A marker of youthful skin is an even skin tone – something that becomes more challenging to maintain as time goes by. However, with some preventative and corrective measures, it is possible to achieve clarity and radiance. Concept Medical offers both at-home products to improve skin clarity and in-office treatments to repair existing skin tone concerns for Ottawa patients. In this article, we share our insider tips to achieving and maintaining an even skin tone.
To begin with, some of the skin conditions that contribute to an even skin tone may not be entirely what you expect – surprisingly they’re not all sun related:
- melasma – this pigmentation condition is often referred to as pregnancy mask and arises from the occurrence of a hormonal fluctuation in combination with normal sun exposure. This pigmentation is characterised by larges brown patches that may cover the forehead, cheeks and upper lip.
- brown spots – this is the typical unevenness we think of with regards to the aging process – also known as liver spots or age spots. This type of pigmentation is less defined than melasma with spots varying in size, colour and placement. Areas of skin that receive continual sun exposure such as the face, neck, chest, arms and hands are most likely to exhibit these brown spots with age.
- acne scars – the inflammatory process associated with the skin’s healing post-acne can result in melanin being deposited at the site of a healing blemish. This leads to a reddish, purplish discolouration of the skin after the acne has healed.
- rosacea – this skin condition has a dramatic effect on the tone of the skin when left unchecked. Acute dilation of the capillaries on the cheeks, nose and chin can cause the skin to appear pink or even red.
Each of these skin conditions have specific triggers that lead to their development, but the one thing they all have in common is that they worsen when exposed to sunlight without protection.
Therefore, one of the most important steps to consistently follow is wearing a minimum SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen. It is advisable to opt for an even higher SPF factor when aiming to prevent pigmentation in the skin. Daily application of sunscreen and diligently reapplying as needed is the most crucial habit to form if you wish to prevent uneven pigmentation and redness from developing further.
Combining an antioxidant serum that contains high concentrations of melanin-inhibiting ingredients with daily sunscreen use is another step that nurtures skin clarity. Ingredients such as vitamin C have been clinically proven to enhance photoprotection and inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme that activates melanin production. Taking 10 seconds to apply a serum daily can brighten the complexion and prevent oxidative stress that leads to aging.
In office treatments that can repair existing pigmentation concerns or the redness caused by rosacea and sun damage include fractional laser resurfacing and photorejuvenation, respectively. Each of these modalities is non-invasive, require little recovery and deliver rejuvenating results beyond an evening of the skin tone such as improved skin texture and firmness. Post laser and light treatments, regularly scheduled clinical peels can compliment a medical-grade skincare routine to ensure the results of your treatments are long-lasting.
Whether you’re noticing the first signs of an uneven skin tone, or facing the challenge of repairing long-term sun damage, Concept Medical’s dedicated staff of certified cosmetic physicians is on hand to help you realize the clarity and evenness of tone you desire. We welcome you to book a consultation with us. Request an appointment online today.
#acne scars#brown spots#even skintone#hyperpigmentation#melasma#pigmentation#rosacea