Fighting pigmentation from the inside out

What is pigmentation?

Pigmentation, or the natural colour of a person’s skin, is related to melanin production. Melanin protects skin cells and their DNA by absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin causes a darkened appearance to the skin in small or large areas. 

Hyperpigmentation types and triggers:

• UV induced: This type is caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds and shows up as freckles, age spots and uneven skin tone.

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH is found in areas of the skin that have been subjected to inflammation due to things such as acne, irritation or trauma. Inflammation stimulates our immune cells, which alter the activity of melanin-producing skin cells called melanocytes, increasing the production of pigment.

• Melasma: Melasma can show up in women going through hormonal changes, like pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy or even from taking the birth control pill. It often appears on the cheeks, chin, upper lip and forehead as symmetrical patches.

Managing hyperpigmentation with supplements

Most people know that you can tame the beast that is hyperpigmentation with a solid skincare routine. Did you know that you can also help manage it internally with the help of supplements?! 

Supplements to Consider when Dealing with Hyperpigmentation: 

Glutathione

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in producing melanin and studies have shown that glutathione has the ability to inhibit tyrosinase. Not only that, glutathione is an incredible antioxidant that can quench free radicals in the body from things like UV rays and inflammation. In one study, 90% of subjects saw moderate skin lightening after taking oral glutathione for 8 weeks!

We carry the liquid Liposomal Glutathione by Designs for Health. We love this formula      as their liposomal technology allows for rapid uptake that starts in your mouth and is effectively and efficiently absorbed by the body because it avoids degradation in the GI tract.

Vitamin c

Vitamin C is another incredible antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals created in the body after exposure to UV rays. Studies have indicated that our skin has a high dependency on vitamin C for it to function, and that levels are usually lower in photodamaged skin. As well, some studies have shown that vitamin C derivatives can decrease melanin synthesis.

A vitamin C is a great supplement to add into your daily routine not just to promote an even skin tone, but to support collagen levels in the skin and overall immunity as well. You can get vitamin C in capsules, powders, liquid and chewables! Email us for a mini consult and we will set you up in our online dispensary with the perfect vitamin C supplement customized to you!

While topicals are going to help you with hyperpigmentation, these powerful antioxidants are going to support the fading process from the inside out!

Kearstin
Skin Therapist, C.H.N

References:

Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Published 2017 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/nu9080866

Kameyama K., Sakai C., Kondoh S., Yonemoto K., Nishiyama S., Tagawa M., Murata T., Ohnuma T., Quigley J., Dorsky A., et al. Inhibitory effect of magnesium l-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (VC-PMG) on melanogenesis in vitro and in vivo. J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 1996;34:29–33. doi: 10.1016/S0190-9622(96)90830-0.

Sonthalia S, Jha AK, Lallas A, Jain G, Jakhar D. Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2018;8(1):15-21. Published 2018 Jan 31. doi:10.5826/dpc.0801a04

Exner R, Wessner B, Manhart N, Roth E. Therapeutic potential of glutathione. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2000;112:610–616. 

Arjinpathana N, Asawanonda P. Glutathione as an oral whitening agent: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Dermatolog Treat. 2012;23:97–102.

Handog EB, Datuin MS, Singzon IA. An open-label, single-arm trial of the safety and efficacy of a novel preparation of glutathione as a skin-lightening agent in Filipino women. Int J Dermatol. 2016;55:153–157.

Watanabe F, Hashizume E, Chan GP, Kamimura A. Skin-whitening and skin-condition-improving effects of topical oxidized glutathione: a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014;7:267–274.