Eczema leads to dark patches in Asian & darker skinned people. This is because of two reasons:
1. The dark patches are usually blue-grey or slate coloured.
This indicates that the pigment melanin has gone into the deep dermal layer of skin.
This happens because the basal membrane of the top layer of skin namely, the epidermis where the melanin producing cell (melanocyte) sits, is damaged due to the inflammation of the eczema & the melanin instead of remaining in the top epidermal layer has leaked deeper into skin.
2. The chronic use of topical steroids leads to thinning of the skin & increased itching later on.
The thin, damaged skin is now more prone to secondary infection with even more inflammation.
It is paradoxical that the steroid that is being used to calm the redness & swelling leads to even more inflammation and further darkening of skin.
In any case, the treatment of this condition requires that the normal thickness of skin is first restored before any attempt is made to tackle the dark patches.
At first a combination of topical Vitamin C, Retinaldehyde (Retinoid), Niacinamide, Ferrulic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Peptides, Vitamin E, & Salicylic acid is applied to this damaged skin so that the structure of skin with a normal epidermis & dermis are present.
An excellent serum called, Pre-Aesthetix® serum should be massaged into skin every night for at least 6-8 weeks.
In addition Moisturix® SPF 25 day cream which contains Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol & Arnica incorporated with rich moisturizers should be applied twice daily.
Once the skin is strong and healthy again, then the dark melanin deep in the dermis can be addressed.
This requires a preparation that reduces melanin production with ingredients such as Alpha Arbutin, Beta Arbutin, Kojic acid, Azelaic acid, Phytic acid, Vitamin C, Dioic acid.
In addition it must have effective exfoliants such as Glycolic acid & Salicylic acid.
Lightenex® Gold serum is exactly such a serum, which contains all of the above in high concentrations.
This serum should be massaged into clean dry skin on alternate nights for the first week. The frequency of application should be increased by one night a week so that by week five, it is being massaged into the skin every night.
The reason for this gradual increase is because this is a very strong serum & requires the skin to build up tolerance to it. For body parts, Lightenex body lotion should be applied twice daily.
Sunblockex® SPF 50 cream must be applied at least twice daily.
However, because of the depth of the pigmentation, it may take up to 3-4 months before results are seen.
For faster results, a special Mandelic acid-based peel with high strength skin whiteners can be used. This is done at The Hyperpigmentation Clinic, 1 Harley Street, London.
(www.TheHyperpigmentationClinic.com)
*Results may vary in every individual.*
Shashi Gossain
Skincare Expert