June 2013 Newsletter

Do you have any of these?

Freckles, sunspots, dark patches, melasma… If you can identify with any of these, you are one of the many people who suffer from hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin—or pigment—in the epidermis, causing areas of darkened skin that create a patchy, uneven complexion. In many cases, these patches are small and unobtrusive—as with freckles—but sometimes, hyperpigmentation can produce large, noticeable areas of discolouration or contribute to a prematurely aged appearance.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Overproduction of melanin can be induced by:

·        Ultraviolet radiation exposure – Such as spending time in the sun.

·        Hormonal changes – Such as those occurring during pregnancy or caused by contraceptive pills.

·        Skin trauma – Such as wounds, surgical scars or picking blemishes.

Evening things out

The good news is that hyperpigmentation can be removed or significantly reduced using a variety of techniques. However, even though initial treatments may appear to dispel the condition, recurrence is common and a long-term treatment plan is the most effective approach.

Treatment for hyperpigmentation can include:

·        IPL

·        Superficial to medium-depth chemical peeling treatments

·        Skin needling

·        The MAHC Signature Luminescence Treatment

The importance of homecare

As well as in-clinic procedures, a tailored homecare routine is a vital part of long-term hyperpigmentation treatment plans. Using products that contain pigment inhibiting technologies, a homecare routine designed specifically for hyperpigmented skin acts like a daily dose of medicine, helping to support the skin between treatments and maintain a smooth, even complexion.

Sun sense

Sun exposure is a major cause of hyperpigmentation. Reduce your risk of sun-induced hyperpigmentation by:

·      Going mineral – Sunscreens that contain mineral compounds zinc oxide and titanium dioxide create a physical barrier on the skin, reducing the risk of ultraviolet radiation exposure. Like any sunscreen, don’t forget to use it every day and reapply regularly.

·      Wearing sunglasses – Certain filters in the human eye can stimulate pigment production, so use adequately tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes from excess sunlight.

·      Checking your medication – Some medications—even the commonly used ibuprofen—attract sunlight to the skin and cause an increase in pigment production. Read the fine print on your medications and take precautions to avoid too much sun exposure.

20% off pigment blockers

If you’ve been concerned about a patchy complexion, now is the time to even things out. Melbourne Aesthetic Health Care is offering 20% off the price of pigment blockers during June to start you on the road to a smoother complexion. 

Give us a call or send us a message and we’ll be glad to help you establish a personalised treatment plan suitable to your needs.

Special offer

IPL is one of the most effective tools for treating hyperpigmentation. Using light energy, IPL selectively targets melanin chromophores in the skin, converting the light to heat and eliminating the excess pigment.

This month, if you book three IPL sessions with Melbourne Aesthetic Health Care, we’ll give you an extra session free of charge. There’s no need to pay up front to take advantage of this offer, just give us a call and make a booking!

News

Find out why rubbing an orange on your face won’t give you better skin in this month’s issue of Women’s Health & Fitness magazine, featuring our very own James Vivian. We also light up the pages with our Signature Luminescence Treatment in a review by editor, Rebecca Long.

Head on over to the MAHC Facebook page and take a look!

As always, please get in touch with any questions and we look forward to speaking with you soon about how we can help you achieve your skincare goals.

Yours in good skin,

The Melbourne Aesthetic Health Care team