What is Pigmentation?

Pigment means colour and melanin is the pigment that is responsible for giving colour to the skin hair and eyes. Some conditions occur because the body produces either too much melanin (hyperpigmentation) or too little (hypopigmentation). 

Hyperpigmentation is a very common skin condition and is caused by an overproduction of melanin which presents as dark uneven patches on the surface of the skin.

The formation of melanin is entirely dependent on exposure to UV rays and although it is melanin that forms our skins natural defence against UV damage, it is also the major aggravating factor in pigmentation disorders.

Over time the effects of sun damage will appear as ‘sun spots’ or ‘age spots’ on the skin surface, especially in sun exposed areas such as the face, hands, arms and décolleté.

In addition to UV exposure, the key causes of pigmentation can be linked to trauma such as injury, heat or irritation, chemical substances such as perfumes, certain essential oils, ingredients in sunscreens, medications such has oral or topical medications and hormonal influences such as the contraceptive pill, HRT, pregnancy, and ovarian abnormalities.

Hormonal, genetic or medication related pigmentation is called Melasma which extends over large areas of the face including the cheeks, upper lip, chin and the forehead.

People with darker Asian, Mediterranean or African skin tones are also a high risk group for hyperpigmentation as these type of skins naturally have more active melanin.

How does LED Phototherapy treat Hyperpigmentation?

Treating hyperpigmentation is a challenge. Many modalities traditionally use heat or chemicals to ‘lift’ pigmentation out of the skin. However, creating any kind of trauma to the skin naturally increases levels of oxidative stress which in turn triggers the production of melanin. Essentially what happens is the treatment creates oxidative inflammation and the pigmentation turns darker. This is referred to as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. The increased risk for pigmentation is often contra-indicated for darker skins, hormonal influences or skins that can tan easily.

LED Phototherapy does not use heat or chemicals to promote change in the skin and therefore provides one of the safest ways to treat pigmentation for all skin types.

In melanin formation, the enzyme tyrosinase plays a key role and requires an oxidative atmosphere in order to do this. Both exposure to UV and trauma to the skin trigger the perfect oxidative condition.   

Both Red and Near Infra-red wavelengths of LED light have been clinically proven to inhibit tyrosinase and therefore inhibit melanin synthesis.  LED Phototherapy has an anti-oxidant effect in the skin decreasing melanin production and has a skin lightening effect on pigmentation. Furthermore, increased blood circulation and lymphatic drainage brings vital oxygen and nutrients to speed up healing and eliminate any cellular waste and toxins to reduce inflammation.

Using LED Phototherapy to prepare the skin in advance of more invasive procedure has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of post inflammatory pigmentation

Dermalux Treatment Recommendation 

12 combined Red and Near Infra-Red LED treatments, up to 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks followed by once weekly (where Near Infra-red is not available use Red LED only).

To help in the prevention of Post Inflammatory Pigmentation, 4 to 6 treatments 2 weeks in advance of more invasive procedures. Follow with 3 sessions per week for the remainder of the course. 

Maintenance treatments are recommended once a month or as required.