Skin Specialist
Bernie Fahy
Pigmentation is a very common complaint, and sufferers find it very distressing. There are two types of pigmentation: Hyperpigmentation, which is darkening of the skin, and hypopigmentation, which is lightening of the skin. Skin cells give skin colour via a substance called melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, melanin production is affected.
Some pigmentation disorders affect patches of the skin, others can be more widespread.
Pregnancy and pigmentation
Pregnancy and the contraceptive pill are triggers for pigmentation. If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Most women develop increased pigmentation as pregnancy progresses. This is most apparent down the centre of the abdomen. Sometimes there is increased facial pigmentation, resulting from exposure to sunlight. This is called melasma or chloasma. Pigmentation will usually fade over a period of time, but sometimes lingers. It will continue to fade, particularly if you have been breast feeding.
Treatment
Prevent pigmentation and treat existing problems with the correct products is the key to healthy skin.
Always protect your skin from the sun, and avoid sun as much as possible. Avoid products with fragrance, dye, alcohol, lanolin or abrasive cleansers.
Use skin creams with an SP7 block to protect and nourish the skin. Also, there are products available that contain skin-lightening ingredients, such as arbutin, kogic acid, vitamin C, azeliac acid and melanin-suppressing peptides.
Lifestyle
Your home regimen is really important. Introduce skin-brightening agents into your diet, such as liquorice, bearberry, rice, kiwi and mulberry. Lactic Acid and vitamin C also help. Ask a skin care specialist for advise on a suitable regime.
Bernie Fahy has over 19 years’ experience as a skin specialist. She works in Ballinrobe and Galway, and can be contacted at 086 2220125, at living@mayonews.ie or through her website, www.bernietheskinspecialist.com.
