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Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Conditions
Conditions

Melasma / Pigmentation In Dark Skin Types

Diverse skin tones, prevalent among individuals of African, Asian, and mixed ethnic backgrounds in South Africa, constitute a significant demographic. This encompasses a broad spectrum of darkly pigmented skin types, often encountering concerns regarding pigmentation and melasma. At Skin Renewal, we understand the unique challenges individuals with darker skin tones face. Our holistic approach to treating pigmentation and melasma is tailored to each individual's specific needs and concerns. By addressing underlying factors and utilising advanced techniques, we aim to achieve comprehensive and effective results for our patients.
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As the demand for aesthetic procedures among darker skin types continues to rise, Skin Renewal offers safe and effective solutions tailored to our patient's unique needs. Our advanced treatments utilise cutting-edge lasers that are colour-blind and less invasive, ensuring optimal results with minimal risk.

Melasma, a common concern among South African women with darker skin tones, requires specialised care due to its dynamic nature and hormonal influences. Our comprehensive approach to melasma management combines in-clinic treatments with targeted topicals and supplements to address internal triggers and maintain long-term results.

Understanding the underlying causes of Hormonal Pigmentation/Melasma in dark skin types is crucial for effective treatment and management. UVA rays, known to stimulate melanin production, can penetrate car window glass, exacerbating pigmentation concerns. Changes in hormonal levels, particularly elevated estrogen levels from factors like birth control pills or pregnancy, are linked to triggering and worsening melasma. Even after discontinuing contraceptives, pigmentation may persist for years.

Post-pregnancy, melasma typically resolves within months but can persist indefinitely. Additionally, activities causing intense heat to the face, such as steam showers or sun exposure, trigger inflammation, further stimulating melanin production.

While more prevalent in individuals with darker complexions due to heightened sun exposure in South Africa, melasma can affect individuals of any race. Although commonly observed in young women, men can also experience melasma.

Skin Renewal addresses these underlying factors with targeted treatments to manage Hormonal Pigmentation/Melasma in dark skin types effectively.

Types of Pigmentation

Skin Pigmentation Disorder

Description

Common Triggers

Affected Areas

Freckles (Ephelides)

Small, flat brown spots that appear after repeated sun exposure, especially in people with fair skin. They tend to become darker in summer and fade in winter. In fair skins and particularly blonde/red haired individuals, some are born with a predisposition for developing freckles.

Sun exposure/Genetics

Common on face, shoulders, and arms

Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)

Flat, tan, brown, or black spots with a distinct edge that occur due to sun exposure over many years.

Prolonged sun exposure

Common on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and arms

Melasma

Larger patches of brown or greyish pigmentation, often on the face. It is more common in women and can be triggered by hormonal changes. Although rare, melasma can occur in men.

Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, birth control pills)

Common on the face

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Darker spots or patches that occur after skin injury or inflammation from conditions like acne, eczema, or lupus.

Skin injury or inflammation

Can appear anywhere on the body

Albinism

A genetic condition resulting in little or no pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes due to lack of melanin production.

Genetic mutation

Entire body

Vitiligo

Patchy loss of skin pigmentation, resulting in irregular white patches on different areas of the body. It is an autoimmune disorder where melanocytes are destroyed.

Autoimmune disorder

Can appear on different areas of the body

 

frequently asked
questions

Is treatment for Melasma in dark skin types available at all Skin Renewal branches ?
Where does Melasma appear on the face?
  • Centro Facial (forehead),
  • Malar (cheekbones), and
  • Mandibular (jawline).
How can one prevent Melasma from forming in darker skin types ?
  • Avoid sun exposure and wear a protective hat outdoors to block these rays further.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily to block the UVA rays and help prevent melasma.
  • In addition, your sunscreen should also contain an anti-oxidant as this stops free radicals that cause pigmentation.
  • At least 10ml of sunscreen should be applied to the face and neck twice daily to prevent melasma.
  • Taking an oral antioxidant supplement such as Pycnogenol from the French Maritime Pine bark is clinically proven to raise one’s level of resistance to the sun and also helps to reduce the melanin content in the skin down the line.
  • As melasma is a dynamic condition and needs to be managed daily and indefinitely. One day of unintentional sunburn can set you back.

Frequently asked questions

Is treatment for Melasma in dark skin types available at all Skin Renewal branches ?
Where does Melasma appear on the face?
  • Centro Facial (forehead),
  • Malar (cheekbones), and
  • Mandibular (jawline).
How can one prevent Melasma from forming in darker skin types ?
  • Avoid sun exposure and wear a protective hat outdoors to block these rays further.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily to block the UVA rays and help prevent melasma.
  • In addition, your sunscreen should also contain an anti-oxidant as this stops free radicals that cause pigmentation.
  • At least 10ml of sunscreen should be applied to the face and neck twice daily to prevent melasma.
  • Taking an oral antioxidant supplement such as Pycnogenol from the French Maritime Pine bark is clinically proven to raise one’s level of resistance to the sun and also helps to reduce the melanin content in the skin down the line.
  • As melasma is a dynamic condition and needs to be managed daily and indefinitely. One day of unintentional sunburn can set you back.
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What an amazing 5-star experience it is to visit Skin Renewal Cape Quarter! This amazing team isn't just friendly, helpful, and inviting, but extremely knowledgeable and instills confidence! Dr Michelle is very skillful in his approach, and made me feel very comfortable by explaining every step of the process. I would strongly recommend SRCQ

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Amazing service from the Skin Renewal staff in Irene!

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Soné and Dr. Lilli were highly professional and friendly. My experience was enjoyable. Thank you.

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I'm so grateful I got to know about you. My skin is feeling looking amazing. And your products work perfectly for my skin. Thank you so much Marisa for your great service. Actually the whole team.

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As usual, wonderful being treated by Anel and Dr Toni and the helpful staff at front desk. Highly recommended professionals!

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I am quite pleased with the treatment I have received from Skin Renewal, Bedfordview Branch. My extreme bad melasma is almost gone. I feel rejuvenated and younger looking. The staff have insight about their job. They are friendly and professional. I enjoy price reduction through Skin Renewal reward scheme. Fabulous treatmenst.

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