Using Vichy products for hyperpigmentation

Modern dermatocosmetology pays great attention to the correction of various types of hyperpigmentation. The pathology is based on a change in the activity of melanocytes - pigment-synthesizing cells. In dermatological practice, melanoses are grouped according to the following characteristics:

1. By etiology: primary (congenital and acquired), secondary (post-infectious and post-inflammatory).
2. By prevalence: local and generalized.

Practice shows that most often patients with the following types of age spots turn to a dermatocosmetologist:

1. Chloasma is an acquired uneven hyperpigmentation of a dark brown color with clear boundaries in the forehead, cheeks, and less often the chin. The main factors contributing to the development of chloasma are ultraviolet radiation and genetically determined increased sensitivity of melanocytes to estrogens. In this regard, chloasma appears during pregnancy, when taking oral contraceptives. After stopping the medication, hyperpigmentation does not always disappear; residual effects can persist for quite a long time.

2. Freckles (ephelides) are hereditary hyperpigmentation, found in people with phototypes I and II. These are small, abundant light brown spots on the face, shoulders, and chest. They intensify in the spring and summer, and their number decreases with age.

3. Pathological hyperpigmentation is considered a complication during chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and other skin-traumatic procedures. This occurs due to inflammation and/or overexposure to UV radiation. This is why it is necessary to avoid mid-peeling and resurfacing in the summer for patients with phototypes IV – V. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be avoided provided that pre-peeling skin preparation is carried out and patients are properly managed during the rehabilitation period. The problem can also be caused by the use of cosmetics and medicines that have a photosensitizing effect, i.e. enhancing the effect of UV radiation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may develop as acne lesions resolve.

4. Age-related lentigo is a major pigmentation disorder associated with excess ultraviolet radiation and is one of the symptoms of skin photoaging. Its appearance is observed in patients over 50 years of age on open areas of the body. Solar lentigo can develop after one “burn”. The back, shoulders, and décolleté are covered with multiple lentigenic foci of oval or round shape, about 3-10 mm in diameter.

Consultation with a cosmetologist

The choice of tactics for managing patients with hyperpigmentation depends on the initial condition of the skin and phototype, the depth of the pigment, the duration of its existence, and previous cosmetic history. It is necessary to find out from the patient whether the factors that caused pigmentation continue to operate and whether they can be eliminated. When drawing up a plan for removing pigment spots, it is necessary to take into account not only the cause of their occurrence, but also the patient’s accompanying cosmetic imperfections, age, skin type, and the presence of contraindications to certain correction methods.

Whitening therapy is a long, step-by-step process that involves cosmetic procedures in a clinic and mandatory home skin care. A prerequisite for the effectiveness of therapy is the exclusion of excessive insolation and the use of sunscreens in accordance with the skin type and season. It should be borne in mind that any damage to the skin, including those associated with bleaching, can stimulate the process of pigment formation, so the appropriate procedures should be carried out strictly in the autumn-winter period. Experience shows that only an integrated approach can remove age spots, which includes exfoliation of the layer of pigment cells, the use of cosmetics that reduce melanin secretion, and reliable protection of the skin from UV radiation.

Product Features

Vichy products for pigmentation help to cope with the problem in the shortest possible time. VICHY specialists have developed a special line of caring cosmetics IDEALIA PRO. It will help even out your complexion and improve the condition of your skin.

The series helps normalize the production of melanin pigment. Vichy cream blocks the action of this substance, which helps to cope with freckles, age spots, redness, and vascular networks, which most often appear with age.

The cosmetic product effectively renews epidermal cells, which tightens the facial contour and produces a lifting effect. Thanks to its dense structure, IDEALIA PRO cream can be used as a foundation. It will help disguise skin irregularities and defects.

VICHY cream can be used to prevent the appearance of age spots in the summer, when maximum solar activity is observed.

Such numerous positive properties of the cosmetic product are explained by a special approach to its production and the latest developments in this field. VICHY products are manufactured using modern equipment, which made it possible to create the ideal cream structure. It contains a sufficient amount of masking and caring substances that effectively eliminate all skin imperfections.

What are pigment spots

Age spots are areas where there is too much melanin, a pigment that protects our skin from sun damage. These include freckles and moles, uneven areas of darkened skin of a dark brown hue. As a rule, they are clearly visible on the face, under the eyes and around the mouth. They can also be on the arms, neck and décolleté.

Pigment spots appear in women over 35-40 years old. Sometimes they disappear on their own over time. But most often they have to be removed, and this is quite difficult.

