Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1533707
Protection. Education. Connection. There's an app for that at ascpskincare.com/app 85 with conditions like severe melasma, age spots, or pigmentation caused by deep skin injury. Common characteristics of severe hyperpigmentation include: • Hyperpigmented areas that are extensive, often affecting large sections of the skin • Dark brown or even black patches • Contrast with surrounding skin that is stark and can be associated with uneven skin tone across the face or body MELANIN'S PROTECTIVE ROLE Melanin serves as the body's natural defense against UV damage, protecting internal organs and skin structures from harmful rays. However, excessive or disorganized melanin distribution in response to perceived damage—be it inflammation or sun exposure—leads to hyperpigmented areas. HOW TO TREAT AND MANAGE HYPERPIGMENTATION Professionals are increasingly turning to holistic approaches, which aim at reducing discoloration and restoring overall skin function and resilience. Prevention Is Key Preventing hyperpigmentation starts with protecting the skin from external aggressors. Tell clients to use a broad- spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily to minimize UV damage and protect the skin's barrier. They can also employ physical barriers such as hats and UV-protective clothing and avoid prolonged heat exposure, which can trigger inflammation. Brightening Agents Certain skin care formulations are designed to address melanin overproduction. Common brightening ingredients include: • Vitamin C—A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces oxidative stress. • Mastiha—A resin secreted by the mastic tree from the island of Chios in Greece, mastiha brightens, calms, soothes, and repairs complex skin conditions while protecting from environmental assaults. • Tranexamic Acid—Inhibits the melanocyte-inducing transcription factor and melanogenesis- associated proteins. • Hexylresorcinol—A tyrosinase inhibitor with soothing and tightening benefits, hexylresorcinol increases UV protection and evens skin tone more effectively than hydroquinone. • Retinoids—Promote cell turnover, resurfacing skin layers for an improved appearance. While these are the well-known brightening agents, more exist, including brightening peptides such as azelaic acid, Chromabright, niacinamide, plant stem cells, etc. When selecting products, choose those clinically proven to suppress abnormal melanin accumulation. Addressing Root Causes Innovative brands, like Lira Clinical, take a comprehensive approach, targeting the inflammation, melanin, microbiome imbalance, and skin immunity challenges that fuel hyperpigmentation. More than 98 percent of Lira Clinical products offer brightening agents, underscoring the importance of consistent, science-backed interventions. RESTORING SKIN HEALTH Hyperpigmentation can feel like a complicated issue, but with ongoing advancements in skin care, there are solutions that restore even tone and brightness. By understanding the underlying causes and incorporating preventive and corrective measures, skin care professionals can deliver transformative results. GETTY IMAGES