Vibrant skin is symbolic of health and strength and there are many ways we can support our skin to be vibrant and healthy. These include following the appropriate exercise regime and diet to suit our metabolism and age, the use of dietary supplements to further support our skin as well as utilising the essential help of organic natural skincare products.
Living in these harsh Australian conditions, we need to take action to minimise the damage that can so rapidly be caused by the sun and the lack of ozone protection. We accept it is essential for the immediate and long-term health of our skin to support the skin and guard against the ongoing effects of UVA and UVB.
Whilst wrinkles are one sign of ageing, the development of pigmentation also increases with time. Sunspots, dark pigmented age-spots on the face and body make us look older than we feel. We all want to have a perfect skin and discolouration and uneven colouration can add many years to our perceived age. Organic natural skincare can remove unwanted pigmentation of the skin, returning it to an even toned vibrancy.
According to skincare specialist Christian Acuña, a well-hydrated, flawless skin is synonymous with health and wellbeing. Pigmentation and sun damage dulls our looks and presentation. It is understandable we wish to achieve an even-toned complexion.
At Christian Acuña Skincare we have being working on an organic natural solution to effectively reduce and remove signs of pigmentation. Following years of trials and research we have developed organic products that naturally and safely brighten, clear and care for our skin-tone.
Before we introduce our recommended skin solution for various pigmentation concerns, let us understand how and why pigmentation happens.
What is pigmentation of the skin?
Pigmentation refers to the colouring of the skin where patches or larger areas of the skin become, or are already naturally darker than the surrounding areas. Pigmentation is present due to Melanin, which is made by the skin cells and is responsible for our skin’s colour. Melanin is there to protect our organs from sun damage. Melanocytes - our own melanin factories that operate within our cells, together with enzyme tyrosinase are responsible for the production of melanin.
What causes pigmentation?
Sun exposure is the mayor cause of hyperpigmentation on the face, neck, arms and legs. To avoid hyper-pigmentation caused by sun exposure, strict sun protection on a daily bases is essential. To avoid the formation of further pigmentation we then use a natural sunscreen of at least SPF-15 to shield the skin from the harshness of the sun. For if the cell DNA is left unprotected, permanent damage can result leading to higher levels of uneven melanin deposits both on the skin surface and within the deeper parts of the dermis.
What is hyper-pigmentation of the skin?
Hyper-pigmentation affects people of all skin types. It is the attempt of the body to shield the skin and organs from further sun damage by causing the skin to darken. It can affect patches of skin in select areas, or develop over the entire body. Hyper-pigmentation causes solar lentigines also called age spots or liver spots: an excess of pigmentation.
Melasma
Melasma is more commonly seen in women and individuals with dark-skin, such as those of Hispanic, Asian and African heritage who live in geographical areas of intense ultraviolet radiation such as Australia and New Zealand. Melasma develops as symmetric, blotchy, hyper-pigmented patches on the face, usually at the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. For women, UV exposure, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, endocrine disorders and hormonal treatments appear to be the main factors causing melasma.
For men, some of the most common factors causing melasma include sun exposure, hormonal influences and genetic susceptibility. Other less common causes include cosmetics, in particular excessive use of retinoid or vitamin A, photosensitising drugs such as isotretinoin (roaccutane), foods such as celery, thyroid diseases, hepatopathies, parasitic infestations and stress.
Post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation is the lingering red or brown spots after an acne breakout or inflammation has healed. The more inflamed the breakout (like cystic acne, pustules, or red bumps) the darker the spot. The darker the spot, the longer it typically takes to heal and return to its original skin tone.
Other causes of pigmentation
Certain prescribed medications can also cause our skin to darken and consulting with a General Practitioner is essential before taking any medication that might negatively affect our skin. Hyper-pigmentation is usually harmless but can at times be caused by an underlying medical condition that should be explored.
The presence of blood also influences skin colouration and in areas where there has been a wound, skin may appear reddish because of traces of blood in the skin.
How can I remove pigmentation from my skin?
Pigmentation occurs on a spectrum, from a diffused first sign of discolouration to dark hyper-pigmentation. When we first observe the early sings of pigmentation is then the time to act and incorporate into our self-care regime a specifically formulated treatment plan to resolve the excess of pigment.
Managing hyperpigmentation is an ongoing endeavour, not a once-off event. Where skin is left unattended for weeks or months the top layer of the skin can become permanently affected with the upper layers protecting itself from the sun’s ultraviolet by producing more melanin. To support skin to be luminous and vital, ongoing care is necessary.
