By Dr Nadine Baron
How to treat genital hyperpigmentation with a Dermamelan peel
Hyperpigmentation is a brownish or blackish discolouration on certain areas of the skin due to excess melanin. Anyone can have darker skin around their genital area, re- gardless of their skin colour. It occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, a pigment that colours the skin. This is what we call hyperpigmentation. This discolouration can even spread down to the groin.
The causes of genital hyperpigmentation
Many factors can promote hyperpigmentation in the genital and pelvic area. This brownish colouring can affect the outer lips of the vagina, the anal area and can even spread down the tops of the thighs. The skin becomes fragile, it loses its plumpness and radiance. The skin pigmentation becomes less even, like the petals of a flower that darken over time.
Extrinsic and intrinsic factors
The extrinsic factors include: external aggressions such as the climate, irritation, rubbing, stress and wearing tight underwear, as well as humidity, shaving, hair removal with hot wax and laser hair removal. Not forgetting acanthosis nigricans which is a skin pigmentation disorder.
The intrinsic factors include: age, dehydrated skin, insulin resistance, diabetes and taking the contraceptive pill, and hormonal imbalance, particularly in women who are breastfeeding, pregnant or menstruating, or those who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Some women might feel embarrassed or dissatisfied about the appearance of certain areas of their body, and perhaps even more so if these issues affect their genital area. Nowadays, aesthetic medicine can improve the appearance of the genital area and can therefore boost self-esteem.
There are specific peels designed to lighten the genital area. They can be used on all skin types. Gone are the days when only certain people could have aesthetic treatments for their intimate area.
“DERMAMELAN INTIMATE” protocol or Phase 1 = intensive professional depigmentation
This phase is carried out in your aesthetics doctor’s practice.
The protocol begins with the careful cleansing of the area using gauze and warm water.
5 steps are carried out in the practice:
• Step 1 involves applying the “mesolips protector” to protect the mucous membrane, the inner lips and their outer region, and to stop the solution from spreading outside the treatment area.
• Step 2 involves applying the “dermamelan intimate peeling” solu- tion (4ml) on the treatment zone and spreading it evenly using a cotton bud or a fan-shaped brush. The recommended exposure time is 7 minutes. Attention: it is important to respect the recommended order of application, which is the inner thighs, the mons pubis, the outer lips and the peri-anal area, and to remove the product in the reverse order.
• Step 3 involves applying the “post-peeling neutralising spray”. If there is any residue, simply remove it using damp gauze and gently dry.
• Step 4 involves applying a generous 3 to 4mm layer of “dermamelan intimate mask” (7ml) on the treatment area using a spatula. It should stay in contact with the skin for 2 hours.
• Step 5 involves placing the “dermamelan intimate occlusive film” on the treated area to help the actives work better. It also has an occlusive effect and prevents the product from spreading outside the treatment area.
HOME APPLICATION PROTOCOL = Phase 2 or continued depigmentation
This phase is to be carried out at home, in 3 steps:
• Step 1 involves removing the “dermamelan occlusive film” and “dermamelan intimate mask” 2 hours after they were applied. Remove the mask by rinsing with plenty of warm water and using a pH-appropriate intimate wash.
• Step 2 involves applying the “crystal fiber intimate mask” on the treatment area. The best thing to do is to stretch out the mask fully and to apply it over a surface protected by a towel. Leave it to work for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Step 3 is to be carried out in the evening, 48 hours after the end of the in-practice treatment, and involves applying one or two pumps of “dermamelan intimate home depigmenting gel cream” evenly over the treatment area. We recommend protecting the intimate area with a pantyliner. Your doctor will tell you how long to leave the cream on the skin.
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE HAVING A DERMAMELAN INTIMATE PEEL
• Wear loose clothing to avoid discomfort when going home after the treatment has been applied.
• Remove any hair from the treatment area 24-48 hours in advance, preferably using a hair-removal cream.
• Go to the toilet before the procedure begins.
• Do not use any other method of hair removal (laser, wax, etc.) for at least a week before treatment.
• Do not have the treatment during menstruation, as a hygiene measure and also to prevent the product from spreading onto the mucous membrane.
• Avoid having sexual relations in the first 24 hours after the procedure.
COUNTERINDICATIONS of the DERMAMELAN INTIMATE PEEL
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Dermatological disorders
• People who are allergic to any of the components of the formula
• Solar erythema (avoid exposing the area to UV rays 15 days be-fore)
• Patients with bacterial, viral or fungal infections in the treatment area.
• Patients with neoplastic lesions or autoimmune diseases.
This protocol should not be combined with any other chemical exfoliation and/or epilation techniques.
Dr Nadine Baron : Specialist in General Medicine. Degree in Sports Medicine and Biology (Toulouse), Legal Compensation for Bodily Damage, Insurance Rights and Medical Accidents. She also has a diploma in Morphological and Anti-Aging Medicine, Mesotherapy, Nutrition, Diabetology, Homeopathy and Acupuncture.
More information toulouse-esthetique.fr