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[title]Glowing, flawless skin is the perfect canvas for any look. A bold red lip, smoky eyes, barely-there neutrals… to pull these looks off, good skin is the single most important ingredient. Achieving great skin, though, is no mean feat. A main culprit that stands in the way of achieving that porcelain complexion worthy of a J-pop starlet is the issue of skin pigmentation.
Your skin colour comes from a pigment called melanin, produced by your skin cells to protect the fragile epidermis layer from sun damage and those pesky ultra-violet rays. Any overproduction or underproduction of melanin causes uneven skin colouring – not a look that will ever be on trend. Here’s a breakdown of the various types of pigmentation problems.
Problem: Freckles
Main cause: Sun exposure or plain ol’ genetics
We all love ourselves a good suntan (preferably on the beaches of Seychelles or the Maldives), but sometimes daily sun exposure can spell skin disaster, especially in tropical regions like Singapore which are exposed to high levels of harmful UV rays. Enter the sprinkling of light brown spots on your face called freckles – while some say they’re cute for a sun-kissed vibe, these spots darken with long-run UV exposure, and can cause a blotchy, prematurely-aged appearance. Some people also genetically inherit them.
Problem: Dark spots
Main cause: The passage of time
Usually bigger than freckles, dark spots (also known as liver spots) usually make their appearance after 40, when your skin has just had about enough with you consistently exposing it to the whims of the environment. It doesn’t mean that sweet young things are immune, though – a large amount of sun exposure can accelerate the process.
Problem: Acne marks
Main cause: Acne. Also, unsuitable skincare products.
Ah, we always knew it was a bad idea to squeeze those pimples – so much for being your own DIY dermatologist. When incorrectly done, this can lead to acne scars and marks, which last way beyond the odd pimple outbreak. Overly harsh skin products can also dry your skin out and encourage outbreaks and even inflammation.
Problem: Melasma
Main cause: Pregnancy
More than half of pregnant woman suffer from melasma, butterfly-shaped brown spots that are commonly spread across the face. Due to hormonal changes, the skin is more prone to pigmentation from exposure to UV rays. Genetics, too, play a part – darker-skinned individuals are more at risk.
Problem: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Main cause: Harsh cosmetics procedures
Some skin treatments might do more harm than good – we’re looking at you, overly aggressive chemical peels, laser treatments or IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy. If unsuitable for your skin, you might suffer from post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation; it’s when more melanin is produced in response to the skin tissue healing process.
Treatment to try
If any of these pigmentation problems are plaguing you, do not give up just yet. With smooth, porcelain skin a key goal in the Japanese quest for beauty – amongst slim V-faces and double eyelids – it might be helpful to look to the Land of the Rising Sun for a solution. After all, many Japanese women are known for having excellent skin, and even look younger than their age!
Priding itself on the Japanese skincare tradition of using tried-and-tested natural remedies, pigmentation specialist Shakura aims to lighten those stubborn blemishes of yours to reveal a fair and even complexion.
Its signature Shakura Pigmentation Facial Therapy incorporates the Shakura Active formula, composed of natural ingredients such as the hydrating and lightening Milk Essence. It also contains extracts of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower, which speeds up cell turnover, hydrates, prevents inflammation as well as protect skin from free radical damage.
This concentration of these ingredients is customised to an individual’s skin type and skin concerns, so it isn’t your typical one-size-fits-all recommendation from an overzealous beautician. The laser-wary among us will also be pleased to note that the treatment is non-invasive.
To enjoy a free Shakura Pigmentation Facial Therapy (worth $300), sign up here, or call 6312 1212 and quote ‘Time Out’.