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Vitiligo is a disease,
its cause largely unknown, that causes destruction of melanocytes
in the skin. Melanocytes provide the pigment that gives skin its
color. This disease affects 1-2% of the world's population. It affects
individuals of all ethnic origins and both sexes. Loss of pigment
is commonly noted first on the hands, feet, arms, face or lips.
People who have vitiligo, particularly those with fair skin, should
use a sunscreen that provides protection from both the UVA and UVB
forms of ultraviolet light. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from
sunburn and long-term damage. Sunscreen also minimizes tanning,
which makes the contrast between normal and depigmented skin less
noticeable.
Sunless Tanning
Products for Vitiglio
Self Tanning sprays or other sunless products
can be an effective means of camouflaging depigmented skin patches.
In the instance of tanning spray, it is best to use a small brush,
such as a narrow foam brush found at the hardware or crafts store
in conjuction with an airbrush. Use the foam brush to apply the
tanning solution to depigmented skin. This may be done the day prior
to an overall application, or this may be done for two successive
days before an overall application. The goal of the pretreatment
is to restore color to the depigmented areas. The goal of the overall
airbrush tan is to provide an even color over the whole body by
blending in the pretreated areas. Those affected by Vitiligo may
find themselves on a shorter, intensive sunless tanning cycle --
the time between exfoliation, development of a sunless tan, and
exfoiation to start the cycle anew. But, they will frequently find
the results rewarding.
Tanning Sprays and lotions typically have two cosmetic components
that lead to a tanned appearance. The first is the immediate bronzer,
essentially an organic dye, that serves as a color guide for the
spray tan application and as a way to get an instant tan appearance.
The second, DHA, is the active sunless tan ingredient. DHA reacts
with the outer layer of the skin to produce a tan very similar to
a sun tan. But, it does NOT require the presence of melanin in the
skin to produce the tan. So, sunless products may be very effective
in providing a more uniform skin tone in those with Vitiligo.
Selecting an appropriate tanning solution may take some trial and
error for someone with vitiligo. Some immediate bronzers may be
too dark. Since depigmented skin is essentially the lightest skin
type, some solutions may have too high a DHA % (too strong). The
tanning spray sampler packs may be a good place to start in selecting
the best solution. |