There are several types of pigmentation:

• Freckles: a scattering of small light brown dots. With the onset of spring, they appear in the area of ​​the nose and on the cheeks, but they can also appear on the entire face. Freckles appear in people with fair skin (blond and red hair) when the sun becomes active. The presence of freckles indicates a lack of melanin.
• Lentigines: small pigmented spots, most often found in older people, indicate aging skin.
• Chloasma: large pigment spots that often occur during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body (then, as a rule, they go away on their own) or with serious diseases that impair the functioning of the liver, kidneys, and pituitary gland (require a doctor’s diagnosis).
• Birthmarks (moles): benign congenital spots or spots that appear over time that are dark brown or black in color. They come in different shapes and sizes, but they remain in a benign state and practically do not change. If a mole grows, changes color, or its edges become uneven, this is a reason to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.

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Advantages

The advantages of Vichy cream for age spots on the face are:

• carefully selected composition,
• creams undergo all necessary tests, which makes them safe for use,
• absence of harmful synthetic components in cosmetics,
• the product helps eliminate not only pigmentation, but also inflammation, swelling,
• suitable for all age categories,
• After applying the product there is no greasy sheen left, no sticky feeling.

Selection of drugs for removing age spots on the face

The selection of whitening preparations for home care is carried out in consultation with a cosmetologist after diagnosing the skin. To remove pigmentation, the following cosmetic lines are used:

1. Home care products Danne (USA).

2. Home care products Renophase (France).

3. Preparations for home care Dermaheal (South Korea).

Despite the desire to get faster results, as well as the availability of a wide range of necessary methods and means, it is important to remember the basic principle of medicine: “do no harm.” Therefore, treatment of hyperpigmentation should be comprehensive, non-aggressive, effective and predictable.

Compound

A special feature of French VICHY products is that they contain water from thermal springs. Doctors and cosmetology experts agree that it is especially useful for the epidermis.

Thermal water contains more than seventeen minerals. They provide complete facial skin care.

The composition also contains other components:

• Diacalite - helps even out skin tone.
• Lipo-hydroxy acid. This active ingredient blocks the production of melanin, which causes excessive pigmentation. The substance stimulates the division of epidermal cells and eliminates keratinized particles.
• DRM Bright. This is a patented development of VICHY. The active complex consists of procestin, ascorbic acid and eperulin. Such components produce a pronounced anti-pigment effect, help cope with the inflammatory process, remove toxins and provide an attractive appearance.

The effect of the sun on the skin

A lot has already been written and said about the positive effects of the sun on our body. The sun is a very powerful source of energy and health. Sunlight invigorates, helps you get up in the morning, and energizes you. Who among those living in the middle zone or further north has not at least once felt sad over the statistics of sunny days in November-December? It has been proven that residents of these regions experience a lack of sunlight, a source of vitamin D, almost all year round. Children, especially young ones, who are prescribed this vitamin almost from birth, are also in dire need of it.

Many of us love to sunbathe. Previously, pale skin was in fashion (remember how many poets sang about white shoulders and white hands), and women carefully hid from the sun. Now everyone who can tan beautifully and evenly is in a hurry to do so as soon as the opportunity arises.

Unfortunately, the sun, like everything useful, is harmful in large doses. It is the skin that suffers the most, because it receives aggressive ultraviolet radiation. Severe sunburn is not only painful and incapacitating for several days, but also dangerous afterwards. It has been proven that burns suffered in childhood can have a delayed effect and cause skin cancer in the future.

But even seemingly insignificant pigmentation on the face causes discomfort. The skin looks unhealthy, such spots are poorly hidden by foundation. In addition, they are very difficult to remove.

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How to use

Before using VICHY whitening products, you must cleanse your skin using your usual cosmetics or plain water. The face must be blotted with a soft towel. Only after this the cream is applied to the skin and carefully distributed over the surface. When using this Vichy product, avoid the eye area .

Whitening product IDEALIA PRO is recommended to be used every day, morning and evening. If you follow this regimen, the first noticeable results will appear within a week. The product can be combined with other Vichy cosmetics, which will enhance its effect and give better results.

Active components of whitening creams

Hydroquinone is the most powerful bleaching agent. In cosmetic preparations its concentration ranges from 1 to 4%. It is prescribed once a day at night for a period of 5 - 7 weeks. It is not recommended to prescribe medications containing hydroquinone for more than 2 months due to the risk of developing contact dermatitis, especially in areas with thin skin. They are also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Combination preparations containing, in addition to hydroquinone, topical retinoids and various acids are quite popular.

Arbutin is a glycosylated hydroquinone. It is found in large quantities in bearberry leaves and does not have a toxic effect on melanocytes. In terms of activity, it is inferior to hydroquinone, but does not cause skin irritation even with prolonged use. That is why it is often included in whitening creams.

Azelaic acid is a topical drug for the treatment of acne. Its depigmenting property is associated with a decrease in tyrosinase activity. In cosmetics and medicines, the concentration can range from 5 to 20%, for example, skinoren cream. The whitening effect is moderate. Prescribed 1-2 times a day for a long time. It is the drug of choice for the correction and prevention of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is also used for topical treatment of acne, especially pustular eruptions. Use from 2.5 to 10% benzoyl peroxide in the form of a gel, emulsion, solution, for example, Baziron AC gel.

