Skin hyperpigmentation is one of the top complaints across all age groups, and can result from a combination of skin damage and underlying causes.
To help your spa clients with melanogenesis, you’ll need to develop a thorough understanding of the disease, and implement both a short- and long-term treatment plan to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation over time.
Melanogenesis: The Process Behind Hyperpigmentation
Melanogenesis is the process by which the skin produces melanin, the skin’s pigment. This is a normal process, but excessive melanogenesis can lead to hyperpigmentation.
The skin has epidermal units known as melanosomes. Melanosomes are comprised of a melanocyte that is surrounded by keratinocytes. Melanocytes are long-lived, slow cycling cells that produce melanin, and keratinocytes form the skin’s primary barrier and facilitate the function of melanocytes.
Causes of Melanogenesis
Many underlying conditions and forms of skin damage can contribute to melanogenesis. Hyperpigmentation can result from one or more of the following factors:
- Sun photo damage
- Illnesses such as endocrine diseases and Addison disease
- Chronic inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Pregnancy melasma
- Lasers, chemical peels, and surgery
- Aging
Melanogenesis Treatment
Treatment takes time — it may take up to six months of diligent treatment to see significant improvements! Additionally, any sun exposure will set back progress.
The following approaches should be combined to reduce the appearance of melanogenesis:
- Remove causes and contributors to pigmentation
- In-spa treatments such as safe peels, clarifying treatments, and laser therapy
- Avoid the sun when possible and use an SPF daily moisturizer
- Adjust diet to include Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and high amounts of antioxidants
- Use a Roll CIT nightly with CBoost, clarifying lotion, and retinal at least five times weekly
- Daily use of the recommended skincare regimen for the client’s skin type, preferably with the highest possible dose of vitamin A
- Internal use of vitamins A, C, E, B12, and B Complex, and supplements such as fish oil and turmeric
What Estheticians Can Do to Help with Melanogenesis
Melanogenesis is a difficult condition to treat, but estheticians can decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation with a combination of in-office treatments and recommended home care.
Safe peel technology. Decreases hyperpigmentation without damaging the skin, which could stimulate more pigment production.
Sun care. Sell or recommend sun care products that provide UVA and UVB protection, potentially combined with ingredients such as antioxidants to protect the skin.
Clarifying treatments. Decrease uneven skin tone, clarifying the appearance of photo-aging and leaving the skin looking radiant and renewed. These treatments can be applied using the NanoFusion Pen for treatments to penetrate the skin more deeply.
Topical High-Dose Vitamin A. Improves the skin’s overall health and decreases the appearance of sun damage and uneven skin tone and texture. This can be applied using the NanoFusion Pen.
Internal Vitamins: Recommend vitamins A, C, E, B12, and B Complex, and supplements such as fish oil and turmeric.
Learning More About Melanogenesis
Want to learn more about melanogenesis? Check out our online webinar, which will help estheticians understand the disease process in depth and learn what products and treatment can maximize the skin’s health.
