Sun Damage and Skin Lightening
Are you concerned with brown spots (AKA “sun spots”)? If so, you’re not alone. These spots are technically referred to as 
hyperpigmentation, and are often associated with aging.
Let’s explore hyperpigmentation, and more importantly, how you can get rid of it!
Why do I have brown spots?
The Sun
The color of your skin depends on the amount of melanin present. Overall skin color is genetically determined, but factors such as the environment (SUN!) and hormones can cause areas of your skin to produce more color. Hence, hyperpigmentation refers to darker areas of the skin (hyper meaning too much pigmentation).
Scientists believe that melanin’s main function is to protect skin cells from the sun’s harmful rays. It is our first defense against the sun because it absorbs sun rays before they can do serious damage. That means that when our skin tans, it is actually our bodies’ way of fighting off sun damage! Therefore, people with lighter complexions tend to burn more easily (but all skin tones need to be protect from UV rays).
Wearing an SPF every day is crucial in preventing sun damage! As skin therapists, we observe that many clients have the most sun damage on the left side of their face. Why? That’s because when we drive, the sun’s rays hit us on the left! This means that driving, walking in and out of the house, and other daily activities put us in danger of sun damage. A little bit of exposure each day really adds up.
Hormones
Even if you protect against the sun, you may still be affected by hormonal pigmentation. It is believed that hormone changes can causes melanin cells to work overtime. Birth control, pregnancy and different stages of menopause can cause darkening of the skin. If you fall into any of those categories, take extra precautions in wearing sunscreen any time you are outside.
Melasma (AKA “the mask of pregnancy”) is defined by dark spots around the forehead, chin, upper lips, nose and cheeks. The combination of estrogen and UV light may be to blame. While it can be common during pregnancy, birth control pills may also cause the problem. Fortunately, it typically goes away after pregnancy (but it can come back)!
Wound Healing
This relates to some type of injury to the skin. The injury may be from an insect bite, rash, cut, hair removal, improper laser treatments, acne, etc. When our bodies’ suffer from such injuries, inflammation occurs. This can trigger melanin production, and is more common in darker skin.
Certain medications can make skin more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. Speak with your doctor if this is a concern, and never stop taking a medication unless you have a doctor’s consent. Wearing an SPF 30 every day can help prevent problems!
What about freckles and “age spots”?
Age spots (technically referred to as lentigines) are flat, brown discolorations that are the result of sun exposure of the years. They can vary in size, and are harmless. More than anything, we don’t like them because we feel they show our age!
Freckles tend to affect lighter skin tones, and are typically genetic. They are also harmless, and sometimes lighten in the winter.
Actinic Keratoses (AK) is a potential precursor of squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer that begins in the epidermis). It can appear as a pink or flesh-colored lesion that feels sharp or rough. AK is typically the result of long-term sun exposure. They can grow very slowly; see your doctor if you have any questions.
Read more about treating aging hands...
Please visit a doctor if you fear your sun spots may be related to skin cancer. Find more information at http://www.cancer.org/.
What is Dermalogica’s solution for skin brightening?
ChromaWhite TRx…a new era in brightening form the skin health experts
Dedicated to results without compromising skin health, Dermalogica extensively researched the latest ingredient technology, searching for ingredients that would safely go beyond minimizing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
This research has led to the development of ChromaWhite TRx, the only system that rapidly delivers visible brightening and improved skin tone while improving skin health. ChromaWhite TRx ensures you can treat your hyperpigmentation safely, without worrying about suffering from irritation or damage that can lead to premature aging.
Dermalogica recommends a 3 step system.
1. Prepare
Cleanse and exfoliate to lift dulling cells (which can interfere with penetration of treatment products and contribute to uneven skin tone and texture).
 | Cleanse, brighten and clarify with this triple-action, concentrated cleanser containing Lactic Acid to exfoliate discolored skin cells and to improve surface clarity. |
 | A two-part powder-liquid system that activates when combined to maximize absorption of brightening treatments while dramatically smoothing and brightening skin. |
2. Prevent
Targeted treatments that help obstruct the development of pigmentation on a cellular level to prevent discoloration.
| A sliky-rich, high-potency brightening treatment that helps minimize and prevent future discoloration while helping to improve skin clarity. |
| An intense brightening powder that emulsifies upon contact with skin, delivering Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) and White Tea to minimize discoloration, accelerate skin brightening and strengthen skin’s defenses against future discoloration. |
3. Protect
Nourish, moisturize and shield skin from environmental assaults that trigger discoloration.
| A medium-weight daytime treatment moisturizer that conditions and brightens skin while chemical free mineral UV-blockers protect against pigment-inducing UVA and UVB light. |
| Nourish and brighten skin while you sleep with this superior moisturizing treatment. Our exclusive blend of peptides, minerals and botanical extracts help treat and prevent cellular discoloration for unsurpassed skin brightening and tonal balancing. |
Resource: International Dermal Institute
How can I get the best results with my new lightening routine?
- Wear an SPF 30 every day! The sun counteracts your treatments...even on a cloudy day the sun has a huge impact on our skin. Without UV protection, we are not allowing our skin to get better.
- Always prep skin properly. This means to cleanse and exfoliate as instructed. This removes dead, dull skin cells (and when these cells are removed, skin looks brighter AND your following products penetrate better)!
- ChromaWhite TRx is desigend as a complete brightening system. Relying on only 1 product to treat hyperpigmentation will either prolong the period until results are seen, or will not deliver results at all. Speak to a Dermalogica therapist for questions regarding products that are right fo you.
- Stick with it! Commit to your routine in the morning and night, and don't give up. Pigmentation can be on the surface, but it can reside deeper in the skin, too. It's not an overnight process, but it can be achieved! Expect at least 4 months before you notice results.
What's the press saying about ChromaWhite TRx?
 | Marie Claire, December 2008 |
 | Nylon, September 2008 Nylon feature Extreme C, saying "The future is bright...the synergistic 6-step ChromaWhite TRx program works to erase the blight of sun damage past while also preventing any further hyperpigmentation." |
 | WWD, October 2008 C-12 Concentrate is a super-powered concentrate with "a proprietary peptide" that "targets discoloration caused by melanin,and brightens skin." |