Hyperpigmentation, Discoloration or Dark Spots

People with darker skin tones often experience hyperpigmentation (a.k.a., discoloration or dark spots). This darkening of the skin results from a variety of causes; such as, acne inflammation, insect bites, scratches, abrasions, or over exposure to the sun. Typical problem areas for discoloration are the joints (i.e., knees, elbows, etc.) and eyes.

Long after your acne outbreaks have vanished, color changes in the skin, marks and discoloration can still remain — leaving you embarrassed, upset and frustrated. So, what can you do? Start by learning about your treatment options.

Color changes come in three basic flavors: post inflammatory erythema (pink and purple patches at the site of acne lesions), post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown/black discoloration at the site of the acne lesion), and post inflammatory hypopigmentation (white marks at the site of a healed acne lesion).

Color changes in acne is more common than scarring and can resolve but may take years to completely disappear.

The dark spots that persist in the location where an acne pimple used to be are caused by "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation", a common condition in which the skin darkens because of an overproduction of melanin (a pigment that occurs naturally in the body) in reaction to inflammation. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is very common in those with darker skin tones or in those who tan easily and can significantly worsen the appearance of acne, but it can occur even in very fair-skinned individuals.

What causes the dark spots around my acne lesions?

Inflammation caused by acne leads to redness of the skin. Redness usually starts when the acne lesion is active. Even after the acne lesion has improved, however, inflammation may continue deep in the skin, causing persistent redness of the skin. Inflammation also stimulates the production of the pigment molecule called melanin, leading to brown or black discoloration. Thus, in those who tan easily or with darker skin tones, melanin production is stimulated by the inflammation leading to brown discoloration around the acne lesion. Although the discoloration lasts longer than the acne lesion itself, the discoloration will fade with time- sometimes several months.

Ethnic Skin and Acne Scars

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in people with darker skin. African Americans usually have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and are at higher risk of scarring. Hispanics and those of Middle Eastern descent also commonly have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Asians have a lower risk of hyperpigmentation than African Americans, but higher risk than Caucasian patients. The risk of hypertrophic and keloidal scars is 5 to15 times higher in African American people and 3 to 5 times higher in those of Asian descent. Thus, treating acne early, before scar formation and discoloration is recommended.

Treatment of Discoloration From Acne

Discoloration from acne (red, purple, brown, black, and white) is less permanent and easier to treat than acne scarring. However, it is also much more common. Both topical medications and surgical methods are employed.

• Chemical Peels
In general, chemical peels are effective for improving discoloration from acne. More superficial peels have proven effective which is beneficial because there is less risk and less recovery time. However, several peels may be needed to obtain the desired effect.

• Microdermabrasion
Often referred to as a "lunch time" procedure (see Microdermabrasion), microdermabrasion is a popular procedure which is classified as light, or very superficial dermabrasion. This method employs aluminum oxide crystals that are propelled at the skin and immediately sucked up. It is used to treat acne, and the hyperpigmentation caused by acne. It is also popular because it is painless and there is no recovery time after the procedure. However, to effectively treat acne discoloration, up to 15 treatments may be necessary which can be very expensive.

• Topical Skin Treatment Products
Over-the-counter creams contain 2 percent hydroquinone, a bleaching agent. Prescription creams may use single agents, such as Retin-A (tretinoin) or combinations of medications such as hydroquinone with tretinoin plus a cortisone cream. These treatments can be quite effective when used properly. You need to discuss the risks of each medication with your doctor.

BIOSKINREJUVENATION - Skin Rejuvenation BENEFITS of the BIOLOGICAL INGREDIENT

1) Removes dead and denatured skin cells by enzyme digestion (dissolution by hydrolysis) which reduces blemishes: gently dissolves imperfections, scars, stretch marks, and keratosis on the surface of skin instead of polishing them out as exfoliation or burning with acid chemical peel do.

2) Promotes cell proliferation and new synthesis of collagen, elastin, and the water holding molecules within the skin (hyaluronic acid and other glycosaminoglycans)
Collagen provides strength, elastin the elasticity, and glycosaminoglycans the moistness and plumpness of the skin. With aging, the thickness of the dermal layer is reduced and this is believed to be partially responsible for the formation of wrinkles in aging skin.

3) Helps remodel and speed turnover of the basal membrane of the skin 

4) Photorejuvenation & Antioxidant - Protection from UV Sun Radiation and Free Radicals
The biological ingredient active in BIO SKIN REJUVENATION has a photo-protective action.
Specific studies show the following antioxidant activities in the biological ingredient:
a) enzymatics as superoxide dismutase (SOD), b) conjugation enzymes as glutathione-S-transferase and c) low molecular weight antioxidants for the skin.

