Any skin care school or research center is concerned about every facet relating to our dermal layers, including:

• Acne
• Sebaceous gland function
• Role of hormones in skin care
• Free radical damage
• Role of collagen and elastin fiber network
• Affects of toxins and sunlight upon skin

Melanin is a very important topic of research because it is the body’s natural skin care defense against the UV radiation emitted by the sun and tanning beds. When we are exposed to sunlight, more melanin is produced and the skin appears to darken. Melanin helps shield the collagen and elastin fiber network supporting our skin. UV radiation damages collagen and causes the formation of premature fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin care treatments like sun blocks attempt to mimic the protective characteristics of melanin. However, if they are made from chemicals or other inorganic ingredients they may lead to side effects such as dehydration, irritation, and other related problems. These protective skin care remedies are needed more by Caucasians because they have less melanin than Africans, Hispanics, or Asians.

However, while more melanin may mean that sun blocks are not as necessary for those with darker skin color-it also comes with an increased risk for a condition known as hyperpigmentation. People with hyperpigmentation may develop darkened spots on the skin caused by an inflammation of the melanosomes (the cells that carry melanin). Typical skin care solutions for hyperpigmentation include:

• Chemical peels
• Dermabrasion
• Using a solution or skin care product made with a bleaching agent

Hydroquinone was a very common bleaching agent in most beauty and skin care products for hyperpigmentation. The FDA is currently considering banning this skin care ingredient due to its suspected link to a number of medical problems, including leukemia. Most new skin care products for hyperpigmentation are now made with kojic acid.

Kojic acid helps lighten dark spots by blocking the formation of melanin. While effective, womens and mens skin care solutions made with essential oils, like Lemon or Lime oil, can help lighten dark areas while helping the body regenerate and repair the skin from within. This is because the essential oils commonly used in organic and natural skin care remedies contain antioxidants-which help remove toxins and allow your body to function better.

There really is no exact “how to” skin care advice for hyperpigmentation. The condition is more common in African Americans and Asians due to their larger melanosomes but no one knows precisely what causes the symptoms to appear. However, using all natural skin care lines like those made with essential oils and enriched with antioxidants will reduce the chances for side effects and help revitalize and regenerate from within.

Skin care schools and centers will continue to advance our knowledge about hyperpigmentation and its potential remedies but for now it is best to use an all natural bleaching agent and avoid the potential hazards caused by inorganic ingredients like hydroquinone!