We all love some fun in the summer sun, but if we are not careful, it can cause skin damage. The right care and treatment can undo some of that damage and restore glow and health to the skin.
Melanin life cycle
Melanocyte cells produce Melanin, the pigment resulting in skin color. There are five stages of the melanin life cycle – activation, development, production, distribution, and removal. Substances in skincare products like hydroquinone, keratolytic, alpha hydroxyl acids, tretinoin, or other retinoids may disrupt any stage of this cycle, which is known as melanin suppression.
At EsthetixMD med spa in Bend, OR, we offer products with natural alternatives for melanin suppression, such as Lytera and Retinol Complex from SkinMedica.
Lytera addresses skin discoloration and uneven tone and helps prevent future discoloration too. It can be used on the face, neck, décolleté and hands. It is suitable for all different skin types and ethnicities. It works by supporting melanin balance which is disrupted by internal and external causes.
SkinMedica's Retinol Complex corrects photo-damage and renews the skin. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles and can be used on the face, neck, and décolleté, or anywhere on the body with lines and wrinkles. Its efficacy has been proven in over 10 clinical studies for the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology.
We also have AHA/BHA cleansers and creams that strip off pigments as they surface, prescriptive topicals such as Obagi Blender (4% Hydroquinone mixed with Tretinoin) and Clear (4% Hydroquinone), and Obagi C-Clarifying Serum (with Vitamin C and safe Hydroquinone levels), which address sun damage, acne, hyperpigmentation, and other aging signs. Sunscreen is essential in the battle against sun damage. Our EltaMD, SkinMedica and Jane Iredale products offer a range of high-quality sunscreens that help prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of skin cancer and early aging.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser treatments like our gentle resurfacing Clear+Brilliant and Permea, Laser Genesis and CoolPeel as well as other therapies such as Fraxel and C02 that can tackle sun damage, melasma, SK's & AK's, acne scars and surgical scars and refresh and rejuvenate the skin.
Melasma
Overexposure to the sun can also cause melasma, discolored, typically symmetrical patches of skin more common on the face. EsthetixMD has successfully treated many melasma patients. The largest and best-equipped med spa in Bend and a team of professionals comprising trained, skilled, and experienced physicians, clinicians and providers have enabled us to tackle skin concerns like pigmented lesions and solar lentigines (liver spots) dyschromia (reds and browns) and more. Our success has won us the best place for medical cosmetic enhancement in Central Oregon for the last four years!
We recommend some safeguards when seeking treatment for melasma or other skin conditions, to protect the skin and prevent further damage.
• Wear a SPF30+ sunscreen daily
• Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when going out
• Cover discolored areas with SPF (we also have tinted options).
• Take prescribed medication such as hydroquinone as directed.
Call EsthetixMD Spa and Laser Center in Bend, OR at (541) 303-9155 to learn more about repairing sun-damaged skin and book a free virtual or in person consultation to see what is best for you.