Antioxidant activities in BIO SKIN REJUVENATION benefit the cells in the skin by:

Inhibiting Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation and free radical sequestration effects.

• By protecting the cells against UVA radiation, with double the antioxidant activity of Quercetin Flavonoids and Troloc C, a water-soluble vitamin E analog, used as control antioxidants in this type of studies.

5) Skin Resurfacing - Breaks down denatured proteins into its amino-acid components, which otherwise cause inflamm-aging, and releases those for rebuilding of the skin structures, which is equivalent to a skin resurfacing that gets rid of skin imperfections.

6) Skin Tightening - Hydrates the skin from within because it promotes the proliferation of glycosaminoglycans, the molecules that hold in water in the skin. This strengthens, tightens and firms the skin, thus avoiding sagging.

7) REDUCES PIGMENTATION - The cream contains biomimetic peptide that inhibits melanin synthesis plus a plant extract which reduces the formation of unwanted pigmentation –and gives the product its characteristic color–, allowing control over skin tone and brown spots. Leaves skin bright and refreshed!

What is acne scarring?

Acne scarring is a reaction to the inflammation in the skin caused by acne. During the inflammatory process, tissue is destroyed and in an attempt to heal the skin, a reaction called fibrosis occurs. Fibrosis leads to changes in the texture of the skin that can be thinner (called atrophic) or thicker (called hypertrophic) than normal skin. Scarring is permanent.

Why aren’t the dark spots that form around my acne lesions called scars?

Scarring is defined as fibrosis of the collagen in the dermis (the deep layer of the skin). The color changes seen with acne are usually more superficial and gradually fade with time.

What other treatment options are available for acne discoloration?

• Creams (topical therapies)

Over-the-counter bleaching creams may improve hyperpigmentation from acne. Over-the-counter creams contain 2 percent hydroquinone, a bleaching agent. Prescription creams may use single agents, such as Retin-A (tretinoin) or combinations of medications such as hydroquinone with tretinoin plus a cortisone cream. These treatments can be quite effective when used properly. You need to discuss the risks of each medication with your doctor.

• What are the risks?

In general topical treatments have fewer side effects. In general, the most common side effect is irritation and redness. However, another less common side effect is discoloration. You and your physician will decide on the right treatment for you.

Are any pills effective for acne scarring and skin discoloration?

No, there are no systemic medications for acne scarring or discoloration. A good diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help maintain healthy skin.

Improving Acne Scars and Discoloration

Is it even a scar?

For starters, it’s important to determine whether your scar really is a scar and not temporary redness — or macules, which can last as long as six months — or discoloration — known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), lingering for up to 18 months.

To distinguish short-term spots from authentic acne scars, look for these tell-tale signs:

* A scar feels different from the rest of your skin.

* Its base is typically higher or lower than the surrounding skin.

* If redness or discoloration persists after three months, it’s likely a scar (though this isn’t always the case).

If it isn’t

Over time, hyperpigmentation will fade on its own. But if you’d like to accelerate the process, the below treatments can help. Unfortunately, it’s not an instant recovery — expect to see results in months, not weeks. It can take six to 12 months for discoloration to fade with treatment.

* Sunscreen: Though you should use sunscreen every day anyway, when treating discoloration, it’s even more important. Sun exposure can stall any noticeable results from treatment or exacerbate discoloration overall.

o Product picks: Z. Bigatti Silk Screen SPF 30 Sunscreen, Dr. Michelle Copeland SPF 40 Lotion Mist Sun Block, MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion.

* Hydroquinone: It’s the most common and effective ingredient to lighten the skin. Hydroquinone works by blocking the enzyme, tyrosinase, which produces melanin. It comes in strengths of 2 percent over the counter or higher by prescription only. You should consult your dermatologist before using a hydroquinone product.

Recently, the FDA raised some concerns over hydroquinone’s safety, proposing a ban on over-the-counter products. In response, the dermatology community has voiced their disagreement, pointing to hydroquinone’s history as a safe and effective treatment.

* Kojic acid: If you’d prefer an alternative to hydroquinone, try kojic acid, which also inhibits tyrosinase. Derived from fungus, kojic acid seems to be just as effective as hydroquinone, according to research. Unfortunately, it’s fairly unstable in skincare formulas. So, some companies use kojic acid dipalmitate instead, but it’s unclear whether this derivative is as effective as kojic acid.

* Azelaic acid: Another alternative to hydroquinone, azelaic acid is a naturally occurring chemical that’s available by prescription only. Used commonly to combat acne, this tyrosinase-inhibitor is also prescribed to treat hyperpigmentation.

* Retinoids: Well-known for their powerful ability to increase cell turnover, retinoids, like Retin-A, are highly effective in treating acne. Fortunately, they can also help with hyperpigmentation.

