Why are my underarms and bikini-line discoloured and rough?
The appearance of skin discolouration in the underarm and pubic regionsare a common concern noted with Hair Removal clients. These dark patches may be accompanied by other symptoms such as irritation, rough texture, odour, or small growths.
It is important to properly diagnose the causes of your condition in order to understand the triggers and prepare a treatment plan for silky, even-toned skin.
Possible causes of skin discolouration
1| Health Factors
Although this may not be the most common cause, underlying health conditions and medications account for a large majority of the possibilities.
Health conditions:
Acanthosis – a skin condition described as dark, velvety skin, in the groin, underarms, elbows, knees, neck, or groin area
Acromegaly – a condition that causes overproduction of human growth hormone
Cushing’s Syndrome – a condition caused by an excess production or exposure to cortisol
Skin infections
Hyperthyroidism
Excessive weight
Diabete
Medications:
Insulin
Corticosteroids
Human growth hormone
Birth control
Niacin
2| Genetic Influences
Hyperpigmentation or ‘dark patches’ are most prevalent in skin tones that naturally produce higher levels of melanin.
Melanin is the pigment produced by the skin cells that provides it with colour. The amount of melanin in the skin fluctuates with sun exposure and in cases of scarring. Because darker skin tones retain and produce more melanin, they are at higher risk of developing dark patches and scars.
3| Friction
The skin’s natural response to trauma is to repair itself in the affected area by producing fresh cells to replace the damaged cells.
Repeated friction over sensitive areas of the skin due to tight or abrasive fabricscan cause micro-trauma to the skin which in turn stimulates the repair process. The skin then forms an abundance of cells over the pressure sites giving way for the appearance of dark patches, or streaks in the skin.
4. | Shaving
Shaving the bikini line and underarms can be harsh on the sensitive skin covering these areas, especially considering these areas are often populated with fast growing hair that requires frequent shaves.
When the sharp blades of the razor glide along the skin, they make just enough contact with the skin to scrape away a thin sheet of dead skin. This can cause micro trauma to the skin, triggering the repair process which then draws pigment to the area.
5. |Chemicals
Skin interaction with ingredients found in deodorant can often lead to discolouration. Aluminum compounds in deodorants keep the underarms dry by blocking the pores from excreting sweat and helps prevent odour by inhibiting the bacterial growth.
Although there are
many different contributors to this skin condition, there are also various
remedies that may provide relief. Stay tuned for Pt.2
Shop professional skincare products recommended by Dérmica! Try our Home Care Selection Guide to choose the right products to target your skin type and concerns!
IPL Phototherapy uses light energy to treat major skin conditions and permanently remove unwanted hair. It delivers pulses of UV light into the skin on areas of the face, neck, arms, hands, and legs. The depth of light penetration is measured according to the condition being treated.
With just a quick pulse of light we can diminish brown spots, redness, broken capillaries and remove unwanted facial and body hair.
Browse through our selection and descriptions to see which treatment suits your skin’s needs most. We offer free consultations with our Skin Experts who will analyze your skin condition, outline the benefits, and help you select the best treatment option.
Our chosen technology
There are 2 important factors when determining eligibility for IPL Hair Removal
We use the Sharplight Formax system. It features a patented Dynamic Pulse Control (DPC) technology.
You may have heard that phototherapy can be painful, but with the Sharplight Formax system, you can rest assured that your service will be a breeze. The system features a cooling window that cools your skin to a safe temperature during your treatment. As a result, your skin feels cool and comfortable throughout!
IPL: PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL
Our IPL Hair Removal treatment will deliver permanent results on any area of face and body, including male facial hair. Above all, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and embarrassing stubble will be a thing of the past!
IPL: PHOTOFACIALS
ALISA (Skin Tightening/Rejuvenation)
Ideal for treating dull skin appearance, textural damage such as scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, and mature skin.
The ultimate solution to clear hyperpigmentation, for example, sun spots, pigment scarring, age spots, or dark spots on the face. Also treats acne scarring.
The chemicals used in skin peels are acids that are derived from natural sources. A peel involves chemically removing the outermost layers of the skin which in return promotes exfoliation and cell turnover. Depending on the type of peels used they can help treat fine lines, textural issues, acne, scarring, redness and provide a fresher, healthier appearance to the skin.
Chemical peels can be done on any area of the body, most commonly the face, neck, chest, hands and back.
Peels range in strength and have amazing benefits, however, they contain powerful peeling agents and have the ability to really hurt someone if not properly administered. Through a a proper consultation, your professional service provider will educate you about the peel and the expected outcomes including post treatment instructions.
Different peels can be mixed together and are known as blended peels. They can also be mixed with other ingredients such as vitamin c, hylauronic acid and dead sea minerals to pack an extra punch and provide a variety of additional benefits.
Whether you’d like to use peels as an anti aging method, or have a clear skin goal, your service provider can create a treatment plan customized for you.
PLEASE REVIEW THE CRITERIA BEFORE BOOKING YOUR PEEL.
Pre-treatment protocols:
Must not currently be on or have used Accutane or any other oral prescription acne medications in the past 12 months
If currently using any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated, you must discontinue usage 2 weeks prior to procedure
Must wait a minimum of 1 week from last tanning session
Time frame: 15-30 minutes
Recommended sessions: 4-8
Downtime required: 1-7 days
Contraindications:
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Skin cancer (remission under 2 years)
Use of photosensitive medication and herbs
Active infection of Herpes Simplex in treatment area
SAVE 15% ON ALL IN-STORE GLO SKINCARE WITH YOUR PEEL
When professionally treating your skin, it’s ideal to supplement your treatment with a proper homecare regimen. Professional skincare products add vitamins and nutrients that boost cell rejuvenation thereby extending the results of your peel. Visit our ONLINE SKINCARE STORE to peruse our professional Skincare products.
