Hyperpigmentation

Melanocyte
 Cells located mainly at the basal layers of Epidermis Considered as the factory of pigment.

 Melanin

• Pigments produce from Melanocytes.
• Melanin is produced from Tyrosine.
• Distributed to Keratinocytes

Phases of pigmentation development

Three main steps of pigmentation:

(1) Induction of pigmentation (Activation phases)

        – by UVR

       – by mediators e.g.IL-6 and other Melanotropic factors inflammation

       – by free radicals.

 (2) Melanin synthesis (Synthesis phase) – Inside Melanocyte.

        – From L. Tyrosine to melanin

      – by tyrosinase enzyme (Key Enzyme)

 (3) Transfer of Melanosomes into Keratinocytes and Corneocytes  (Expression Phase)

         Make spot or hyperpigmentation

Causes

• Genetic factors: e.g. Freckles.
• Intense UV Radiation e.g. Melasma.
• Chronic UV radiation e.g. Senile Lentigo.
• Hormonal disturbance e.g. DM, Hypothyroidism.
• Inflammatory reactions e.g. post acne pigmentation.    

Examples of hyperpigmentation disorders  

Melasma :

• Mainly due to hormonal factors.
• Often affecting women.
• Facial hyper melanosis.
• Darken with intense UV exposure
• If occur with pregnancy it is called Chloasma.
  • Impair patient’s quality of life

Post inflammatory pigmentation :  (THE MOST IMPORTANT)

Due to over stimulation of Melanocytes

EX.

• Post acne pigmentation,
• pigmentation in flexures as in between thighs, in axilla
• post burns hyperpigmentation
•  Sun Lentigo

How to treat hyperpigmentation?

• (Before Melanin Synthesis)

           – Limitation of induction of pigmentation.

          – Use sun screen (Anti UVA-UVB protecting sunscreens).

          – Limit the induction of inflammatory mediators by use cream have moisturizers   and antinflammatory ingredients like vitE  ,ARGAN OILS …

• (During Melanin Synthesis)

     -Reduction of Melanin Synthesis

     -Tyrosinase inhibition.

     – Anti free radicals agents.  Like vit c, tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, Melanostatin ….

• After Melanin Synthesis:

   – Eliminate the existing melanin from Keratinocytes.

   – Reduce melanosomes transfer to Keratinocytes.

Like salicylic acid , malic acid , lactic acid ….

Recommended Treatment :

Use EIIO SON CLEANSER twice daily

Use EIIOS SON WHITNING CREAM morning and evening