Healthy-looking, even-toned skin is a goal for most women, but even with the best intentions, skin can still fall victim to uneven pigmentation and discoloration. Many things can cause this, and luckily there are options to help restore skin to it’s natural beauty.
Melanocytes are the cells found in the body that are responsible for producing melanin, which determines the skin’s pigmentation. The natural process of aging, genetics and the environment can all alter the skin’s colouring, but there are other factors that can do so, too.
Some medications can cause a change in the skin’s pigmentation. Antibiotics and antimalarial drugs can cause hyperpigmentation, when areas of the skin appear to darken. This is caused by an increase in melanin. You may also notice hyperpigmentation after spending extensive time in the sun. Certain types of birth control can also cause this. Pregnancy can sometimes cause melasma, an increase in the activity of melanocytes that causes discoloration of the face.
Luckily, there are some remedies to help restore skin to it’s former youthful beauty! Chemical peels work to remove the top layers of skin, which usually have a lot of uneven pigment. Laser resurfacing stimulates collagen production and the growth of healthy new skin cells, resulting in firmer, younger-looking skin.