It’s a condition that afflicts and aggravates many women in South Africa.

Hormonal pigmentation, which also goes by the medical term “melasma“, is a chronic skin condition that occurs on the face – specifically the jawline, cheekbones and forehead – in the form of brown patches.

It also doubles as a never-ending source of frustration, as it needs life-long management.

And I here thought wrinkles were the only thing that we had to worry about for the rest of our lives.

Asian and darker-skinned individuals are more likely to develop this condition. Still, that doesn’t mean those with fair skin aren’t able to get it, too.

Skin Renewal explains that there are a variety of risk factors that can lead to hormonal pigmentation occurring. These include:

• Pregnancy, which can worsen the condition even way after your baby is born.
• Any change in hormonal status with higher levels of estrogen is thought to trigger and aggravate the condition (i.e. birth control pills and pregnancy).
• Photosensitising medications such as anti-psychotic medication, or medical conditions such as mild ovarian dysfunction.
  
  
• Exposure to ultraviolet light; visible light which emits infrared A (e.g. sunlight , TVs, computer screens, fluorescent lights, etc); excessive heat which causes inflammation.
• Stress, which can cause drastic changes in hormone levels.
• Intense sun exposure.

Without proper management and TLC for your skin on a daily basis, this can lead to intense discolouration on certain parts of your face.

That’s a huge cause for concern, especially among ladies whose confidence takes a dive at the mere sight of a pimple.

If you fall into that group, chances are your nerves will shatter completely with all these patches popping up all over the show.

Luckily, you have a choice of trying out one of six treatments used to deal with this condition, as offered by the Renewal Institute:

1. Dermamelan Depigmentation

This 30-minute procedure involves a versatile, dynamic process which is adapted to the needs of each individual patient. The process involves the inhibition of tyrosinase, a basic enzyme in the melanin formation process. That’s one way to wave bye-bye to dark patches and welcome back smooth, luminous skin.

2. Cosmelan Depigmentation

Like Dermamelan depigmentation, the inhibition of tyrosinase is also underway in this 30-minute procedure. It’s very effective in all types of melasma, especially post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.

3. 3D Peel

If you’re in the throes of melasma, look no further than the 3D peel, a three-stage chemical peeling system that uses lactic acid, salicylic acid, resorcinol, TCA and Vitamin A in the form of retinoic acid to help rejuvenate your skin.

Treatment recovery takes up to a week, after which you’ll see spectacular results.

4. Limelight Facial

A new and non-invasive procedure, the Limelight facial is customised for different skin tones and ageing skin conditions, targeting and heating red and brown spots in particular. Within one to three weeks after treatment, the darkened spots will flake off and fade.

5. Skin Brightening

This involves a combination of powerful anti-oxidants, such as glutathione, delivered with vitamins, minerals and fluids that hydrate the skin and reduce melanin production via intravenous therapy. After a series of treatments, a lighter, fairer skin tone may result.

6. Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BIHRT)

If your hormones are in a flux and causing to break out in dark patches, drop in at Health Renewal. There, treatment is individually assessed by the integrative doctor and the appropriate dosage is compounded for each patient.

Through BIHRT, pure, biologically identical hormones – oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone – are compounded under strict quality standards at a sterile laboratory, and are administered either by easily absorbing cream, capsules or pellets.

Each patient’s products are developed after a comprehensive blood test is analysed to establish the correct dosages required to restore hormonal balance. They help to balance the hormone levels, allowing for better quality of life, fewer patches, and a huge confidence boost.

For professional help, head down to one of the many Skin Renewal branches located around the country for a consultation.

In return, you’ll receive improved results and satisfaction – just remember that this is a timely process that requires dedication and commitment, from both the patient and the attending staff.

Once you have the pigmentation under control, then it’s back to living aggro-free life to the max, ladies!

[sources:skinrenewal&skinonline]