Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin, and special cells in your skin make this. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it can affect the production of melanin. While some skin pigmentation will affect only patches of your skin, others can affect your entire body.

There are a number of reasons that can cause discolored skin patches. They are a common problem with a number of different causes. Discolored patches develop due to a difference in melanin levels. Hyperpigmentation occurs when your body produces too much melanin, and hypopigmentation is when not enough is produced. The stimulation of melanin causes your tan but can also bring about unwanted dark patches as well. A few other examples of skin pigmentation happen in young women from taking the pill or pregnancy which can alter the hormone levels in females, which in turn can affect the melanin levels.

It is a good idea to be alert any time you notice a change in the texture or color of your skin, but know that most of the time, skin discoloration is harmless. Once you have checked in with your doctor, there are treatments available for the many people that experience these changes to their skin tone.

You will want to book an appointment to discuss the issues causing your skin discoloration with a professional to choose the best method for you. Resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion and laser treatment are options that can be used to successfully remove the upper layers of skin to allow for regrowth of the skin with the right amount of melanin.  

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells that is non-invasive. You may notice that fine lines and age spots become less visible. These treatments are considered nonaggressive and can be quite relaxing. Patients have said that microdermabrasion leaves their skin feeling softer, smoother and looking fresher.

Another treatment you may want to consider is laser treatment or Intense Pulse Light. This can even out the skin tone and often will tighten the skin, giving it a smooth appearance. The certified professionals at Laser and Skin Care Medspa use the Palomar Icon (Cynosure) Pulsed Light and Laser System. This system emits concentrated intense beams of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by the melanin or pigmentation in the skin. The damaged lesion (target area) naturally disintegrates and then visibly disappears vastly improving skin tone.

We offer a free consultation to discuss all your options with you before recommending a course of action. We understand that noticeable patches of discolored skin can cause you concern or embarrassment and we want you looking and feeling your absolute best.  

One in six Canadians that were born in the 1990s will develop skin cancer. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and is the number one cancer killer of women between the ages of 25 to 30 years old. The risk of melanoma is 75% greater for people who use tanning beds before the age of 30.

If these statistics shock or worry you, please read on for how you can prevent this.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it is the most preventable as well. There are more new cases of skin cancer each year than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. There are over 80,000 cases diagnosed each year in Canada alone. This cancer is caused when our skin is overexposed to UV radiation from the sun and artificial tanning beds.

Our skin plays a vital role in our health. It is the largest organ we have and is our protector from things such as pollution, bacterial infections, and the sun, but it can only do so much. The ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the DNA in our skin cells which can cause cancer. So how can we protect ourselves from this preventable cancer that has continued to rise?

The best way to prevent skin cancer to protect your skin. Most people love to be outdoors playing or relaxing when the sun is shining with many more that earn a living by working outdoors. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can harm you. The sun can help with things like depression, improving our appearance, and increase our levels of vitamin D but exposure to the sun must be done so safely. The following are tips for enjoying the benefits of the sun.

1. Sunglasses – it is important to protect our eyes from the sun as well as our skin. There is no need to spend an absorbent amount of money on sunglasses as a cheap pair with UVB and UVA protection will do the trick.
2. Sunscreen – Use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher for extended stays outdoors. This should be applied 15 to 20 minutes before heading into the sun and should regularly be reapplied throughout the entire time you are outside. Definitely, reapply after swimming or playing sports that cause you to sweat.
3. Head Cover – Put a hat or scarf on your head. This will not only protect your face and neck from overexposure to the sun, but it can also decrease your chance of heat stroke.
4. Stay Away from Tanning Beds and Lamps – there have been reports for and against this practice. While Canadians use many different types of products to give them that healthy glow, there is no safe way to tan.

It is important that we pay attention to our body. We know ourselves best, and by being aware, reporting any changes in our health to a medical professional, and practicing sun safety, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer. The following are warning signs from the Government of Canada Public Health website:

Asymmetry. Do the two halves not match if you imagine drawing a line through the mole?

Borders. Are the edges uneven, scalloped or notched?

Colours. Are there many shades (brown, red, white, blue or black)?

Diameter greater than 6mm. Is the mole the size of a pencil eraser or larger?

Evolution. Has there been a change in size, shape, color, or height? Has a new symptom developed (like bleeding, itching or crusting)?

The amount of skin cancer cases has increased over the last 30 years, and although it is the most common type of cancer, it is preventable. By following the simple safety tips, you can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer.