What's the Story With Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation?

Dark areas... freckles... uneven skin tone... dull complexion... sun spots... liver spots... discoloration... these are all ways to describe something that most of us deal with at one time or another — hyperpigmentation. But what exactly is hyperpigmentation, how did we end up with it, and how can we get rid of it, so we can get our beautiful even complexion back, and move on with our lives? Let’s dive in and find out!

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is most simply described as an uneven discoloration of the skin. Excess pigmentation in the skin causes skin cells to become darker than the ones around them, creating dark patches of skin that stand out from the rest.

Melanin is the pigment that gives color to our skin, and when excess melanin is produced, areas of the skin become darker, causing hyperpigmentation to occur.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Medications: Some medications can cause skin to be ultra sensitive to sun exposure, making it more likely that dark spots will occur. Cancer treatments, some antibiotics, acne drugs, and anti-seizure medications are among some of the most likely culprits to watch out for.

Hormones: If you’ve ever been pregnant, you’ve likely heard of (or been a victim of) the “mask of pregnancy.” Otherwise known as Melasma, this hormone induced darkening of the skin, usually on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, belly, and hands, gets worse with sun exposure, and is due to an increase in hormones coursing through the body.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Sometimes after an injury, the skin at the site of the injury will be dark for at time. This is commonly seen with acne scarring and is the body’s natural reaction to inflammation.

Too much sun: Overexposure to the sun can give you a nice glow, but over time it can also leave behind sun spots, age spots, and discoloration on the hands and face.

Getting Rid of Hyperpigmentation

Now for the big question? Can we get rid of our hyperpigmentation and have the bright, clear complexion we want?

The answer is yes, according to Jennifer Linder, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon. “The good news,” says Dr. Linder, who herself struggled with hyperpigmentation as an adult, “is that with the right combination of professional treatments and daily care products, we can lift existing hyperpigmentation and inhibit its continual formation.”

Steps to Treat Hyperpigmentation

Prevention

The first step in treating hyperpigmentation is to begin the process of prevention. While in some cases there is little you can do about hormone levels, we can control the amount of UV light we expose our skin to. Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and remember to reapply every two hours.

Meet with a professional

Next, make an appointment with your favorite licensed esthetician and put a game plan together. Depending on the severity of the pigmentation problem, and how much it bothers you, there are many options available to you:

Skin brightening and lightening products

Products designed to lessen the effects of hyperpigmentation can be incorporated into your daily routine to gradually diminish dark spots and dull skin.

Typical ingredients effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, and typically found in reputable products include hydroquinone, arbutin, kojic acid, and azelaic acid. PCA skin has an excellent line of products to treat varying degrees of hyperpigmentation, such as the Pigment Bar and the Pigment Gel. A trip to visit your licensed esthetician will help you determine which products would be best for your particular type and severity of pigmentation.

Chemical peels

To increase cell turnover and help lighten pigmentation, a professional can administer a chemical peel which can help minimize nearly all types of hyperpigmentation. These typically include higher levels of ingredients found in your over-the-counter skin lightening products, and usually work faster. Always employ the expertise of a licensed professional who can help you determine which treatments will best help your particular situation.

Microdermabrasion

Another option is Microdermabrasion, which is another way of removing darkened skin and improving cell turnover. The procedure also boosts collagen production, which can result in a more even looking skin tone.

Micro-needling or Dermarolling

Using a procedure where tiny needles are injected at a rapid rate into the skin, either with an electric pen or a roller device, the deep layers of skin that cannot be reached with chemical peels, Microdermabrasion, or lightening treatments are targeted.

A very small amount of damage is caused beneath the skin...just enough to inspire the body to dissolve old tissue and produce new collagen and cells at a rapid rate, turning over younger healthier skin with a bright clear tone.

Micro-needling and dermarolling is essentially painless, as the needles are very small and short. It feels very similar to microdermabrasion actually, and the depth of the needles are adjustable. If a more aggressive approach is required, a numbing cream is used to make the process comfortable for all involved.

If dark patches or an uneven complexion are troubling you, don’t waste another moment. You can take control of your beauty and the health of your skin today. Call us (530-305-3908) at the Stonehouse Spa and Boutique.

Everything You Need to Know About Eyelash Extensions

While a few lucky women were blessed with long luscious lashes, some of us gals weren’t favored in this department. Mascara can help, but it can be time consuming to apply, and can leave smudgy rings under your eyes after just a few hours of wear. More and more savvy women are finding that the smart way to go is having eyelash extension applied.

