Skin tanning
In our hot and humid climate, sun exposure and tanning are often unavoidable. It is crucial to understand why our skin tans and how to prevent it effectively.
The process of tanning is initiated by UV rays, which come in two forms: UV-A, responsible for tanning, and UV-B, responsible for burning. UV-A rays penetrate the skin and stimulate melanocytes (pigment cells in the epidermis) to produce more melanin, resulting in phototanning. Darker-skinned individuals tend to tan more because they naturally have more melanin.
Avoiding the sun altogether may not be feasible, but finding a smart balance between sun protection and enjoying summer activities is essential. Sunscreens are a vital defense against sun damage, and broad-spectrum mineral sunscreens are often recommended. Additional protection can be achieved through physical measures like wearing full sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and goggles. Internal sunscreens like oral vitamin C or pycnogenol can also be beneficial, taken a week before and after a summer vacation.
At Dermys clinic, we take a holistic approach to tanning. We focus on prevention to avoid deep tans and implement efficient detanning protocols. Since sun exposure is a constant in many people's lives, we treat tanning as an ongoing habit rather than a one-time procedure. Our unique protocols include oral and topical sunscreens, IV supplements, and topical after-sun treatments to effectively address tanning concerns.
Pigmentation
Pigmentation concerns are among the most common issues that individuals seek help for at Dermys Skin and Hair Clinic, particularly in Asian skin types. Aging in Indian/Asian skin often presents as pigmentation, in contrast to Caucasian skin where it is more commonly fine lines and wrinkles. Sun spots, lentigines, maturational pigmentation, and persistent tanning are all signs of aging driven by excessive pigment formation, often exacerbated by sun and heat exposure, underscoring the importance of sun protection, especially sunscreen use.
At our clinic, we encounter a range of pigmentation conditions, from relatively simple cases that respond well to topical applications alone to more complex scenarios that challenge even the most advanced lasers.
The most frequently treated pigmentation issue at DERMYS is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This can result from various conditions, including acne, burns, or other skin conditions, and often responds well to laser treatment and chemical peels. Topical agents are usually sufficient for milder cases.
Melasma is a more challenging condition to treat, with maintenance being a crucial aspect after initial treatment to reduce pigmentation. This requires diligent sunscreen use and sometimes oral medications.
Pigmentary demarcation lines, a common feature of aging, often affect the temples, outer forehead, cheek in a V or W shape, and the area below the lip corners. Treatment involves lightening pigmentation initially and then focusing on preventing repigmentation.
Conditions like moles and related pigmentation (nevoid pigmentation) typically respond to pigment lasers, although treatment may be lengthy. Q-switched lasers are particularly effective for conditions like nevus of Ota or Becker’s nevus where the pigment is in deeper skin layers.
The treatment approach for pigmentation is complex, depending on the cause, skin type, scarring tendency, sun exposure, sunscreen use, and other factors. Often, a combination of treatments is required, and the specific protocol may be sequential or rotational based on the nature of the problem and the expected treatment duration.
Uneven skin-tone
Uneven skin tone can result from various causes, including hormonal fluctuations, hydration levels, stress, general health, genetics, and incorrect product use. Specific conditions, such as seborrheic melanosis, pigmentary demarcation lines, melasma, face-neck mismatch, and even allergies to hair color, can contribute to patchiness and dullness of the skin. However, the most common cause of uneven skin tone is sun tanning, which can lead to persistent pigmentation long after sun exposure.
At Dermys, the treatment of uneven skin tone involves a systematic approach:
1. Diagnosis: Identifying the underlying cause of uneven skin pigmentation is the first step.
2. Treatment Plan: Once the cause is determined, a customized plan is developed to address both the underlying issue and the patchy pigmentation.
3. Medical and Procedural Management: Treatment may involve a combination of medical and procedural approaches, with LED therapy and lasers being central components of in-clinic treatments.
4. Ongoing Evaluation: Over 3-6 months, the initial treatment plan is adjusted based on the patient's clinical response.
5. Maintenance and Self-Care: As results become evident, the focus shifts to maintenance, eventually transitioning to a self-care routine as the skin clears up.
The key to managing uneven skin tone is consistency and discipline in maintaining a good self-care regimen. The most crucial principles during treatment and maintenance phases include diligent sun protection and ensuring optimal skin hydration. These practices are essential for maintaining and improving skin tone, helping you achieve and sustain a radiant complexion.
