Discolouration

However, between the ages of 35 to 49 years, there is a sharp increase in the prevalence of skin changes, clearly ascribable to photo-ageing, such as pigmented spots and discolouration of the skin. Awareness of the damaging effect of UV radiation on the body and sun avoidance and protection before the age of twenty will help reduce the risks of developing discolouration lesions later in life.

Ageing skin unsettles women more than men because society believes a woman loses her attractiveness once visible signs of facial ageing set in. Characteristics of ageing skin (on the face or body) include fine and coarse wrinkle formation, pigmentation changes, sallow colour, dry texture, loss of elasticity, loss of skin tone, sagging subcutaneous tissues, underlying muscle hypertrophy and volume loss.

Ageing skin is associated with a range of cosmetic concerns - from pigmentation problems and splotchy skin to redness due to enlarged vessels or capillaries, all causing discolouration of the skin, especially on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck and décolleté. Photo ageing caused by ultraviolet light exposure tends to act more on the surface of the skin. Sun freckles or irregular pigmentation and dilated blood vessels (often called "broken" blood vessels) lead to an overall uneven tone and discolouration.

Home therapies:

At Body Renewal, we offer traditional topical home therapies such as AHA s, PHA s, Retinoids, Potent Anti-Oxidants, Topical treatments containing pigmentation inhibitors (tyrosinase inhibitors) and Hydroquinone to treat discolouration as well as recent advances in pigmentation technology.

Success in the treatment of any discolouration and/or pigmentation changes also relies on the client’s awareness and requires them to be diligent in applying sun protection on a daily basis and avoid the sun where possible. This may require making positive lifestyle changes, such as always wearing a hat, using sunglasses and generally making a habit of avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible. Body Renewal also offers the latest and best in product technology when treating pigmentation. No product is prescribed without its manufacturers and laboratories giving us clinical proof that their product has fully documented trials and studies showing medical data that they work. Amongst these well-researched and well-published products are:

Lytera (by Skin Medica), Enlighten (by Neostrata) and Luminesce (by Lamelle), to name a few.

In-Clinic Therapies:

At Skin and Body Renewal, with the introduction of photo rejuvenation treatments and exfoliation treatments such as Pearl™ laser, Limelight™, Photo Genesis and various chemical peeling options, virtually any patient can be a candidate for a brightening of their skin, depending on the area.

As each patient's case is different, we will tailor a treatment program specifically for you and your circumstances. A highly professional team led by a medical doctor assesses every patient, and appropriate combination treatment, together with a long-term maintenance program, is recommended. The new concept today is to start with photo rejuvenation devices and preventative products early so as to prevent the deterioration of skin colour and texture as one gets older.

Body Renewal Tip:

For full body exfoliation to improve discolouration, the Neostrata Glycolic is a cost-effective procedure to attain an instant glow to one's skin, for more severe sun spots and discolouration. The 3D Peel can be done on Skin Types 1 to 4 (including Asian skin). African skin discolouration can safely be treated with Glycolic peels and Beta Hydroxy (salicylic) peels. For very severe discolouration, which is aggravated by hormones, Skin and Body Renewal can offer MesoBrite™ and/or MesoBrite Lite™ advanced pigmentation treatments.