Causes and treatments of skin pigmentation

People of all races can be categorized into one of 16 skin types. This means that in some cases, most people with a certain skin type are from a certain race, while only a small number of people are exceptions. So what causes skin pigmentation?

What causes pigmentation?

1. Genetics: The most important factor that determines skin color is genetics. Parents with dark skin can never give birth to children with fair skin. I guess Bao Gong’s parents must be gloomy too. The gene groups that determine skin color and pigmentation (such as freckles) are gradually being found. For example, there are 279 genes associated with melasma.

2. Long-term sun exposure and photosensitivity of the skin (ultraviolet allergy) will accelerate the synthesis of melanin, causing the skin color to darken.

3. Pollution, haze, smoking, exhaust gas, etc. form a large number of oxygen free radicals, causing skin inflammation, activating melanocytes, synthesizing melanin, and causing pigmentation.

4. Hormone changes can cause melanin deposition. Chloasma mainly occurs in women who are pregnant, have gynecological diseases, or take oral contraceptives. After childbirth and menopause, hormone levels drop and the spots slowly fade away.

5. Emotions such as anxiety and depression can cause neuro-immune-endocrine disorders, increased melanin synthesis, and darkening of the skin through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. So people with bad tempers tend to have dark complexions, while people with cheerful natures tend to have light complexions.

6. Drugs can cause pigmentation. Fixed drug eruptions may leave characteristic annular pigmented macules. Other drugs that can cause hyperpigmentation include amiodarone, tetracycline, minocycline, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and quinine, chlorpromazine, and other phenothiazines, which can cause gray-blue pigment changes in exposed areas of the skin. When using medicines containing silver, gold, mercury, and bismuth, skin color changes may occur due to the deposition of heavy metals in skin tissue.

7. Inflammatory skin diseases such as lichen planus, pityriasis rosea, urticarial vasculitis, psoriasis, etc. often lead to stubborn pigmentation.

8. Cosmetic allergies (flavors, pigments, preservatives), hormone-dependent dermatitis caused by cosmetics, excessive toxic ingredients in cosmetics (lead, mercury, arsenic), and incomplete cleaning of cosmetics can all lead to skin inflammation and darkening.

How is pigmentation treated?

1. Oral whitening drugs:

Toceramine: also known as tranexamic acid and tranexamic acid, it can inhibit the synthesis of melanin and the formation of new blood vessels. Take half a tablet twice a day after meals. It takes effect in 1 month and the general course of treatment is 3-6 months.

Glutathione: The most powerful antioxidant produced by the body. Take 3 tablets each time, twice a day.

Vc: 100 mg/time, 3 times a day.

Ve: 1 capsule each time, twice a day.

Lycopene: the best antioxidant.

Glycyrrhizic acid preparations: anti-inflammatory, improve allergies.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Help improve skin inflammation caused by chronic allergies.

2. External depigmenting agents: Qianbai Cream (2% hydroquinone cream), azelaic acid (azedarach acid), arbutin, lignin, retinoic acid ointments, hormones (suitable for acute inflammation period, to cut the Gordian knot and quickly block the symptoms).

3. Antioxidants: glutathione, L-Vc, resveratrol, VE, soy isoflavones, idebenone, reduced coenzyme Q10, green tea, coffee berry extract, pomegranate, tomato extract, Polygonum multiflorum, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, etc.

4. Sunscreen: physical sunscreen, chemical sunscreen

5. Fruit acid peeling: operate according to the concentration gradient, 20%-35%-50%-70%, once a month. It will be more effective when used with home fruit acid skin care products.

6. Laser: Low-energy, large-spot Q-switched lasers, fractional ruby ​​lasers, etc. can be absorbed by melanosomes, break up melanin particles through the photoblasting effect, and then be discharged from the body through the lymphatic circulation. Superficial melanin fragments will fall off with the dandruff. Reduction of melanocyte spines by laser toning.

7. Intense pulsed light: gently decomposes pigments, inhibits the synthesis of melanin, repairs damaged skin, and improves the skin barrier.