Located in Edmonton, Dérmica offers facial treatments are customized to suit your skin care goals and needs. They are ideal for treating mild skin conditions and improving the overall appearance of the skin. There is no downtime required following the treatment.
Dérmica facials include all the essentials of a classic facial procedure such as deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam, and application of suitable serum, eye care, lip treatment, and moisturizer. The products used in our facials are handpicked at each visit in order to adapt to the skins changes and progress.
BEAUTY Facial
The BEAUTY Facial includes all the essentials of classic facial with mild extractions, a brow Sculpt, nourishing mask application, and Pressure-Point facial massage. It is ideal for those preparing their face for an occasion or want to freshen the skin and brows. 75-90 min.; $ 125;
RELAX Facial
The RELAX Facial includes all the essentials of classic facial procedure with light extractions, nourishing mask application, relaxation-face/shoulder/arm/hand massage, and moisturizing paraffin hand-dip. 75-90 min.; $ 125
PORE Facial
Undoubtedly the most popular of the facials, the PORE Facial includes all the essentials of a classic facial with an emphasis on clearing congested skin by extracting blackheads, milia, and other skin blemishes. 60 min.; $ 85
BEARD Facial
The BEARD Facial includes all the essentials of a classic facial along with mild extractions, and a beard shampoo & conditioning treatment. it is the best option for men with beards in particular. 60 min.; $ 85
BACK Treatment
The BACK Treatment focuses on treating skin conditions affecting the back. In similar fashion, it is structured much like a facial service that includes cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, and back massage. 60-75 min.; $ 100
TEEN Facial
The TEEN Facial includes a deep-cleanse and pore extractions leaving the skin feeling fresh and renewed. Teen must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian.
SAVE 15% ON ALL in-store GLO SKINCARE with your facial.
Get to know Glo Skin Beauty! Visit our online store to acquaint yourself with our preferred professional skincare line. Shop professional skincare products recommended by Dérmica!
Aclara will lighten and clear dark to light pigmented lesions!
This pigment removal treatment works to removes pigment spots and damage affecting your face, neck, chest, hands, and arms. This treatment works by delivering quick pulses of light to the targeted area. This process breaks up the spot, which then brings the pigment to the surface and sheds the spot with your skins natural processes.
ACLARA ME PHOTOFACIAL Description: Aclara ME works to removes pigment spots and damage affecting your face, neck, chest, hands, and arms. This treatment works by delivering quick pulses of light to the targeted area. This process breaks up the spot, which then brings the pigment to the surface and sheds the spot with your skins natural processes. Revealing a clear, uniform complexion.
This treatment is performed using Sharplight’s Formax-VP System. This equipment delivers quick pulses of light into the skin, targeting only the selected area. The hand piece also features a contact cooling tip that cools the skin being treated, adding maximum comfort and protection.
Pre-treatment protocols:
Must not currently be on or have used Accutane or any other oral prescription acne medications in the past 12 months
If currently using any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated, you must discontinue usage 2 weeks prior to procedure
Must wait a minimum of 4 weeks (or up to 6 weeks for darker skin types) from last tanning (artificial or natural) session
If currently on any prescription medications, check with your physician regarding possible photosensitivity
Time frame: 45 minutes
Recommended sessions: 4-6
Downtime required: 24 hrs
Contraindications:
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Disorders stimuli>Cancer (remission under 2 years)
Epilepsy
Use of photosensitive medication and herbs
Active infection of Herpes Simplex in treatment area
Use of anticoagulants
Potential side effects:
Discomfort
Fragile skin
Edema (swelling)
Erythema (redness)
Schedule your free consultation with our Skin Expert and begin your journey to a flawless complexion!
Dérmica MedEsthetics Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca
Are you in search for a solution to clear pigmented lesions, sun spots, pigment scarring, or dark spots? Stop wasting your time and money on costly lotions and potions that promise results! Let phototherapy be the answer to your skin concern. The ACLARA photofacial will lighten and clear dark to light pigmented lesions.
How does ACLARA work?
ACLARA works by delivering quick pulses of UV light to the targeted area. Subsequently, the spot breaks up and the pigment is brought to the surface. The pigment is shed with your skin’s natural processes. As a result, a clear and uniform complexion is revealed.
Is phototherapy safe?
We use Sharplight’s Formax-VP System. Their DPC technology makes your treatments safe and effective in less time. The Sharplight system is equipped with many safety features. For instance, the hand piece features a contact cooling tip that cools the skin being treated, adding maximum comfort and protection. Above all, you can rest assured that your treatment is performed by a qualified technician with your comfort in mind.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA BEFORE BOOKING ONLINE.
Pre-treatment protocols:
Must not currently be on or have used Accutane or any other oral prescription acne medications in the past 12 months
If currently using any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated, you must discontinue usage 2 weeks prior to procedure
Must wait a minimum of 4 weeks (or up to 6 weeks for darker skin types) from last tanning (artificial or natural) session
If currently on any prescription medications, check with your physician regarding possible photosensitivity
Time frame: 45 minutes
Recommended sessions: 4-6
Contraindications:
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Disorders stimulated by light
Cancer (remission under 2 years)
Epilepsy
Use of photosensitive medication and herbs
Active infection of Herpes Simplex in treatment area
Use of anticoagulants
Potential side effects:
Discomfort
Fragile skin
Edema (swelling)
Erythema (redness)
Downtime required: 24 hrs
Not sure if this is the right treatment for you?
Try our Treatment Selection Guide. It is easy to use and designed to help you select the best option for your skin goals. In addition, you can email questions to bookings@dermica.ca. For specific concerns, we recommend attaching pictures to provide a visual aide. As a result, our professionals will be better able to determine a treatment for you.