* Alpha hydroxy acids: Also a well-established acne treatment, alpha hydroxy acids are effective exfoliators that combat hyperpigmentation. Particularly helpful is glycolic acid. When combined with 2 percent hydroquinone, glycolic acid-based products make for a successful treatment, according to iVillage.

Common acne scars

* Icepick scars: So called because it looks like an icepick pierced the skin, these scars are narrow but deep. They "usually result from severe, pustule-like acne" and are more prevalent in light-skinned individuals, according to iVillage.

* Rolling scars: As their name suggests, rolling scars have a wave-like appearance.

* Boxcar scars: They resemble chicken pox scars, appearing commonly on the cheeks and temples.

* Keloid/hypertropic scars: These raised scars are the result of an overgrowth of tissue during the healing process. African Americans are particularly prone to this kind of scarring.

If it’s a scar:

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for acne scars. Factors like the type of scar, location, depth and size determine the treatment your dermatologist will recommend.

* Chemical peels: A peeling solution that uses chemicals, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Chemical peels eliminate dead skin cells, so that new, healthier skin can emerge. Each solution has a varying strength. Not surprisingly, the deeper peels are more effective, but have potential side effects like skin discoloration and scarring.

Chemical peels aren’t effective for icepick or keloid scars, but are useful for improving skin tone. Also, chemical peels can help to reduce the appearance of acne, including whiteheads and blackheads.

* Dermal fillers: To improve the look of acne scars, doctors inject them with fillers like collagen and hyaluronic acid. This stretches the scars and gives skin a smooth appearance. Injections are only effective for rolling scars. Also, because results last three to six months, follow-up injections are necessary.

* Dermabrasion: A surgical procedure used effectively for years, dermabrasion uses a quick, sharp instrument — a brush or wheel — to remove the damaged surface skin. During the healing process, new, smoother skin appears.

Dermabrasion is an appropriate treatment for boxcar scars. Whether it works on icepick scars is unclear. Dermabrasion usually doesn't work, due to the depth of icepick scars. However, according some professionals report that these scars do respond well to dermabrasion.

* Microdermabrasion: Known as a "lunchtime procedure," microdermabrasion removes a superficial layer of skin, exfoliating it. It’s useful for mild scarring and most effective in a series of treatments. It can also be done with a home microdermabrasion cream.

* Laser resurfacing (or ablative lasers): Removes the top layers of skin and encourages collagen production. Laser resurfacing is particularly helpful for boxcar scars. But, typically, it isn’t effective on icepick scars.

The most common lasers are carbon dioxide, or CO2, and Erbium YAG lasers. Though effective, laser resurfacing has a long recovery and side effects, such as "permanent whitening of the skin and scarring," as with CO2 lasers. Also, because your skin requires more time to heal, it remains open, leaving it sensitive and susceptible to infection.

* Fractional laser therapy: Unlike ablative lasers, fractional laser therapy, a non-ablative option, doesn’t wound the skin. This makes for a faster healing time and less side effects. Fractional treatment works by puncturing some parts of the skin and leaving others untouched. The untreated skin then begins to heal the treated skin with new tissue. The results (after about three sessions) may be "impressive." The key lies in Fraxel’s ability to heal scars by encouraging collagen production.

Nature's solution

However, there is a natural alternative if you dont like the idea of using artificial treatments. BIOSKINREJUVENATION cream is a natural peeling option because it's not a chemical man made drug or a pharmaceutical product. It is a natural cosmetic product made with the natural serum secreted by a land snail from the species knoiwn as Helix Aspersa Müller. This creature produces it to quickly repair its own skin and shell whenever it is damaged. It is a viscose liquid that is made into an odorless white cream.

Analysis of the serum has determined that it contains activators of skin growth factors, antimicrobial peptides, natural anti-inflammatory and immune modulating proteins, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans that tightly bind divalent copper cations, a high level of Copper (II), and sulfate glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) as a protein-free polysaccharide.

BIOSKINREJUVENATION helps your skin get rid of excess melanin pigmentation, repairs damaged skin tissues and effectively moisturizes it from within.

Get Rid Of Melasma, Hyperpigmentation, Sun & Age Spots While Revitalizing and Protecting the Skin From The Effects of Free Radicals with BIO SKIN REJUVENATION

A deeply moisturizing natural skin care cream that replenishes the lipid barrier of the skin and triggers the repair of cells damaged by UV radiation and Free Radicals. Also gets rid of melasma, hyperpigmentation, brown, sun and age spots, actinic keratosis scales and all types of skin blemishes. The novel ingredients in BIOSKINCARE with an added natural substance that reduces melanin biosynthesis and a biomimetic peptide that inhibits the accumulation of melanin pigments.

Skin Rejuvenation Benefits

One Month's Supply 1.76 oz., 50 Gram Bottle: $79