To achieve ultimate skin luminosity, Christian Acuña combines in-clinic treatments with take home skincare maintenance products. These include gentle cleansers, serums and sprays with active anti-pigmentation and brightening ingredients, and the essential daily sunscreen 30 SPF.
Christian Acuña’s in-clinic treatments include gentle alkaline peels, micro-needling, laser resurfacing and IPL brightening treatments that can effectively reduce the evidence of sun damage. Further luminosity in enhanced during gentle skin exfoliation - to ease away the pigmented skin cells. With the ongoing use of quality organic skin care products, clinical results can be satisfyingly maintained and Christian additionally consults with individuals to enable them to decide if their skin would benefit from specialised medical care.
Christian Acuña strongly suggests avoiding microdermabrasion, hash acid based peels and the excessive use of Retinol (vitamin A). These practices cause photosensitivity of the skin, creating irreparable skin damage and unwelcome long term results including wrinkles, cracked and thinning skin and further melasma.
Presented here are exciting new products and the recommended skin care routine to assist you in keeping your skin even toned and safe from further sun damage.
Our recommended product to protect and remove pigmentation from the skin :
1. DAILY SKIN CLEANSING
2. WEEKLY FACIAL SCRUB AND DEEP CLEANSING TREATMENT MASK
3. DAILY VITAMIN C SERUM + LUMINOUS SERUM ( MORNING AND NIGHT )
4. DAILY USE OF SPF 30+
5. DAILY APPLICATION OF FACE OIL OR MOISTURISER
What are the best ingredients to remove pigment?
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Chondrus Crispus Algae extract |
A moisturising, softening & texturing, healing and protecting agent derived from seaweed extract. Imparts unique sensorial effects to skin and hair by providing a light, silky/satiny film that instantly hydrates, cools and soothes the skin, leaving it feeling moist and refreshed. |
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Rumex Occidentalis Western Dock |
Rumex Occidentalis Extract is a potent strong inhibitor of tyrosinase enzymatic activity, one of the main enzymes involved in the pigmentation process. It has higher activity than arbutin, turmeric and hydroquinone and with no unwanted side effects. It safely reduces skin pigmentation and erythema by limiting both melanin production and skin reddening for an even skin complexion. It provides outstanding results after 3 week in lightening pigmentation and in the reduction of the appearance of age spots in Asian and Caucasian skins. |
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Bellis Perennis Daisy Flower Extract |
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract An extract from the flowers of bellis perennis and recommended for use in skin-lightening cosmetics and pigmentation disorders, hyperpigmentation or age spots. |
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Australian Fingerlime Caviar Cellular Extract |
Supports skin smoothness and contains anti-inflammatory properties. Contains Glycosides which promote the absorption of essential nutrients into the skin cell and by binding onto water molecules increases skin hydration. Supports healthy collagen production, collagen being the main component of connective tissue. |
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Super-Ox C |
Sources from Kakadu Plum Extract. A visible wrinkle reduction and skin luminosity booster. It energises dull looking skin, improves the skin radiance & luminosity, induces skin brightening, reduces the appearance of skin redness, improves overall skin tone evenness, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. |
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Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract |
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract uses a water-based process resulting in a 100% natural raw material for use in skincare and cosmetics applications. Emblica™ is completely free of pro-oxidation activity. While most antioxidants go directly from an active to an inactive role, Emblica™ utilises a multilevel cascade of antioxidant compounds that results in a prolongation of its antioxidant capabilities which include protecting the cells against photo-damage. |
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Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) |
Offers anti-aging and whitening properties as well as water retention. This product helps to stop the transfer of existing melanin to superficial cells, accelerates skin metabolism, and promotes protein synthesis at the epidermal layer, improving skin texture. |
We also add concentrated amounts of:
White Shiitake Ferment: An extraordinarily-high concentration of this purified bio-derivative targets the appearance of dark spots within the first a week of use.
Skin tone varies from colourless pigmentation to a dark brown. In some cases the skin may appear reddish because of the blood in the skin. The amount and type of melanin and the pigment is determined by the skin colour where genetics plays a key factor.
Pigment formation is greatly complex. It is an intertwined combination among inflammation, sun protection and many other processes. To put it simply, Melanocytes or our own melanin factories, together with enzyme tyrosinase are responsible for the production of melanin. The effective treatment of pigment disorders is characterised by influence of the quantity of melanin formation.
The therapy of hyperpigmentation is based on accelerate epidermal turnover with removal of pigment in superficial layer by using the right safe exfoliants, skin treatments such a serums with a very light molecular weight siting right under the pigment pushing superficial skin out and leaving fresh new undamaged skin. Then use of SPF to protect the skin for further sun damage. It is a long but achievable battle to healthy, beautiful even toned skin.