Winter has arrived and with it the increase in demand for pigmentation treatments • From natural ways such as spices and fruits to laser treatments • We examined what the market has to offer
Is it possible to treat pigmentation?
Photography:
GettyImages
One day you look in the mirror and your face is smooth and even, and the next day a small, stubborn brown spot pops up that over time grows or gets darker, and we mean of course pigmentation.
Dr. Meir Cohen, chairman of the Israeli Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at the Medical Association, explains that "there are three types of pigmentation. Ethnic, which is an internal genetic predisposition of man to develop pigment spots, and is very difficult to treat. There is hormonal pigmentation, following pregnancy or treatments. It is associated with it and is not easy to treat, and the third, the easiest to treat, is caused by sun damage and involves the superficial layers of the skin. "
Asked how to treat the phenomenon, Cohen answers that "there is a prevention of the phenomenon that includes sunscreens. There are therapeutic creams, the seller of which is hydroquinone, which inhibits the production of melanin in skin cells, lightens the spots and helps the last two types of pigmentation. These two ointments with steroid to relieve side effects together form one of the famous mixtures for the treatment of pigmentation, the Kligman compound, which has the disadvantage that it can create hypersensitivity, so it is advisable to do treatment cycles with breaks and you can not use the ointment if you plan Sunbathe or go out in the sun. "
Futuristic treatment
In contrast, Kobi Baruch, a cosmetology expert and developer of KB PURE products, claims that most medical brighteners used since the 1970s have an outdated mechanism of action that in most cases proves ineffective and unsuitable for most skin types, compared to cosmetic products that are renewed every year.
If you thought pigmentation treatments were a "whim and we're done," you were making a big, bitter mistake.
All treatments require maintenance, and usually, if stopped, there is a good chance that the pigmentation will return.
Even laser radiation treatments do not promise to preserve the result forever.
"The energy of the laser damages the pigment molecules, it breaks them down and the fragments are absorbed by the cells in the body and removed from the stain area," Dr. Cohen explains, "often the effect of the treatment is temporary because the process does not stop the mechanism, it only breaks down melanin.
It is therefore particularly good for pigmentation and is used for those who do not plan to be exposed without sunscreens.
There are also chemical peeling treatments, but I personally prefer laser treatment because it is more suitable for the 21st century. "
Regarding ethnic pigmentation or blemishes in dark-skinned women, Cohen says that "there is not much to do. I would try a Kligman compound for dark facial skin, it helps the skin get a uniform color on the face."
Bar Wichman, who owns an aesthetics clinic that bears her name, agrees that it is not easy to completely clarify pigmentation, and especially balm.
"You can suppress a balm but not get rid of it completely," she says sadly, "I work with a THR device that breaks down a pigment, and if the client listens to me and does not go to sunbathe, you can see success in the field."
Those who do not want to return to maintenance treatments can treat the home with lightening soap and lightening cream.
"For those who have a tendency for this, the pigment can return, and success should be maintained with home-care ingredients that suppress melanin," says Wichman.
"As mentioned, there are a variety of laser devices that claim to achieve success in lightening pigmentation, and one of them is the futon device, with which Dr. Yelena Salzberg from the Center for Medical Aesthetics works. "There are skin types that we will not start with laser treatment at all, because they are too dark and can have the opposite effect.
The lighter the skin, the better the results. "
Natural treatment
Paula Blick Dayan, an expert in natural medicine and advanced cosmetics and owner of a clinic that bears her name, has tips for lightening pigmentation spots: "Turmeric is especially good for lightening. Take ground turmeric spice, olive oil and lemon juice, mix, spread, wait to dry and gently remove. "An abundance of vitamin C, excellent for lightening blemishes on the skin. Squeeze the juice of fresh lemon and orange, dip in a cotton ball and rub the areas where the blemishes appear. In two weeks you will see spectacular results."
Another tip of hers includes an ingredient that helps with peeling: "Grind oatmeal, mix with 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, lightly rub the facial skin and rinse with water. Continue with the process once a week for three weeks."
Beautician Sarah Getz, an expert in pigmentation and skin blemishes, also has some home care tips that can help with a slight lightening: "Squeeze fresh lemon, dip a cotton ball in it and apply directly on the dark spots. Leave on the skin for about 15 minutes and rinse with cold water."
New on the shelf
JELIXIR skin lightening booster serum
helps in the proper production of natural collagen, prevents pigmentation and dry skin.
Based on alpha arbutin, vitamin C and active ingredients.
The compound suppresses melanin production and nourishes the deep layers of the skin.
Price: 168 shekels.
Obtainable on the Jellixir website.
https://www.jelixir.com/
B-WHITE lightening cream
developed by beautician Bar Wichman.
Based on low concentration acid, kojic acid, arbutin, vitamin C and B-White peptide to lighten the skin.
All products are based on the dragon fruit which is full of antioxidants.
Price: 249 shekels.
Available at Wichman's clinic and on the website http://bar-v.co.il/
Lirac Paris Lumiloji Series A
day and night treatment serum
for lightening
spots and pigmentation and a mask that helps blur skin blemishes.
The formulas include brightening antioxidants, a gentle exfoliator and active ingredients for immediate enlightenment.
Price: Day and night serum 295 shekels.
Mask 185 shekels.
Obtainable at Lirac's website.
https://www.lierac.co.il
Alona Schechter's lightening cream
is based on an exfoliating action and contributes to suppressing the overproduction of melanin.
Combines active ingredients, herbs, and Dead Sea minerals that nourish the skin
Price: NIS 250.
Available on Alona Schechter's website.
www.Alonashechter.com
Illuminating White by Dr. Joel Kunis The
cream helps prevent the formation and breakdown of melanin, contains azalea acid which lightens pigmentation, essential fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. Also suitable for sensitive skin.
Price: 425 shekels. Available from beauticians only.
