As winter grows closer, it is important we look at the proper treatment and care for our skin and if we suffer from pigmentation, winter is the ideal time to treat it.
How do you know if you have it or not?
Hyperpigmentation is darkening and discolouration of the skin. Red, brown, pink or even purple-looking spots, clusters or streaks on the surface of the skin are examples of hyperpigmentation. Acne, sun exposure, eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis can all cause hyperpigmentation.
Why do we treat it in the winter?
Winter is the best time for the skin recovery process. Our skin is usually less tanned and this is very important when starting de-pigmentation treatments as well as the skin being less susceptible to side effects such as burns & redness.
During winter our skin has less moisture so it becomes much dryer. Dry skin leads to irritated skin and when the skin barrier is compromised, it lacks the ability to hold onto oil and water. The skin starts to become itchy, and that scratching leads to a rash. As the cycle persists, this leads to inflammation and hyperpigmentation. So treating the issue before it gets worse will ensure you can confidently flaunt your skin 365 days a year.
We also tend to spend more time indoors in the winter as well as there being shorter days so less sun exposure happens naturally, and this helps speed up recovery.
Treating pigmentation can be done in a number of ways and will depend on the severity of the condition, your skin type and your budget.
For non-invasive in-salon treatments, we recommend a combination of AHA/BHA layered peels, RED light therapy and vitamin infusions.
AHA/BHA layered peels, combine the benefits of lactic and salicylic acid at specific dosage. A bespoke combination of both acids can be tailored to achieve desired results.
Red light is a narrow, isolated form of natural light to give the appropriate intensity and wavelength for light therapy. The intensity of red light used in therapy is much higher than you would naturally get from sunlight and, it’s not damaging like sunlight can be! Red light acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which is part of what causes hyperpigmentation. In addition, red light has a long enough wavelength to penetrate the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) and reach the dermis (the middle layer of the skin). This enables it to reach fibroblasts, special types of cells that sit beneath the skin and manufacture collagen – a protein that helps tighten and firm the skin and heal wounds.
Infusing vitamins into the dermis of your skin will help keep your skin nourished, hydrated and maintain its ability to repair itself.
Vitamin C has been known to help decrease hyperpigmentation. Because vitamin C is a powerful nutrient, it also aids in the production of collagen which is essential to maintain hydration and strength of the skin.
At home maintenance comes in many different bottles, speak to your therapist about the best options for you. To play favourites, here’s our top picks to reduce pigmentation at home.
Enlighten, by Synergie Skin, is a topical treatment for pigmentation and sun damage. It contains tyrosinase inhibitors to reduce the activity of melanin producing cells limiting our hyperpigmentation struggles. Enlighten does this while also using the most natural products such as Liquorice extract.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from UV damage while also being a vital part in the production of collagen creating firmer fresh skin. It includes a tyrosinase inhibitor that creates brighter skin and reduces hyperpigmentation. This product can assist with the transition of seasons as it helps the production of collagen and hydration.
As we know in summer we are basking up all the warmth we can, trying to get our tan on. SPF protection is a must during summer to protect us but what about winter? We don’t usually hear about SPF protection through winter as the cold blocks out our inbuilt need for sunscreen, it almost feels like there are no UV rays that can affect us but this is not true.
Sun protection is just as important in winter as it is in summer. At Bare Beauty House we stock Synergie Skin and one of their most popular products is Uberzinc. Uberzinc is a daily moisturiser that contains 21% of Mineral Zinc Oxide. Uberzinc has a perfect blend of ingredients including zinc, green tea and lycopene all which create a moisturiser focusing on keeping our skin stable and safe from UV rays. Uberzinc is a great choice as a daily SPF moisturiser to wear throughout the year.
There are a variety of in salon treatments and at home maintenance products to be used, but for the best results we recommend a combination of both. Your therapist will be able to prescribe what’s going to work best for you. Remember no two skins are alike so dont think following the same routine as your friend who had amazing results will work the same way for you. Get personalized advice!
This will save you time, get you the results you want quicker and ultimately save you money!
Book in for a complimentary skincare consultation with us today to see
