Make Skin Discoloration A Thing Of Past

A tete-a-tete with renowned skin doctor, Dr.Obagi illuminates us on the skin discoloration and hyper-pigmentation.

Q. Can injectables cause discoloration, specifically post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?


Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) causes skin darkening and discoloration that show up as spots, or as large patches on a person's body. This is because cells that normally produce brown pigment evenly across your skin go into overdrive and produce too much melanin. This happens because of an inflammatory reaction or injury to the skin. If the excess melanin is produced in the upper layer of skin (epidermis), the pigmentation color is a darker shade of brown. If the excess melanin is produced in the lower layer of skin (the dermis), a gray or blue discoloration becomes visible.

Anytime a needle is introduced under the skin surface, there is the potential for bleeding and bruising, which leads to a temporary discoloration, but not PIH. Injectables that have the potential for allergic reaction, such as collagen or permanent fillers, can cause an inflammatory reaction, which can lead to PIH. Current popular fillers that are made of hyaluronic acid (Juvederm, Restylane, Prevelle) pose no potential for allergic reaction and therefore patients are not at risk for developing PIH. In areas where the skin is thin, such as the lower eyelids, a bluish discoloration and swelling may occur after injection and may last for a prolonged period of time.

Q. Obagi products are widely distributed all over the world. How do you insure that every client gets the product suitable for their skin?

I educate the public and medical professionals that medical products should be used only under medical supervision and guidance. For that reason, patients should be evaluated in consultation by a properly trained physician or medical professional, where a comprehensive skin analysis is performed and an appropriate treatment program is developed, utilizing proper skin care products. 

Q. Do you think that Obagi products can provide an alternative for the cosmetic surgeries?

If used early, around age 25-30, use of Obagi products can leave people looking young indefinitely, possibly avoiding the need for cosmetic surgery. Advanced cases of aging or sun damage require procedures to restore the appearance of the skin to a more youthful appearance. After procedures, skin can be maintained through proper use topical agents to keep skin cells active and functioning.

Obagi Systems and products contain prescription-strength formulations. The systems are only available through physicians, primarily dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical spas and other skin care and medical specialists.

About the Author:

Dr. Obagi is a leading authority in cosmetic dermatology and created Skin Health Restoration, and Skin Conditioning, the standards by which skin conditions can be successfully treated regardless of skin color or age.