Extrinsic Ageing

Due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the appearance of the hands changes with time. 

Extrinsic ageing, which affects the epidermal and dermal layers, is a result of factors including exposure to the sun, chemicals, and smoking. 

Ways extrinsic ageing manifests on the hands

Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure

Solar lentigines: Harmless patches of darkened skin, AKA dark spots or  age spots, common in people over the age of 40, solar lentigines results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causing local proliferation of melanocytes and accumulation of melanin within the skin cells (keratinocytes).  

A solar lentigo is a flat, well-circumscribed patch that can be round, oval or irregular in shape, with colour varying in skin colour, size, and number. Though they occur in light and dark skin, they tend to be more numerous in fair-skinned individuals.

Hypopigmentation-punctate palmoplantar keratoderma syndrome: A rare, genetic, epidermal disease characterized by punctate keratoderma on palms and soles associated with irregularly shaped hypopigmented macules, typically localized on the extremities.

Solar purpura: A condition, most often affected on areas exposed to the sun, often occurring on the hands, forearms, and legs, causes one or more flat, purple bruises.

Intrinsic Ageing

In contrast, intrinsic ageing alters the deeper soft tissue planes, decreasing skin elasticity, soft tissue volume,  and dermal vascularity. Signs of intrinsic ageing include wrinkles, translucent and thinner skin, and prominent veins, joints, and tendons. 

Many patients notice that their ageing  hands sharply contrast with their newly rejuvenated faces, and request hand rejuvenation procedures. However, despite great advances in facial cosmetic procedures, hand rejuvenation has been slower to catch up. 

Hand rejuvenation refers to a whole suite of aesthetic techniques that improve the appearance and feel of your hands.  Hand rejuvenation procedures result in softer, plumper, brighter, and smoother hands.

Types of hand rejuvenation

Just like several types of rejuvenation for the face exist, there are several treatment options to restore the youthful appearance of the hands. Most hand rejuvenation treatments focus on extrinsic ageing by unifying pigmentation and skin resurfacing. 

These treatments, including topical acids like tretinoin and vitamin C, topical 5-fluorouracil, bleaching agents, microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, and laser treatments, have been shown to be the most effective and safe. At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer a whole suite of rejuvenation techniques that will have your hands looking radiant and youthful again in no time. 

• Dermal Fillers
• Laser Genesis 
• Chemical Peels
• Age spot removal

Dermal Fillers

Just like those that take years off your facial age, dermal fillers are effective for contouring the hands, subtly filling in wrinkles and adding volume to plump bony hands and sagging skin. 

Dermal Filler is a medical injectable gel made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance already found in your body that attracts and binds with water, hydrating and plumping ageing skin anywhere on the body, including the extremities. When injected into the hands, dermal fillers restore volume, soften and fill lines, contour, and rejuvenate.

The ideal complement to laser treatments, which work wonders to resurface the appearance of hands, dermal  fillers complete the process by adding volume to eliminate that bony, veiny look. That’s not to say that bones, tendons and veins don’t have important functions— but dermal filler just makes them less noticeable by plumping the surrounding tissue. 

Though dermal fillers are not permanent, results can last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the area treated and the product used.

At Specialist Skin  Solutions, we believe in educating our clients, which is why a thorough consultation takes place prior to every treatment to discuss the areas of your concern,  treatment options, the amount and type of product to be used, as well as associated costs.

Laser Genesis

Laser Genesis is the latest in technological innovations, a medical procedure effective for softening wrinkles and reducing dark spots on the hands.

Restoring and rejuvenating the skin of the hands from beneath the surface, Laser Genesis uses a heat-based laser to target deep layers of the skin. Triggering the skin’s natural healing process to stimulate collagen production, Laser Genesis leaves hands resilient, radiant, and healthy-looking.

Laser Genesis does not wound the skin. Instead, it works by penetrating the top layer of skin and delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light to the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. The warming action shrinks blood vessels, breaks down scar tissue, and stimulates collagen production, leaving skin free of broken blood vessels, and dark areas.The state-of-the-art laser hand treatment diminishes sun spots, age spots and other hyperpigmentation imperfections, as well as lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments are an ideal complement to dermal fillers. While laser treatments work wonders to resurface the skin on the hands, dermal fillers complete the process by adding volume to eliminate that bony, veiny look.

Chemical Peels

Not just for the face, chemical peels can be beneficial for the hands as well. By exfoliating the outer layer of skin, which can become dry, tough, and aged from our many tasks and activities throughout the day, a chemical peel can not only improve the texture of the skin, but it can also help fade dark marks and tighten some of the laxity that can develop in this area over time.

Is hand rejuvenation right for you?

In general, anyone who is unhappy with the way time has changed the appearance of their hands are good candidates for hand rejuvenation. More specifically, you should consider hand rejuvenation if any of these conditions apply to your hands:

• Veiny appearance
• Wrinkled and crepey
• Thin skin
• Age spots or sunspots
• Very dry skin

It’s never too late to turn back the hands of time.

