None — Skin Pigmentation Disorders
Skin pigment is produced by cells called melanocytes. The more pigment the cells produce, the darker the skin color. If the pigment cells don't function properly, skin in the affected area will have a different color. Scars and burns can cause loss of skin color. Other types of pigmentation problems are caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels under the skin or inflammation, like port wine stains or rosacea.
Two other conditions that can cause uneven skin pigmentation are vitiligo and melasma. Vitiligo occurs when some of the melanocytes are destroyed or stop functioning, causing the skin to whiten. It can occur anywhere on the body. The most commonly affected areas are the face, lips, arms, elbows, hands, knees and feet. The National Vitiligo Foundation estimates the condition affects about one percent of Americans. Half of all patients develop the first signs by 20. Vitiligo can occur in people of all skin types and shades. However, it is generally most noticeable in people with dark skin because of the stark contrast in pigment shades.
In melasma, the pigmenting cells become overactive, producing too much melanin causing some patches of skin to darken. The abnormal coloring may range from brown to grayish brown. It most commonly occurs in the face, over the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip and/or chin. Some people develop patches on the forearms and neck. 90 percent of patients are women. Pregnancy is a common trigger, and darkened skin may be referred to as "the mask of pregnancy." Birth control pills, hormone therapy, certain medications and sunlight can also trigger melasma in susceptible people.
Covering Uneven Skin Pigmentation
Uneven skin pigmentation can cause a great deal of distress, leading to low self-esteem and poor body image. Many people use cosmetics to cover up discolored patches of the skin. However, make-up doesn't last long and can rub off or flake.
Now there's a new type of cosmetic camouflage available, called Microskin™. It uses a computer to analyze a person's skin and develop a blended camouflage color that precisely matches natural skin color.
Clients come to the office for an in-depth consultation. The skin is scanned in several areas to enable the computer to develop a personalized color match. One color sample is made for the face and another for the rest of the body. A detailed training session follows to show clients how to apply the camouflage. Microskin can be applied to the skin in one of two ways, either with an airbrush (generally used to cover larger areas) or with a special sponge (called stippling). After patients learn how to apply the camouflage, they can take everything home to do their own coverage.
Once applied, Microskin looks very natural and is waterproof. The coverage lasts about one to two days on the face (the oils on the face tend to break down the camouflage faster) and up to several days on other parts of the body. The product also breaks down faster on the hands because of frequent hand washing. Microskin can be completely removed with alcohol. New York City Dermatologist Roy Geronemus, M.D., says the color analysis and product blend information is kept on file for each client. When patients start to run out of the product, they can call the office and have new supplies sent.
The cost of Microskin varies, depending on the size of the area of skin being covered and the amount of the product needed to create the finished "look." In general, the price for a six-month package ranges from $900 to $3,500, which covers the cost of consultation, scanning the skin, the product, equipment and training.
Currently, Microskin is only available in the U.S. through Dr. Geronemus' office in New York City. However, many of his clients fly in to have consultations. Follow-up supplies can then be shipped to anywhere in the country. Geronemus says Microskin can be used on patients of all ages. Sometimes it is used in addition to other procedures because the product only hides color imperfections and will not address skin texture problems (like a raised scar).
For information on Microskin™, click here. In the U.S., the product and application system is currently only available in New York City, however, the office is taking patients from around the country who are willing to travel for a consultation. You can get more information here.
For information on skin pigmentation conditions:
American Academy of Dermatology National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Vitiligo Foundation
WSOC
