The Low-Down on Whitening

If you've looked at the treatment menu of our Honolulu skin care spa, you've probably noticed several treatments with the word "whitening" in them. Vitamin C & E Whitening Facial. Micro-Hydro Whitening Treatment. Pure Foundation & Whitening Treatment. Don't forget the "Snow White" Whitening Treatment.

Or our newest, the Picosecond Whitening Treatment – a breakthrough in whitening treatments! During this treatment, extremely short pulses of light energy at specific wavelengths are sent into the skin. The energy absorbed by pigments shatters pigment particles into micro-fragments that the body can eliminate naturally. By gently disrupting the particles responsible for pigment conditions, most clients only experience a few hours of mild redness and minor swelling. No long painful recovery; no need to cover up; no missing out on life. Whether your concern is face, hands, underarms, inside of legs (particularly after pregnancy) or any other body part, this treatment is ideal for bringing out an even skin tone.

But What Does Whitening Mean?

When we talk to clients new to professional skin care treatments, they're a bit concerned about "whitening". It's a bit of a misnomer. We're not trying to change anyone's skin tone. No one is going to walk out from our office looking like a sheet of printer paper.

Every skin shade is beautiful, but most of us have spots that are uneven. Freckles, age spots, acne scars and more. The purpose of whitening is more literally, "evening". Evening out skin tone so you show a flawless face to the world, without the help of heavy make-up.

Where Does Skin Get Its Color?

Melanin. A pigment that is not just stored in the epidermis, but made there. While we all have about the same number of epidermal cells that make melanin, not everyone makes the same amount of melanin. That is determined by genetics. The more melanin your skin makes, the darker your skin.

Melanin is also why our skin either tans or burns when exposed to the sun. Melanin has more jobs than simply giving your skin its color. Increased melanin production is a protective mechanism in your body against the damaging rays of the sun. Unfortunately, by the time your skin turns either red or dark, the damage has already been done. That tan may look beautiful, but it's just as much a sign of danger as the lobster shade we see walking around the beaches of Waikiki.

A little cool fact. People with darker skin have more melanin and usually don't develop as many wrinkles with age and are less prone to skin cancer. However, this does not mean that they cannot get skin cancer, so no matter what shade your skin, please, please, please protect it against the damage our beautiful Hawaii sun can cause.

What Causes the Unevenness?

Uneven skin tone, no matter the cause, is called hyperpigmentation. This irregular darkening of the skin is caused by overproduction of melanin. We tend to perceive these uneven patches as coming from age, and while that is true to a point, it's more accurately damage that has built up over time.

1. Sun Exposure. Repeated exposure to UV rays causes damage that can result in brown spots and uneven skin tone as your skin tries to protect you from the UV light.
2. Hormones. More than just causing PMS, hormones can cause melasma, a hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation. Melasma is most commonly experienced during pregnancy or taking contraceptives, but can also indicate a reaction to cosmetics or medications.
3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. A result of scarring, either from acne or injury, this skin darkening is typically localized.
4. Pollution. While not as much of an issue with the trade winds removing traffic-related air pollution from the islands, the particles and gasses produced in traffic can penetrate the skin leading to hyperpigmentation.

How Can I Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

Ever heard the saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? This is so true when talking about hyperpigmentation, particularly that caused by the sun.

1. Apply SPF every day. No exceptions! The sun still filters through clouds and causes damage, so a cloudy day is no excuse not to wear protection. And we're not talking about the sticky smelly stuff at the corner store. There are much better options that are designed to protect the delicate skin of the face without clogging pores and causing breakouts. Quick tip for those who love the beach, water and even snow – don't neglect to carry your daily SPF under the chin, down the neck and over the decolletage. The sun reflects on these surfaces and you can still burn.
2. Protect. It may not be the height of fashion, but a good, broad-rimmed hat is an essential item to your beach outfit along with SPF sunblock to re-apply frequently.
3. Hydrate. Your skin, yes, but also your body. Drinking plenty of water is part of our bodies detox mechanism to remove pollution and other toxins. Keep flushing those out, whether you feel thirsty or not.
4. Skin care. Choose your skin care wisely, gentle products that don't sting or burn as this irritation can exacerbate melasma. Our Rose Whitening line has ingredients designed to calm and heal hyperpigmentation with gentle ingredients.
5. Talk to your doctor. If you are taking or considering oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor about all of the options, their risks and benefits. This is true of all medications. Make sure you know what medications might cause melasma and talk to your doctor about alternatives. You have to be your own advocate with your doctor to make the best decisions for your body and skin.

How Can I Correct Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation cannot be completely avoided, particularly when it comes to stubborn acne that takes time to get under control and dark areas caused by hormone imbalances. Hormones are a very delicate balancing act.

1. Start at home. A good esthetician will tell you that we can only do so much in the brief time that you visit us. You need to be actively involved in prevention and correction by using the right products at home and being consistent with your skin care. Proper exfoliation, cleansing, and hydrating are essential. Talk to your esthetician about what products to use and when so that you are finding the "Goldilocks" routine for your individual skin needs.
2. Professional treatments. We work with many clients to correct sun, age, hormone, and other hyperpigmentation issues, beginning with a complimentary consultation to assess your individual needs and concerns. From there, we develop a treatment plan personalized for each client's needs.

Here is to pure, vibrantly even skin tone!