This June, the Facial team at Essa Beauty took to our Instagram to answer a few skin-related questions our clients asked. In case you missed it, here’s what they had to say!
On Hyperpigmentation:
Hyperpigmentation is a broader category under which there are specific concerns, like Sun Damage, Melasma and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.
You could have dark patches on your skin as a result of unprotected exposure to the sun. Sunlight triggers the production of melanin, as it is one of the body’s first defences against UV-induced DNA damage. This causes the formation of dark spots when melanin is overproduced and clump together in certain areas of the skin.
It could also be melasma which is caused mainly due to hormonal changes and UV radiation. Melasma is a common side-effect of pregnancy as there are a host of changes happening to your body including increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Dark patches appear on the skin due to melanocytes overproducing melanin in the epidermis; this could be in response to heat, UV radiation or hormonal stimulation. A common comorbidity with melasma is hypothyroidism, as it affects the level of hormones in the body.
If your dark patches appeared in the same area as a recent breakout or injury, then
it is likely to be Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and happens due to the way the skin is regenerated after inflammation.
Ingredients Lizzi would recommend adding to your skincare routine are:
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
- Oligopeptides
- Glycolic/Lactic Acid
Most importantly, it is essential to apply sunscreen daily, and reapply every 2 hours Look out for a sunscreen with SPF of over 30 and Broad-Spectrum coverage, which protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
At Essa, we do a variety of treatments aimed at reducing the effects of Hyperpigmentation.
These include
I. Chemical Peels
2. Microdermabrasion
3. Brightening and Exfoliating Facials
On Acne:
With Acne, it is important to find out what the trigger is and treat that rather than to just settle for an immediate solution. Acne can have various triggers and may require a medical diagnosis and treatment. You could be experiencing breakouts due to stress, hormonal changes, reaction to medication or even due to your diet!
On Congestion:
Congested skin happens when your pores get clogged. This could be a result of dead skin cell build-up, exposure to irritants or it could even be an allergic reaction to a product!
The causes can also vary depending on your skin type. Oily skin could be a contributing factor due to excess sebum production.
The first thing they would suggest is to make sure you're cleansing well. Lizzi recommends having a look at what products you're currently using and also consider incorporating Double Cleansing into your routine if you don't already. She also recommends coming to Essa for a Deep Cleansing Facial to really help clear the skin of impurities.
Bumps under the chin:
According to Sophie, these bumps could be caused due to stress, contact dermatitis, hormonal fluctuations, or moisture that collects from sweating in those areas. She says it would be a good idea to check if you are using any new products that may be causing irritation in that area.