Causes of Winter Pigmentation

| July 4, 2019

High & Dry

The Highveld winter can be extreme. Low humidity and frigid temperatures are a near constant.

These harsh elements can result in Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation. Don’t let the Highveld winter leave your skin high and dry with unwanted pigmentation issues; instead take a proactive skincare initiative. Knowing how Winter contributes to common skin conditions will inform your beauty regiment.

From choosing the correct homecare products to investing in treatments that stand the test of time, this knowledge will serve you well.

Winter & Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation

Understanding the major contributing factors that cause post-inflammatory Pigmentation is the key to treating it, minimizing it & preventing it.

What is Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation

Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation is the result of harm to the epidermis &/ dermis. Cutaneous inflammation or injury that results in inflammation affects the pigment producing cells called Melanocytes. Inflammation stimulates their melanin synthesis. This increased production of melanin is transferred to the surrounding keratinocytes i.e. skin cells.

In instances where deeper skin layers are injured, such as the Basal Layer, then melanin pigment can be produced and held within white blood cells known as macrophages. Excess melanin production and storage inside skin leads to Hyperpigmentation.

Areas where concentrated levels of melanin are visible can be seen as dark and discoloured skin spots. They range from blue-grey to light brown to black in colour and may deepen in colour when exposed to sunlight.

Winter Conditions that can contribute to Pigmentation

The foundation for discerning how winter climate and lifestyle create and exacerbate pigmentation issues is a thorough grasp of the root factors that result in inflammation.

Skin inflammation is often a reaction to environmental elements. Common winter conditions that often result in dermal inflammation include the following:

  • Eczema triggered by dry cold conditions and subsequent dermal changes.
  • Rosacea caused by physiological alterations brought on by wintertime irritations to skin.
  • Folliculitis in which hair follicles are inflamed due to dryness or multiple close heat-trapping layers of clothing.
  • Dermatitis including red itchy cracked skin affected and brought on by:
    • Overly long hot showers or baths – negatively affecting skin surface and stripping skin sebum.
    • Bacteria overgrowth from scarves &/ multiple layers of cold weather clothing.
    • Cold dry wind that dehydrates skin.
    • Low humidity cold outdoors or hot dry air exposure indoors that steals dermal moisture.

Professional treatment options

Treatment is available for a full range of diverse pigmentation concerns. Whether an issue developed recently during this winter or in a past winter season, effective care and attention can diminish and eliminate hyperpigmentation. Professional Aesthetic dermatology treatments include:

Protect!

Daily application of a strong SPF50+ broad spectrum sun protective cream is required to halt further progression of affected areas.

Act now for beautiful spring skin!

Invest in TLC today – to welcome summer with even-toned, clear and healthy glowing skin. The winter season is an excellent time for treatments as the lowered UV index works powerfully in your favour to assist in eradicating unwanted pigmentation. Pair treatments with appropriate post-treatment homecare for enhanced results.

Take advantage of SAI’s Double Special for July 2019.

  • 5 x package treatment for pigmentation utilizing OPL & save 20%
  • 10% off all Dermal Filler & Botulin Toxin treatments

*If you suffer from Rosacea, you will be thrilled to note that Rosacea can also be effectively treated in winter using OPL.

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