Category: Nuskin Blog

Hyperpigmentation, skin discoloration, melanin expression—call it what you will: when we talk about skin discoloration in relation to skin health, we typically are referring to the effects of melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced within the deepest layer of the epidermis by melanocytes and while different kinds of melanin are produced, they all relate to one thing: skin pigment. Melanin provides color for your skin. We’re going to take a closer look at the role of melanin expression in the skin and how imbalances can affect discoloration due to age and environmental factors.

Causes of Skin Discoloration

In personal care spaces, skin discoloration usually refers to unevenness in color and variances in shades of your skin pigment. It covers a wide range, from freckles to age spots and so on. Discoloration happens when environmental or genetic factors prompt excess melanin production in skin. Let’s start with a closer look at environmental factors.

Skin Discoloration Caused By Sun exposure

You’ve probably heard melanin claims in relation to tanning and evening skin tone since melanin is key to mitigating the effects of UV radiation. Your skin tries to produce enough melanin to protect your body from UV radiation but, with extended exposure to UV rays, that production can become accelerated and uneven. This process is called photoaging and recent research has strengthened its link to skin aging.1 It can also be an increasing factor as you age since your skin has been exposed to the sun more.2

Skin Discoloration Caused By Stress

There are several links between your health and your stress level, and your skin is no different. Some skin conditions can be exasperated by increased hormones released by the body under stress, many of which can require medical intervention to treat. However, stress also causes more agitation3 which can in turn cause increased irritation and appear as difference in skin color on your skin.

Skin Discoloration Caused By Environment

Skin can get aggravated by pollutants, allergens, bacteria, and other environmental factors that then cause irritation that can result in pigment changes.

Skin Discoloration Caused By Inflammation

Sun exposure and stress can both lead to inflammation in the skin, along with other factors such as environment, allergies, injury, and a variety of skin conditions, among many others.4

Skin Discoloration Caused By Hormones

Often, pregnancy can release hormones that can result in pigmentation changes in the skin. The most common instance of this is a type of melasma called chloasma, which is believed to be linked to changes in estrogen levels.5 Chloasma makes melanin in the skin more likely to react to sun exposure during pregnancy and menopause.

Know Your Skin Type

Of course, a significant factor in how your skin reacts to these stimuli is your shade of skin tone. Skin color is affected by the amount of melanin in your skin baseline, and you can address these risks by understanding what your skin color is and how it responds to these factors.

The Fitzpatrick scale was developed in 1975 to establish an industry standard index for degrees of skin pigmentation.6 Certain skin concerns are more common in specific skin types, such as the level of sensitivity someone might have to UV exposure. Knowing your skin type can help you anticipate and recognize stages of discoloration in your skin.

1. Activation

Discoloration stems from changes in melanin production in the skin. One of the several discoloration factors can trigger melanocytes (pigmentation skin cells) deep in your epidermis to start working overtime.

1. Synthesis

Now that all systems are go, melanocytes begin a series of reactions to produce extra melanin in response to a stimulus. Tyrosinase is an enzyme essential to melanin synthesis and converts the amino acid tyrosine to a chemical compound that leads to melanin. The quantity of amino acids present here determines if the discoloration is a light or dark.7

1. Expression

The discolored melanosomes are deposited into the keratinocytes at the basale layer and eventually become visible on the surface of the skin.

Types of Skin Discoloration

We’ve discussed what can cause skin discoloration and how this hyperpigmentation happens in the body, but what does discoloration look like? Unless you are a newborn baby, your skin tells a story and embellishments like freckles are very common. While some identify freckles as a type of discoloration, they are a normal aspect of skin pigmentation. The kinds of discoloration we’re going to look at are more closely related to effects of damage or dramatic changes to your skin.

Age Spots

Age spots are concentrated spots of melanin that manifest similar to freckles though don’t fade the way freckles can.2,8 “Age spot” is a bit of a misnomer as these discolorations aren’t linked necessarily to aging but rather to sun exposure and build-up pigmentation over the years, making them more distinct as you age. Age spots develop in all Fitzpatrick skin types but can change intensity and color based on your natural skin tone.

Melasma

Melasma is discoloration that usually appears on the face in patches. While there are different causes, it most commonly appears in pregnant women and is thought to be linked to hormones. Fitzgerald Types IV, V, and VI are most likely to get melasma as are those who have a genetic predisposition.7,9

Treatment

As with many areas of skin health, a dermatologist is your best bet to receive a full diagnosis and medical treatment for a skin condition. Many consumers have concerns about the milder forms of hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration. Let’s take a quick look at ingredient technologies available in cosmetic products that target dark skin spots and other skin pigmentation issues. Each approach intervenes at a different stage of the discoloration process.

