The pigment that gives hair, skin, and eyes their color; patches of excess melanin can cause dark spots.
[related_post themes="flat" id="591"]Blog Archives
Melanocytes
by David Roberson •
Though present in the brain, inner ear, eyes, and heart, these melanin producing cells are best known for the protective pigment they bring to the skin and hair—as well as to the moles and cancerous melanomas they can comprise. UV light exposure, hormonal changes, certain medications, illness, and lasers are all factors that can affect…
[related_post themes="flat" id="593"]Melanoma
by David Roberson •
The deadliest of all skin cancers, it develops in pigment-producing cells, most commonly on the upper back, trunk, head, neck, and lower legs. While the cure rate is high when caught early, unchecked cases can spread to internal organs. Malignant moles tend to have asymmetrical or irregular borders, uneven color, a diameter greater than six…
[related_post themes="flat" id="595"]Menthol
by David Roberson •
Originally derived from mint plants, this cooling agent is found in some lip balms, toners, and shave gels, mainly in synthetic form. It’s also used topically to relieve minor aches, stings, and itch.
[related_post themes="flat" id="597"]Mexoryl Sx
by David Roberson •
This stabilizing sunscreen ingredient is a very effective chemical filter for protecting the skin from aging UVA light when used in combination with other ingredients. Originally sold only in Europe, Mexoryl SX was approved by the FDA in 2006.
[related_post themes="flat" id="599"]Microdermabrasion
by David Roberson •
Performed by dermatologists and facialists, this treatment exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells with a wand that sprays on and then vacuums off extremely fine aluminum-oxide crystals. A newer form of the technology uses a vibrating diamond tip in place of the crystals.
[related_post themes="flat" id="601"]Mmpi.20
by David Roberson •
An ingredient used in only a few high-end skin-care lines, this claims to inhibit the production of something called matrix metalloproteinase (or “MMPs”), enzymes that increase the breakdown of collagen and lead to skin damage.
[related_post themes="flat" id="603"]