The post Turn Back the <em>Hands of Time:</em> Effective In-Office Treatments for Younger Looking Hands appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

Everyone wants bright, even, and glowing skin because a radiant complexion is a sign of health, youth, and freshness. But the sad reality is that uneven, discoloured, and blotchy skin are common concerns caused by a variety of internal and external triggers.

Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which some areas of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when specific cells in the skin make too much of the pigment called melanin. Hyperpigmentation may appear as freckles, age spots, or larger areas of darkened skin.  

This article will dig deep into the causes of hyperpigmentation,  preventative measures, and options available to treat dark spots, uneven skin,  and discolouration.

What is Hyperpigmentation

All skin contains melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give skin its colour. In certain conditions,  melanocytes can become abnormal and cause an excessive amount of darkening, uneven tone, or discolouration. 

Skin with too much melanin is called hyperpigmented skin. Skin with too little melanin is called hypopigmented. Skin with no melanin at all is called depigmented.

While hyperpigmentation usually isn’t harmful, it can be upsetting, and disturbing,  and can sometimes be a symptom of another medical condition.  

Hyperpigmentation varies from person to person and from one area of the body to another. It can occur in small patches, over large areas, or affect the entire body.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

There are several types of hyperpigmentation, with melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation being the most common.

• Melasma – Melasma is normally caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. This type of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but are most common on the stomach and face.
• Sunspots – Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are very common. Related to overexposure to the sun, sunspots can develop over time, generally appearing on areas exposed to the sun, like the tops of the hands and the face.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation –  A result of injury or inflammation to the skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common among cystic acne sufferers. 

Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation 

Darkened areas on the skin are the most obvious symptoms of hyperpigmentation. Patches can vary in size, level of darkness, and location on the body.  People with naturally darker skin are more prone to experience hyperpigmentation due to increased melanin in the skin.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an excess production of melanin.  Several factors can alter the production of melanin in your body.

• Prescription drugs – Medications that increase light sensitivity Pregnancy – Melasma, or pregnancy mask  
• Hormone system diseases –  An endocrine disease called Addison’s disease can produce hyperpigmentation in areas most frequently exposed to the sun and areas exposed to friction, such as the elbows and knees.  
• Sun exposure. The greatest risk factor associated with hyperpigmentation is sun exposure which causes an increase in melanin production.  

• Trauma to the skin, such as a wound or burn
• Acne
• Skin inflammation 
• Haemochromatosis  (an overload of iron)

Preventing Hyperpigmentation

Avoiding overexposure to the sun and wearing sunscreen are the two most important steps one can take to reduce or prevent hyperpigmentation. The best sunscreens are those that contain zinc oxide as the main active ingredient, contain an SPF of 30 to 50, and provide broad spectrum coverage.

Wearing Many Hats: Why Sun Exposure Causes Premature Ageing and How to Avoid It (While Still Enjoying It). 

Sunscreen should be used daily, not just for days at the beach, pool, or participating in outdoor sports. Reapply it every 2 hours if you are out in the sun for extended periods and more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

For hyperpigmentation caused by skin disorders such as melasma,  a mineral sunscreen that contains iron oxide is recommended.

SPF-infused sun-protective clothing is now widely available and is recommended for use during prolonged periods in the sun.

Treating Hyperpigmentation 

A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of hyperpigmentation by performing an exam and requesting a patient’s medical history to determine the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy is performed.

Topical medications such as hydroquinone and retinoids are available to treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. Prolonged use of topical hydroquinone, however, can cause ochronosis, a darkening of the skin. For this reason, topical hydroquinone should only be used under the care of a physician.

Hyperpigmentation isn’t generally harmful, and in many cases, dark areas will fade on their own with good sun protection. In other cases, more aggressive treatment is needed.  

Treatments like Lazer Genesis (insert link to Laser genesis article) and dermal peels can help to reduce hyperpigmentation.

There are also combinations of treatments that help with certain types of discoloured skin.

At Specialist Skin Solutions,  a physician-led cosmetic clinic specialising in non-surgical, anti-aging aesthetic procedures, including the latest laser techniques, dermal therapies, and anti-wrinkle injections, we proudly offer the latest treatments and products for hyperpigmentation and other skin concerns. 

We believe in transparency and education first and foremost, providing every client with information, explanations, and treatment options before performing any procedure.  Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results.  So, if you’re ready to get even with hyperpigmentation, book an appointment with us today! At Specialist Skin Solutions, we’re dedicated to helping each one of our clients feel their best by bringing out their natural beauty and loving the skin they’re in at any age. We look forward to speaking with you!

If you have specific questions, call us at 02-4934-1700.  

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant to serve as an informative tool only, and is not meant to diagnose or treat skin concerns. Skin is an organ, and skin concerns are medical conditions. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you seek help from a dermatologist if you are experiencing skin problems.

The post Getting Even: Understanding, Preventing and Treating Discoloured Skin Caused by Hyper-Pigmentation appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.