Sunlight has a profound effect on the skin causing premature ageing, skin cancer, and other changes in the skin such as pigmentation, broken capillaries, lines, wrinkles and blotchy complexions. Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB from the sun accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin ageing. The most noticeable sun-induced skin change is pigmentation and more and more we are coming across skin types effected with this type of photo ageing. How is Pigmentation formed? Melanocytes are skin cells that make up part of our defence mechanisms against UV radiation. These are the skin cells that release melanin. Production of melanin is stimulated by DNA damage induced by UVB-radiation and it leads to a delayed development of a tan. The role of melanin Melanin protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays and therefore reduces the signs of photo ageing in the skin. The photochemical properties of melanin make it an excellent photo protectant. It absorbs harmful UV radiation and transforms the energy into heat. Melanin can dissipate more than 99.9% of absorbed radiation as heat, preventing the indirect DNA damage, which in turn is responsible for the formation of malignant melanomas and other skin cancers. The sensitivity of melanocytes The skin remembers when we get burnt so melanocytes produce more melanin in previously burnt areas, therefore, giving dark patches and uneven skin tones. Once a melanocyte is damaged it cannot be fixed and this is where we see too much pigment in some areas and lack of pigment in others, namely conditions such as Vitiligo and Chloasma (melasma). As we age we lose 10% of our melanocytes each decade, which in turn causes broken capillaries, dull, translucent, dry and pigmented skins. What can we do to prevent pigmentation damage? The first thing we need to do is prevent this type of photo ageing from occurring. The most effective way to do this is by applying an SPF daily to stop UV radiation getting through to the skin. *REMEMBER PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE!* Secondly, we need to treat any damaged pigmented areas and reduce the amount of melanin being released in the darker areas on the skins surface. We do this by treating the skin with The WhiteEvidence Youth and Lightening Professional Treatment. Within this treatment these are two main ingredients that help with pigmentation in the skin. Biowhite® works on activated melanin and lightens pigmentation on the surface of the skin whereas Diacetal Boldine reduces melanin production by 15%. With both of these active ingredients working together, results after one treatment show that the complexion is 100% brighter, more luminous, uniformed in colour and smoother. Firmer by 95%. Wrinkles less visible by 85% and brown pigmentation reduced by 68%!! This is the first professional treatment which combines anti-pigmentation, brightening and anti-ageing and also offers proven efficiency test results!!