Pigmentation

A healthy microbiome is key in addressing pigmentation concerns

A dark blue circle with a white border contains a white circle in the center. Inside the white circle, there is a thick dark blue diagonal line from the upper right to the lower left, forming a "do not enter" or "no" symbol.

Skin pigmentation arises due to irregular deposition of melanin in the skin. This may be genetic or activated by external and more controllable factors. Melanin is deposited in the skin by melanocytes. The health of melanocytes is key to almost all pigmentation concerns, which can be broken into hypopigmentation (light patches) and hyperpigmentation (dark patches). The patches may be large (e.g., vitiligo) or they may be barely perceptible.

There are more than 70 different pigmentation disorders. Medication, reaction to chemical exposure and hormonal changes can be initial triggers, but UV is an aggravating factor and so is Vitamin D deficiency. Some sun exposure is essential to health and the health of skin, but indoor lifestyles mean that Vitamin D levels are dangerously low in a large proportion of the population. This may seem contradictory but 15 minutes of direct sun exposure on a large part of your body a few times a week is healthy.

Targeted products

Ask your therapist for a bespoke solution for your skin’s needs.

Lifestyle Considerations

Your lifestyle can make a difference to your skin

  • Frequent low level sun exposure with the affected areas covered.
  • Oral Vitamin D supplements if levels are low.
  • Essential fatty acid intake – either 15g per day of flax seed oil or 400mg of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
  • Supplement with a daily dose of vitamin C (400mg).
  • Re-evaluate your diet. Move to a high fibre, low sugar, fresh food diet.
  • Avoid photosensitising ingredients in make-up, skincare and hair care products.