Paula’sChoice.com
I have noticed that a lot of you have been searching for information on skin discoloration.  I found this article on Paula’s Choice.  She is very well-informed, and usually unbiased.  In this article she talks about skin discoloration by way of lighter spots (for some) and darker spots (for others).  It is a very detailed article which explains how melanin affects the skin, and she goes into greater depth by explaining different types of treatments that are available like Hydroquinone, topical treatments, and sunscreen.  According to Paula:

"Regardless of your ethnic background or skin color, eventually most of us will struggle with some kind of brown or ashen pigmentation problem. Skin will either appear lighter or darker than normal in concentrated areas, or you may notice blotchy, uneven patches of brown to gray discoloration or freckling. Skin pigmentation disorders occur because the body produces either too much or too little melanin. Melanin is the pigment produced by specific cells (melanocytes). It is triggered by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which creates the color of our skin, eyes, and hair. (Melanin actually has two major forms that combine to create varying skin tones.  Eumelanin produces a range of brown skin and hair color, while pheomelanin imparts a yellow to reddish hue.)

As far as skin is concerned, depending on how much is present, melanin does provide some amount of sun protection by absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet light.  This explains why darker skin colors are less susceptible to sunburn and the overall effects of sun damage. But less susceptible doesn’t mean immune from problems."  Read More

Lee needs help: “I am a 22 year old male, fair skinned and have facial Ulerythema on my cheeks, it has very sharp distinctive edges.  What camouflage or products would you recommend for me in order to achieve the best results?  Is the camouflage visible to the eye?”

About Ulerythema: A skin condition that primarily affects your cheeks and eyebrows, and may cause these areas to be red and bumpy.  Although the cause is unknown, the effects are lasting.  Ulerythema may cause damage to the follicle resulting hair loss (most commonly the eyebrow) as well as scarring.  The condition does however, usually improve with age.  Ulerythema is most commonly found within children and young adults.

Treatment: Most medical treatments for this condition have been unrewarding, however products containing salicylic acid or lactic acid may be helpful in providing short term relief.  Sun protection is highly recommended, frequent exposure to UV aggravates the skin’s delicate condition.

Skinplistic focused on three products that would be effective for this type of camouflage, however the techniques and products we discuss will also be relevant to other camo-concerns.

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