Q: Why do I have dark spots left over from healed blemishes?

A: This condition is called hyperpigmentation, and it results from an inflammatory response that occurs after the blemish has healed, also known as post-inflammatory pigmentation.   It is caused by the inflammation that assaulted the skin. Discoloration can range from red to dark brown, depending on your skin tone, and can take weeks to fade.

As a blemish heals, excess pigment is generated in the area where the trauma occurred. These superficial pigmented scars will heal faster with the help of anti-inflammatory ingredients such as zinc, arnica, licorice and green tea. Products high in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) also play an important role in reducing  unwanted pigmentation.

To reduce your chances of hyperpigmentation use SPF 15 sun protection product every day and try not to pick the blemish as it is healing.  

Q: What is the best way to care for my dry, sensitive skin?

A:

·    Follow a skincare regimen that contains m oisturizing agents such as  (sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, ceramides) to hydrate, smooth fine lines and keep skin soft, ss well as a nti-inflammatories (licorice extract, chamomile, aloe vera) to calm redness.

·    Daily use and reapplication of full-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen SPF 15 or higher to help protect the moisture-holding barrier function.

·    Take dietary internal skincare supplements containing ingredients such as glucosamine, amino acids and essential fatty acids which boost collagen production and help to maintain water in the cells for healthy cell function.

·    Professional care: Regular facials by a qualified licensed esthetician help keep sensitive skin properly cleansed, exfoliated  and hydrated.

·    Air filters can help, for home and workplace, to absorb airborne irritants.

·    A Humidifier f or home and workplace, helps to boost hydration in the air, also great for hair, skin and nails.

·    Fragrance-free laundry detergent can help. Some have found that switching to a fragrance-free detergent and fabric softener for their sheets and towels helps prevent irritation.

·    Using rubber gloves while cleaning or doing dishes helps protect the hands. If you are sensitive to rubber or latex, slip on a thin pair of cotton ones first. Thin cotton gloves are also good to use for household cleaning.

Q: What exactly is environmental damage, and how can I prevent it?

A: Sun exposure, ambient light (fluorescent and halogen lights, and indirect UV exposure through windows), pollution, toxins, poor nutrition, and internal stress are important components of environmental damage, for they are catalysts for free radical exposure. These free radicals weaken the skin’s support system of collagen and elastin which accelerates the visible signs of premature aging. These include: hyperpigmentation (excess pigmentation in age spots, uneven color, freckles, and post-inflammatory response), hypopigmentation (Lack of color in random light spots lending a mottles appearance), fine lines, coarse wrinkles, loss of elasticity and tone, rough, scaly texture dry, leathery appearance, broken capillaries (telangiectasia) and sallow color.

There are several things that you can do to ward off environmental damage.

·    Follow a proper daily skincare regimen that includes: Exfoliants (AHAs and BHAs) to slough off dead pigmented skin cells, Moisturizers (essential fatty acids and ceramides) to hydrate and plump skin, Vitamin-C and other antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, Anti-inflammatories (zinc, licorice extract, chamomile, green tea) to diminish redness, and Lightening Agents (hydroquonine) to fade brown pigment.

·    Protect yourself from the outside by using a full-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen every day.

·    Protect yourself from the inside by taking supplements that include antioxidants, Including Vitamins C, A and E to neutralize free radical damage.

·    See a qualified esthetician regularly for facial treatments that include Vitamin-C and exfoliation.

·    Do not tan. Whether outdoors or in a tanning bed, all tans are damaging to your skin and health, even if you don’t burn. If you can’t live without the glow, self-tanners are both safe and cosmetically appealing.

·    Don’t smoke. Smoking is one of the worst kinds of environmental damage there is because the burning toxins are literally in your face, up close and personal.

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	Dr. Murad Answers Your Questions - article 2 Dr. Howard Murad, a world-renowned Dermatologist, pharmacist, researcher and Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA, holder of 17 patents in the field of skincare and has treated more that 50,000 patients in over 30 years of experience. Dr Murad answers YOUR questions. If you have a question to submit please email us   ...Read more