatment. (Although it’s important to note that sun exposure dramatically worsens all of them):
a) Sun-induced hyperpigmentation is the most common cause of dark spots. It happens when sun exposure signals parts of your skin to produce melanin to try and block out the UV light to prevent damage. This makes your body overproduce melanin, causing dark spots or patches of skin.
b) Hormonal hyperpigmentation is caused by fluctuations in hormone levels (common after pregnancy and giving birth). They also trigger melanocytes to produce more melanin. Note: Sun exposure worsens it, and it’s not just related to pregnancy, even taking contraceptives can trigger it.
c) Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result of an inflamed skin injury. It’s very common after inflamed acne lesions and it affects all skin types.
DO DARK SPOTS EVER FADE?
On their own, dark spots do fade, but it takes a long time. It can take a single dark spot anywhere between 3 and 24 months (2 years) to fade naturally. And, if you have several dark spots on your face or body, there’s no guarantee that they all started at the same time. So they might not all go away at the same time either.
Also, if you’re not treating the cause of hyperpigmentation, there’s a good chance you’ll develop even more dark spots by the time it takes for a single one to fade naturally. That’s why we look at ways of treating dark marks instead.
HOW TO REMOVE DARK SPOTS SOONER
Lamelle has studied the skin and, in particular, how the skin forms the pigment molecules called melanin. We know dark spots form when cells called melanocytes in one area of your skin produce too much (or too little) melanin compared to other areas of skin. And we’ve identified certain steps or pathways in how it is formed.
This allowed us to develop one of the most groundbreaking product ranges for dark marks. Products that impact the steps of melanin formation every step of the way, using Lamelle’s proprietary peptides. We’re now able to normalize the skin’s pigment production, safely and effectively in all skin types. And, we can also fast-track the removal of dark spots by increasing skin cell turnover (exfoliation).
THE BEST PRODUCT FOR IMPROVING DARK SPOTS: LUMINESCE
Lamelle has a revolutionary range of topical skincare products that inhibit melanin formation across all the steps of its formation inside your skin. What’s more, it’s perfectly safe and suitable for any skin type, clinically proven, so easy to use you can apply it at home and it’s proudly made for South Africa skin right here in SA. It’s called Lamelle Luminesce Range
Luminesce has to power to influence the causes of hyperpigmentation and it’s one of the very few products that safely treat hyperpigmentation in all skin types.
For the last decade, Luminesce was the most advanced product for dark spots available, because it acts on the process of how they form in the skin. Lamelle has updated the Luminesce range with an even more effective pigment-blocking peptide complex and, for the first time in the skincare industry, included an ingredient that treats melasma (hormonal pigmentation) at the DNA level. It truly is the most technologically advanced hyperpigmentation cream.
The results? Healthy, glowing, and radiant even-toned skin that’s free of dark marks and blemishes. And added protection against the aging effects of damaging sunlight.
MADE TO BE USED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS
The advanced Moisturisers in the Luminesce range act deep inside the skin to prevent too much new melanin from forming. But you can fast-track results and remove existing dark spots with professional treatments, such as skin peels.
Skin peels remove dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, revealing the newer (and less pigmented) skin underneath. And you can do both: Luminesce was made to be used along with skin peels. See how skin peels help fix hyperpigmentation.
THE BEST SERUM FOR DARK MARKS: CORRECTIVES BRIGHTER CONCENTRATE
If you need a booster for treating dark spots, something to apply to specific areas, or to generally help brighten your skin, there is Lamelle’s Correctives Brighter Concentrate.
This specially formulated serum for dark spots contains and added boost of pigment-influencing peptides. And it also contains a new ingredient that’s just as powerful as prescription brighteners, but this one has proven so safe that you need a prescription to use it.
Ready to #FaceDarkMarks? Speak to your skin care therapist or dermatologist today about employing the hyperpigmentation-controlling power of Luminesce!