Introduction
you’re reading that sentence because you probably know that skin pigmentation is normal. and, as it happens, it’s not abnormal at all. it just varies in individuals. some people have darker skin than others, but there are ways to treat your pigmentation and have fairer skin. not too far in the future, the world will see a big change in the way people with fair or dark skin are treated. that is because research into genetic mutations and new technologies are bringing about major shifts in our understanding of pigmentary disorders such as melasma and vitiligo. the rise of digital photography has accelerated the pace at which we can capture our best selves from every angle, but digital melanin filtering isn’t just appearing on smartphones—it’s also being used for medical purposes like photodynamic therapy (pdt). this article covers everything you need to know about this growing field of science and how it is going to impact your skincare routine within the next two decades. let’s get started!
what is skin pigmentation?
skin pigmentation is the natural colouring of your skin. everyone has a different colour to their skin and it can vary from person to person. it could be because of your genes, age, and exposure to the sun’s uv rays.
the rise of digital photo and pigmentary disorders
throughout history, people have used various methods to try to alter the colour of their skin. from tanning agents to bleaching creams and uv irradiation, we’ve been battling pigmentary disorders such as melasma and vitiligo for centuries. now, with the rise of digital photography and advances in genetic science, we can take better care of ourselves by understanding our pigmentation profile. with a little help from technology: millions of people all over the world are now using a smartphone app called color filter to enhance photos with filters that simulate skin tone discrepancies like redness or pinkness. but there’s still a lot to be done. according to research, there’s still no specific cure for melanoma or vitiligo—two chronic diseases that affect 1 in every 20 americans. the article also mentions that by 2022, treatments will be available for these disorders through photodynamic therapy (pdt), which is often used for dermatology procedures like lasers or fillers. digital photography has led to new technologies that allow us to change how we look at ourselves on social media; this opens up new opportunities for self-expression without causing damage during the process.
how does skin pigmentation occur?
the amount of melanin in our skin is determined by the level of melanocytes, which produce a pigment called eumelanin. melanocytes produce eumelanin to protect us from the sun and other environmental elements. over time and with exposure to uv radiation, eumelanin production decreases and the skin begins to show signs of pigmentary disorders like melasma or vitiligo. so how does photodynamic therapy work? photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizing agent that usually has two components: a light-sensitive drug (photopigment) and an activating drug (antimicrobial). when these two compounds are combined together and exposed to light, they kill cancer cells because their photosensitizing agent causes them to destroy themselves. this process is called apoptosis. what is photodynamic therapy used for? pdt has been shown to be effective in treating melanoma, particularly on non-melanoma skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinomas. it also can be used for ocular melanoma removal and postoperative retinal photocoagulation, as well as psoriasis treatment but it is not yet widely accepted since it has side effects such as swelling of the face or eyelids during treatment.
how to prevent skin pigmentation
the most important thing you can do is to prevent skin pigmentation. you can do this by using sunscreen every day and avoiding sunburns. if you want fairer skin, then use a topical cream or lotion with antioxidants in it like green tea, vitamin c, or liquorice root extract.
different ways to treat skin pigmentation
there are three ways to treat skin pigmentation disorders.
1. lifestyle changes and natural remedies: as mentioned earlier in this article, applying sunscreen everyday can delay the onset of pigmentation, or one can minimise going outdoors during the daytime.
2. cosmetic treatments: one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for darker-skinned individuals is through makeup (concealers and foundation).
3. cutaneous treatment: the third and probably most effective way to treat pigmentation is the use of cutaneous treatment methods that directly affect the surface of the skin. one such method is a glycolic acid peel, which chemically exfoliates the skin. our faceofman biostrata treatment does exactly this! if you would like to find out if this treatment is suitable for you, do come down to one of our branches for a consultation. you may make an appointment through whatsapp here.
