Many of my patients tend to attend clinic in Autumn complaining of pigmentation that has increased over the summer months. In this blog I will primarily talk about UV exposure that can cause unevenly pigmented skin. The reason I love prescribing Obagi skincare is because conventional cosmeceutical skincare can only offer limited results. They are not licensed to penetrate through the epidermis (top layer) to the deeper dermal skin layers. As prescription products Obagi targets the epidermis transforming your skin's health so it looks brighter, clearer, softer, smoother, firmer and naturally younger! As with any prescribed products a consultation is essential to determine what regime is best for your skin.
How do I develop uneven pigmentation and age spots? The science!
When exposed to UV radiation in sunlight, cells in our skin called melanocytes produce more melanin. The melanin absorbs the UV radiation acting as your natural barrier. This is how our skin defends and protects our DNA in the deeper skin layers. An increase in the level of melanin makes the skin darker. If you have a lighter skin tone you don’t produce sufficient melanin to protect from UV radiation hence tan easily and are more susceptible to sun damage.
If the UV exposure is constant or there are other triggers, the skin continues to produce excess melanin without switching off. However instead of creating a uniform pigment, irregular melanin secretion occurs contributing to an unevenly pigmented skin.
There are a number of reasons why ageing combined with UV radiation causes age spots. Our skin is damaged by free radicals created by UV rays as well as pollution in the environment. Natural ageing causes cellular skin cell damage. The defence and repair mechanism in the skin becomes inefficient with advanced ageing and the number of melanocytes and their function also reduces with age...so what can be done?
Ideally prevention is better than cure, as we must be using a daily SPF all yer round and active ingredients can improve the skins function and health
What makes Obagi-C Rx kit a treatment that REALLY WORKS for pigmentation?
Skin can be rejuvenated from the inside-out, with prescription-strength Hydroquinone and Vitamin C. This formula is the only known topical antioxidant which has been clinically proven to stimulate the production of collagen, whilst correcting the signs of skin damage and protecting against any further skin damage occurring. It's highly effective at treating Pigmentation.
What's in the kit? Let's break it down.
1) C-Cleansing Gel
This lovely cleanser clarifies and prepares your skin for absorption of the system’s product ingredients, while also removing any makeup and oil.
2) C-Clarifying Serum (prescription) reduces the appearance of dark spots for a lighter, brighter complexion. It contains 4% hydroquinone to reduce hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and melasma, for a lighter, more even skin tone. It also contains 10% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to help defend against free radicals and address the appearance of ageing skin.
3) C-Exfoliating Day Lotion
This is a smooth, lightweight moisturiser that hydrates and gently exfoliates to reveal a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Glycolic acid sloughs off dead skin to diminish hyperpigmentation and wrinkles while vitamin C glucosides enhance collagen synthesis to minimize fine lines and increase firmness. Complete with hyaluronic acid, this lightweight lotion plumps your skin with moisture while chamomile extract calms inflammation.
Or if your skin is oily C-Balancing Toner is a specifically formulated non-drying toner that adjusts your skin’s pH.
4) C-Therapy Night Cream (prescription)
This cream gradually diminishes the appearance of dark spots and provides continuous coverage with Vitamins C and E while you sleep.
5) Sunshield Matte SPF50
This sunscreen combines UVA and UVB protection in an elegant matte finish that is non-comedogenic, allergy tested, and dermatologist tested. Active ingredients are 10.5% Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate
TOP TIP! By adding in an Obagi 1% retinol into your night cream can really maximise results and optimise your skin transformation..I also advise an Obagi hydrate too as you may experience some dryness which is totally normal:)
To summarise in just twelve weeks you can achieve radiant brighter skin, with fewer brown spots that looks younger and healthier. Following on from the kit certain products can be cherry picked to maintain your clearer skin as MAINTENANCE IS KEY to suppressing pigmentation. I'm always at hand to guide you on your skincare journey...so what's not to love? ..beautiful skin via The Medished!
My lovely patient excited about her journey to clear skin!
This treatment is subjective to consultation in person or online so feel free to get in touch:)
Lots of love
Dil x