Professional eyelash extensions solve a lot of beauty problems for women:

1. You instantly get long, thick, beautiful eyelashes.

2. No more mascara application. You’ll save some time in the morning on application, and in the evening on removal.

3. If you are a curler, you’ll no longer be putting any stress on the follicle, so the hair will actually be healthier and lashes thicker.

4. Your eyes will be less prone to irritation and infection without any mascara products being poked and prodded around so close to your sockets.

Here’s what you need to know before you get lash extensions…

1. Don’t go to just anyone. Find a licensed esthetician who has a great reputation and stellar word-of-mouth. Look on her Facebook page, check Yelp, and call for referrals.

2. Once you find a reputable salon or technician, relax. It doesn’t hurt. Your certified lash technician will either gently tape your lower lashes down, or weigh them down with moist pads, to keep them out of the way of her glue, and you will relax comfortably while she nimbly glues individual lashes to each of your existing lashes. There’s no poking or pulling, but the work does require skill and dexterity, so you do want someone with experience.

3. Lash extensions won’t damage your existing lashes. Your real lashes will shed and grow in their normal growth cycle, but will otherwise remain the same. Once the glue is dry and set, after the first 24 hours, you can brush and separate your lashes, and shower normally.

4. You can get lash extensions in several types of materials (such as synthetic, silk, and mink) and lengths, and they can be applied using various types of glue. Each salon and technician will have her own preference, and she will be able to help you find the best fit for you. Take caution to avoid salons that use glue containing formaldehyde, as this can be harmful.

5. Expect the first full application of lashes to take two hours. Each subsequent touch up will take roughly half an hour each week, or one hour every two weeks to maintain, as lashes will naturally fall out over time. Your eyes will be closed during the application process so there is little change of any glue getting into your eye.

For some, lash extensions are an indulgence to be savored periodically for the yearly Xmas party or a wedding. For others, the constant compliments on their heightened beauty, and the time saving liberation of throwing that old mascara in the trash is well worth the trip down to the Stonehouse Spa and Boutique once every week or two for a lash fill. We invite you to give it a try. You never know, you might just fall in love:)

3 Quick Tips to Better Hydrate That Summer Skin

Cracked itchy skin is irritating! Not to mention it’s hardly complimentary. 

We could go on and on about the challenges we face with our skin, but the truth is, you already know the problem. What you really want to know is the solution.

Here’s how you can help hydrate and get beautiful skin from the inside out:

Eat Your Water

Even though most people would guess that drinking water would come up first on the list, we’re going to go with the experts on this one and put eating your water at the top.

Top beauty experts and nutritionists agree that the best way to hydrate your skin is to fill up on the nutrient dense foods that contain the water you need to hydrate. 

Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, lemon, and cucumber contain valuable water, and also vitamins and minerals, that your body can use to replenish stores and repair damaged cells.

Take Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps reduce signs of aging and hydrates skin by helping retain collagen and keeping cells healthy and plump, thus making you look youthful and vibrant.

Be sure to get plenty of Vitamin C rich foods, such as bell pepper, broccoli, and citrus, but consider a supplement as well to be sure you are getting adequate amounts.

To help support this step, consider using PCA Skin care C-Quench® Antioxidant Serum to with bioavailable forms of Vitamin C to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles from the outside.

Get Your Beauty Rest

When we rest our head is when our body is working hard to repair damaged cells to tip top working condition. All the vitamins and support in the world won’t amount to much if we don’t get the down time we need to revitalize.

Most experts agree that a healthy amount of sleep for the average adult is anywhere between 6-9 hours, depending on the person and age. Creating a consistent pattern of sleep will allow your largest bodily organ, your skin, to adequately repair and completely beautify.
Do your part this summer to get your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing by eating water rich foods, getting plenty of Vitamin C, and making the commitment to get your beauty rest. Our bodies are amazing machines when we give them the right tools! 

Also stop by and see us for some pampering too. We have some amazing PCS Skin treatments in our magic toolbox as well, and our specials this month are specifically aimed at getting your skin hydrated and glowing. 

And don’t forget to take advantage of our discounted Age Defy Facials this month for only $85! Purchase one for you or a friend or loved one today and strut into summer feeling fantastic.

Call us today at 530-305-3908 to make your next appointment!