Retinoic acid inhibits tyrosinase and accelerates epidermal renewal. Traditionally, retinoids are used for external acne treatment, for example, 0.1% adapalene (Differin cream, gel). Prescribed once a day at night for a long time. Not for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When used, side effects are possible: the appearance of brick-red erythema and peeling, the so-called retinoic dermatitis.

Kojic acid is used in a concentration of 3-5%, its combination with glycolic and other AHA acids is especially effective.

Licorice root extract contains the active substance glabridin, which inhibits tyrosinase. It does not have an irritating effect, which allows it to be used in patients with thin sensitive skin and during the post-peeling period.

Features of face whitening

The main task of the IDEALIA PRO product is to block the production of melanin, which provokes the appearance of age spots.

Spider veins are also common skin problems. It causes unnatural, unattractive redness or bluishness of the skin. The use of Vichy cream helps to whiten a face that suffers from such problems. It strengthens the walls of small vessels, which improves skin nutrition and has a positive effect on its condition.

Skin pigmentation: what does it depend on?

Melanin is responsible for the color of the skin in the body.
This is a high-molecular pigment that is found in the skin, hair, and iris of the eye. Melanin determines their color, but it also performs another important function - it absorbs ultraviolet rays. In this way, deep-lying tissues are protected from their negative effects. There are several types of melanin, the content and ratio of which determine the color of the skin, eyes, and hair:

• eumelanin - brown and black pigment;
• pheomelanin is a red pigment;
• Leukomelanin is colorless.

For those who want to fight against pigmentation, it is important to remember that the factors that provoke problems can be both internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous). The main ones are:

• excess ultraviolet radiation – up to 60% of cases;
• hormonal disorders – up to 30% of cases;
• pregnancy.

For a long time it was believed that solar radiation is the main cause of pigmentation disorders. However, today experts talk about the importance of the hereditary factor, post-inflammatory changes, the consequences of acne, etc. Given this, most of us may experience disruption in the production and distribution of melanin.

It is worth noting that this disorder usually does not pose a health hazard. However, it affects the psychological state of patients and reduces the quality of life, so the aesthetic problem must be solved quickly and effectively.

When to expect a positive result

The first effect of using Vichy products can be observed already half an hour after its application. Areas of the body treated with cream become light and smooth. A decrease in the number of pigmented areas is observed only after 1.5 weeks. After such a period of time, small dark spots may still remain on the surface. Complete elimination of epidermal defects is observed only after 1-2 months of regular use of VICHY products. Such positive effects have been confirmed by clinical trials.

Reviews about the IDEALIA PRO product line are only positive. Most women note an improvement in skin condition, even out tone and smooth out wrinkles within the first month of using the cream.

How to get rid of pigmentation: tactics of action

Most patients who go to the doctor with complaints about the appearance of pigment spots on the skin are concerned about the aesthetic side. But this does not mean that only a cosmetologist will solve the problem. The best treatment option is to identify the cause, consult with a dermatologist and eliminate the actual manifestations on the face. Addressing the underlying cause of uneven melanin distribution will help reduce the likelihood of hyperpigmentation returning after treatment. If the problem is associated with a somatic disease, then “cosmetic” skin whitening may not have any effect at all. So the treatment program must be comprehensive.

Many patients resort to self-treatment of pigmentation at home or to fairly aggressive cosmetic procedures. For example, they ask for phototherapy, peeling, and laser procedures. In some cases, such measures may not get rid of stains, but may worsen the problem. Complications often occur, including inflammation, swelling, and secondary pigmentation disorders.

Anti-age drugs

Curacen Essence (20 fl x 2 ml)

Laennec – solution for injection

Bb Laboratories – Serum “Arcanum”

Premium set “Ideal facial skin. Healthy tone"

Biological products are highly effective in treating pigmentation. One of them is the placental drug CURACEN, a unique complex of biologically active components for skin regeneration and restoration. The drug is officially registered in Russia for mesotherapy; its distributor in the Russian Federation and CIS countries is the RHANA Medical Corporation.

Cost and effectiveness reviews

Products made in Russia and Belarus have an affordable price of no more than 500 rubles. American, European and Korean whitening creams cost from 1.5 thousand rubles. Prices for popular products are shown in the table:

Meladerm

There is no cream suitable for absolutely all women. You can choose the most effective one for yourself only by testing several products. Here are some reviews:

• Karina, 24, Saratov: “Every year in the spring I get freckles. I use Meladerm cream, after 3 weeks the pigmentation goes away. The product is expensive, but has a safe composition.”
• Evgeniya Petrovna, 54, Tomsk: “The Korean product The Hayan Cherry Blossom Whitening Cream helps me remove age-related pigmentation. It evens out the skin, tightens it a little and moisturizes. The color evens out with regular use."

Pharmacos