The colour of the skin depends on the level of melatonin especially eumelanin.
Those whose skin is more pigmented may find it a mixed blessing in the summer.
On the one hand, the higher level of melatonin helps to prevent the skin from burning. So those with darker skin tones can spend more time in the sun with lower levels of sun protection.
However as the sun energy is absorbed by melanocytes it can cause long term hyper activation, resulting in darker patches.
Pigmentation Problems
Sun exposure triggers the skin’s natural pigmentation responses, but in skin of colour, this can often create problems with areas of hyperpigmentation – excessive pigmentation – creating darker patches of colouration.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Treating hyperpigmentation for skin of colour requires a different approach from Caucasian skin, in order to take account of the differing levels of melanin in the skin and its differing response.
Over the counter treatments tend to be of limited benefit, while professional treatments such as peels, IPL or laser can actually trigger post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, making the problem worse.
Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe Skin of Colour, has developed a range of options and approaches, which usually involve a combination of professional treatments and a carefully chosen at-home skincare regime; for example:
- Series of ME LINE hyperpigmentation peels/masks in clinic
- ME LINE at-home treatment plan, focused on hyperpigmentation
- Overnight hydroquinone cream to tackle the worst areas of pigmentation
Maintenance/Prevention
After a treatment programme, patients can expect to see clearer, more even skin with a significant reduction in the visible patches of hyperpigmentation. However, in order to maintain the benefit and avoid the need for further professional treatments, it is important to follow suitable skincare advice, which will include:
- Daily sun protection, to prevent further skin damage
- ‘Maintenance’ at-home treatment regime
Clinicbe SkinOfColour
Founded by Dr Barbara Kubicka
Dr Barbara Kubicka founded Clinicbe SkinOfColour after attending the first Black Skin Directory event in London. She specialises in treating challenging pigmentation problems for all tones of skin and has experience and understanding of the unique needs of darker skin, which needs a different approach in order to get the best results while avoiding the higher risks of hyperpigmentation and keloid scarring.
Her experience includes working in Lagos, Nigeria for two years, where she opened a new skin clinic, giving her extensive first-hand knowledge of treating patients with non-Caucasian skin tones.
Clinicbe SkinOfColour is developing an independent website which is expected to launch late summer.
Clinicbe London
Clinicbe® in London was founded by experienced Aesthetic Physician Dr Barbara Kubicka MD, CIME/ICAM, MBCAM; a renowned Aesthetic Physician based in West London .
Dr Kubicka takes a holistic approach to skincare treatments; treating the patient as a whole in order to get the best possible results from any treatments they may have.
Clinicbe has a comprehensive range of skin treatments including cosmetology facials, BOTOX and dermal filler injections and the latest treatments such as pain-free mesotherapy and PRP fillers. The clinic is based in the Knightsbridge area, easily accessible from and popular with those living or working in Chelsea and Mayfair.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please contact us on 0207 125 0521 or email info@clinicbe.com.