Prevention

As with so many elements of skin care and skin health, prevention is the most effective way of managing skin discoloration. UV rays are the main catalyst in many of the elements that cause increased melanin expression in skin, so staying out of the sun as much as possible and using sunscreens and sun covers is key. Nu Skin’s Tri-Phase White can help with the overall brightness of your skin. It’s impossible to fully reverse the effects of skin damage once it occurs but you can always do more to prevent it from happening in the first place.

References

1. Chen Y, Lyga J. Brain-skin connection: stress, inflammation and skin aging. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2014;13(3):177-190. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082169/
2. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859
3. NewBeauty. https://www.newbeauty.com/can-stress-change-the-color-of-your-skin/
4. Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(7):20-31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/
5. Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, et al. Chloasma–the mask of pregnancy. Coll Antropol. 2008;32 Suppl 2:139-141. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19140277/
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitzpatrick_scale
7. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-causes

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “My Clogged Pores!” you’re not alone.

Yes, we’re talking about the approximately 20,000 tiny openings on your face that seem to collect dirt, oil, and other unappealing particles quicker than a woeful teenager inhales a pint of ice cream after a rough breakup.

And, when a face pocked with enlarged pores stares back at us in the mirror, many of us may have the urge to run to the freezer to grab a pint of ice cream ourselves. But don’t despair! There’s hope ahead—and it’s way closer than you think.

Introduction to Clogged Pores: The “Hole” Picture

But first, let’s get to know pores more. Pores are the openings at the top of our hair follicles that actually serve a wonderful purpose. They allow sebum, our body’s natural oils, to release and keep our skin moisturized. Think of sebum as your body’s favorite moisturizer, tailor-made for you, that won’t take up space on your bathroom counter.

But now the cons. Though our body fights to keep our skin healthy, many outside factors stand ready to thwart its efforts. The enemies include acne, oil, dry skin, aging, and several environmental factors like pollutants, chemicals, and dust. And sebum, despite its best efforts, can attract said particles, resulting in a buildup that creates the agonizingly awful mess we not-so-lovingly refer to as clogged pores.

4 Tips and Tricks for Clogged Pores

So, you may be wondering with all this chaos: how can you possibly unclog pores so your face can…face the day? Here are four simple tips to keep pores pristine-clean and clear:

1. Cleanse your face morning and night—no exceptions. Look for cleansers that contain Salicylic Acid, which does wonders for unclogging pores. Our favorite is the ageLOC® LumiSpa® Acne System. It not only features a cleanser, but also a super-smart and slick device that gets down and dirty to pump pores and deeply cleanse—and it also treats the skin. In addition to reduced pore appearance, other where-have-you-been-all-my-life benefits include instantly smoother, softer skin and several benefits that, with twice daily use, amplify over time, like visibly improved skin radiance and firmness. As an added bonus, LumiSpa is water-resistant, so you can combine your shower and skincare routines for that multitasked morning your busy life has been craving.
2. Set the tone for great skin. For extra benefits, follow your cleansing routine with a toner like Nutricentials Bioadaptive Skin Care® Here You Glow Exfoliating Toner, which also features Salicylic Acid, as well as other hydroxy acids for additional chemical exfoliation benefits. As if that weren’t enough, this gentle, multitasking formula also helps banish visible blackheads and blemishes, all while helping prevent new breakouts. Hallelujah!
3. Mask up to maximize results. Treat yourself to a luxurious experience a few times a week by applying a mask with ingredients that give impurities taking up residence in your pores their eviction notice. Our pick? Nu Skin’s Clay Pack Deep Cleansing Masque. Featuring natural Kaolin and Bentonite clays, it draws out those impurities, dirt, and excess oils notorious for clogging pores. Plus, Clay Pack contains Aloe Vera to help soothe and nurture skin, as well as NaPCA and other heavenly humectants to keep skin hydrated and soft.
4. Moisturize and Protect. Moisturizers are the super-important final step of your regimen. Look for a non-comedogenic moisturizer, which is a fancy way of saying “won’t clog pores.” Maximize benefits with a multitasking moisturizer that does double duty by hydrating and protecting skin. After all, too much sun damage can wreak havoc on collagen—and as a result, lead to sagging pores. No, thank you! Our favorites are Nutricentials Bioadaptive Skin Care® Day Dream Protective moisturizers. They feature SPF 35 for broad-spectrum UV protection, but that’s not all. Their unique Blue Light and Infrared Antioxidant Blend helps prevent the damaging effects of blue light and infrared exposure, which can lead to discoloration, dullness, and premature aging. No doubt, Day Dream products are a dream. Opt for Day Dream Protective Lotion for a good lightweight moisturizer or choose Day Cream Protective Cream for a richer formula.

So, there you have it! Four simple (and dare we say fun?) ways to start your “clogged pores no more” daily skincare routine. To explore these and many more skin-saving must-haves, head on over to lumispareview.com.