Pigmentation is a common skin concern. While the condition itself is typically harmless, it should always be taken seriously, particularly when it comes to pre- and post-treatment care.
So how can your patients’ pigmentation be treated, or prevented in the first place? Find out more below.
What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation describes the colouring of the skin, determined by the pigment melanin and a complex network within the skin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes, cells which exist in the skin and eyes. The type and amount of melanin that is produced determines colour variations, such as light skin, dark skin, blue eyes, brown eyes, fair hair or red hair.
Several factors can affect melanin production and therefore skin pigmentation. These include injuries, sun exposure or inflammatory skin conditions like acne and dermatitis. Hormonal changes, genetic factors, autoimmune conditions and environmental aggressors may also influence melanin production. These changes manifest in the skin as darkened patches or spots which stand out against ‘normal’ skin tone.
What is PIH?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is a common pigmentation condition where melanin production increases following inflammation or injury. Acne flare ups and in-clinic aesthetic treatments are both leading causes of PIH. Some other factors that increase risk include medication that causes photosensitivity, contraception that leads to hormonal changes and topical products that sensitize the skin.
When the skin becomes inflamed, melanin-producing cells are triggered to release higher amounts of pigment. The excess of pigment sits within the wounded area and remains long after the injury has healed.
Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI (darker skin tones) are more prone to PIH because they naturally have higher levels of melanin. Therefore, dark patches are more likely to develop. However, individuals with lighter skin tones can still develop PIH.
There is a higher risk of the patient developing PIH following ablative or energy-based device treatments. This is because of the rapid increase of inflammation. The risks of PIH should always be thoroughly explained to patients, and precautions should always be exercised to prevent and manage it effectively.
How to manage pigmentation alongside in-clinic treatments
Effective management of PIH both before and after treatment will protect the skin, as well as enhancing treatment results.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to PIH. Regardless of skin type or condition, careful preventative measures and the control of any underlying skin conditions will minimise the risk of PIH developing.
The Pigment Control Plan
The ALLSKIN | MED Pigment Control Plan is a three-step approach to controlling pigmentation after in-clinic treatments.
The plan is expertly designed to be used alongside ablative or energy-based device treatments, such as IPL, laser, peels and microneedling. By following the plan, your patients will greatly reduce their risk of PIH and enhance and prolong their treatment results for pigmentation.
The goal of the plan is to correct and prevent sun-related pigmentation, whilst boosting hydration, reducing irritation, and creating a brighter, more uniform skin tone.
ALLSKIN | MED Pigment Control Capsules
The ALLSKIN | MED Pigment Control Capsules are an innovative food supplement scientifically proven to correct and prevent pigmentation. Along with controlling sun-related pigmentation, the capsules are an effective accompaniment to depigmenting in-clinic treatments, as well as reducing the risk of PIH and enhancing the skin brightness and uniformity of tone.
The capsules contain oral Fernblock+, a powerful clinically-proven anti-oxidant with photoprotective and anti-ageing properties; the anti-oxidants vitamin C and pomegranate extract, which encourage hydration, exfoliation and luminosity; and niacinamide and cystine, which are depigmenting agents. Patients are recommended to take 2 capsules per day during periods of increased sun exposure and throughout depigmentation treatments in-clinic.
ALLSKIN | MED Pigment Control Serum
The next product in the plan is the ALLSKIN | MED Pigment Control Serum, a luxurious, triple-action serum that provides gentle exfoliation, hydration and a lightening complex, creating a fresh, bright and soft complexion whilst protecting against pigmentation.
The depigmenting system features tyrosinase inhibitors such as Kojic Acid, Niacinamide and N-Acetylglucosamine which will control melanin production and lighten existing pigmentation. Patented retinol technology and salicylic acid work to increase skin cell renewal, whilst aiding the penetration of the depigmenting system. Finally, a sophisticated moisturise system keeps the skin hydrated, while anti-inflammatory ingredients help to reduce potential irritation.
The serum should be used twice daily, applied to cleansed skin and followed with a moisturiser. After the AM application, SPF should also be applied.
Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid
The final product in the plan is a high-level, broad-spectrum SPF from Heliocare 360°. This light and silky fluid boosts skin health whilst helping to reduce the appearance of existing pigmentation and prevent the formation of new pigmentation. Containing Niacinamide and Ellagic Acid which will target pigmentation to reduce the intensity. It has a subtle tint to instantly unify the skin tone and blurs imperfections.
The most powerful ingredient within Heliocare 360° is Fernblock+, a supercharged antioxidant that is scientifically proven to improve the skin’s defences against solar radiation, protecting from the inside out. Fernblock+ encourages the skin to behave at a higher grade on the Fitzpatrick scale, which means it has a greater capacity to protect itself from the damages of sun exposure. It also works to protect the skin’s immune system and inhibit cell mutation, which may develop into skin cancer.
Fernblock+ is accompanied by a unique combination of chemical and mineral filters, which offer UVA and UVB protection, as well as DNA repair enzymes and glycosylases, which help to repair existing damage to skin cell DNA. What’s more, the formula contains vitamin E for anti-oxidant activity, niacinamide and ellagic acid for depigmentation, anti-pollution technology, plus iron oxide pigments for a more unified skin tone.
Clinical study results
The effectiveness of the Pigment Control Plan and its combination of oral and topical technologies has been noted in clinical studies, including its significant impact on brightening the skin and reducing signs of ageing1, and its efficacy in improving outcomes of depigmenting treatments2 by reducing dark spots and creating a more even complexion. Studies have found a 54.9% improvement of MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index), along with a 9% improvement in luminosity, a 10% reduction in wrinkle depth, a 10% improvement in skin elasticity and firmness, and an 18.8% improvement in smoothness. The combined approach also reached improvements more quickly in most of the assessed parameters, compared to a single treatment approach.
How to get involved
Become an ALLSKIN | MED Partner
ALLSKIN | MED Partners can offer patients the best pigmentation results.
By joining us as a partner clinic, you can provide your patients with the very best treatments and technologies, securing remarkable results for the longer term.
Step up your offering in-clinic today. With our scientifically proven technologies, competitive price points and dedicated support team, ALLSKIN | MED is the perfect range to introduce into your clinic.
Find out more about the Pigment Control Plan and becoming an ALLSKIN | MED Partner Clinic today at our Introduction to ALLSKIN | MED webinars.
References
1 Truchuelo MT, Gabriel MT, Chan HP, Chan GP and Vitale M. Safety and Efficacy of a New Regimen in Homogenizing and Brightening Skin Complexion Among Filipino Women. SM Dermatolog J. 2017; 3(1): 1011.
2 Goh, C.-L., Chuah, S.Y., Tien, S., Thng, G., Vitale, M.A. and Delgado-Rubin, A. (2018). Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Polypodium Leucotomos Extract in the Treatment of Melasma in Asian Skin: A Pilot Study. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, [online] 11(3), pp.14–19. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29606995/.
