*Menopause: During this period, there is a decline in hormonal level, which in turn affects the
secretion of the colouring pigment in our skin, and dark patches appear again more prominently on the face. The pigmentation is more when a person has undergone surgical removal of ovaries and uterus.
*Deficiency of iron, calcium, Vitamins A, E & B complex results in patchy and spotty discolouration of the skin.
*Lack of Vitamin A results in thickening and darkening of the skin.
External factors causing pigmentation:
*Excessive exposure to the sun over exposure to the sun without a shield, tans and darkens the skin tone. The ultraviolet rays (UVR) of the sun penetrate the skin and damage the skin cells also - resulting in pigmentation.
*Use of wrong cosmetics certain make up products have chemical colours, creams that have mercury. These react adversely on the skin surface causing pigmentation.
*Oral medication - the drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, insomnia, birth control and acne have an unfavourable effect on the skin causing spot pigmentation.
Clearing up the pigmentation
1) Protection from the sun:
Always protect yourself from the sun especially when you are outdoors too much exposure results in pigmentation of the skin as well as early wrinkles and even skin cancer. Ultraviolet ays (UVR) are most harmful and they are present just a little above the visible light. The UVR are again split into 3 - from shortest to longest wavelengths and are known as UVA, UVB and UVC.
UVA rays are the farthest yet the ones with the greatest potential for harming the skin. They penetrate deepest into the skin. Strong exposure to UVA leads to dry, wrinkled and leathery skin.
UVB rays cause sunburn since they are the rays that usually reach the earth and are the ones that are most likely to cause skin cancer.
To protect yourself from tanning and pigmentation, use what we call a sun screen or sun block lotion: A wide range of these are available in India now, right from herbal ones to Indian and Imported brands. However, use the following guidelines to choose your sunscreen :
Check for the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings -- these usually measure a product's ability to block UVB rays. 15 to 20 SPF is more than enough for dark wheatish colour skins. If you are very fair, then use upto 60 SPF. If you have to be in the sun too long, for assurance, frequent application i.e. every two hours is recommended.
To Be Continued .....
