Resource Center

What is Hyperpigmentation and How to treat it

• Hyperpigmentation is when a patch or area of skin is darker than the surrounding skin.
• It is caused by excess melanin production
• Melanin is the compound which gives us our skin color

Causes

• Age/ liver spots- occur due to sun exposure. Occur commonly on the hands/ face and areas exposed to the sun.
• Melasma/ chloasma- they are bigger than age spots. Usually triggered by hormonal changes for example pregnancy or birth control pills.
• Post- inflammatory- due to acne, allergy, burns, lupus or post-surgery

Remedies

• Sunblock- which offers protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• Prescription creams used to lighten the skin- may contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, azelaic acid. retinoids or corticosteroids.
• Vitamin C serums
• Chemical peels which are done by physician

Serums and the cold chilly weather

Serums are great in the cold weather since they layer the skin actives before applying your moisturizer and sun block. It’s a well-known fact that cold weather and low humidity levels results in dry air that draws moisture from our skin, and giving that dull complexion. Serums have the added advantage of been light weight hence they penetrate into the skin pores after cleansing and work their magic from inside -out

So, what are the best serums to have during our so-called winter months?

Hyaluronic acid serums

Hyaluronic acid is found in high concentration in our joints and eyes. It works by acting as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and tissues. It is recommended by physicians for its ability to improve skin texture and appearance thereby giving one a lasting glow and reducing fine lines and wrinkles

Some benefits of using Hyaluronic acid serums are;

• Hydrates dry aged skin- it reduces water loss from the skin thereby reducing skin flaking, dandruff and dryness.
• Helps reduce wrinkles
• Wound repair- Hyaluronic acid has been used to treat cold sores, mouth ulcers, mucositis, sun burn, wounds and bites. It achieves healing properties by keeping damaged tissue moist, speeding up healing and preventing cracks and bleeding.
• Other non-aesthetic uses: treating joint pains (osteoarthritis), lubricating eyes following injuries, surgeries, cataracts, corneal transplants and also IBS

CHOICE WHILE BUYING…

• Sunblock SPF 30 and above
• Protects your skin 30 times longer than wearing no sunblock
• Protects against skin cancers
• Protects against age spots or liver spots due to sun exposure
• Good anti-aging

EYE CARE

Eye care what do you need to know.

Why do our eyes age?

• Decrease in elastin and collagen levels
• Leading to loss of firmness and density
• Results in gradual appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Trio that accelerates aging

• Sun
• Pollution
• fatigue

Eye creams… when and what to use?

In your 20s….

• it’s all about prevention! Prevention!
• Tip: Look for an eye cream with hydrating properties to keep thin skin under the eyes plump and firm.

In your30s

• Signs of aging begin to show.
• Visibly see dark sullen rings around the eyes.
• Fine lines and change in texture such as dryness around the eyes.
• Tip: use retinol-based eye creams, these increase cell turn-over and are used at night.

In your 40s…

• Dark circles are more prominent
• Crow’s feet and sunken tear trough can be seen
• Tip: layer your concentrated eye cream with serums such as vitamin C, E and hyaluronic acid- these ward off free radicals and boast collagen production
• Tip 2: PRP injections are a great boost to rejuvenation, and the results are instant!
• Tip 3: Botox injections for crow’s feet.

In your 60 onwards

• Drooping of the eyelid skin, creating a double-fold effect.
• Excess fluid retention
• Fat accumulation in upper and lower eyelids
• Tip: brightening eye creams which will even skin tone, pro-collagen masks will boost collagen production and layer the eye cream with serums.
• Tip 2: minimally invasive procedures such as Botox, dermal Fillers, and PRP injections restore youthful eyes appearance.