How To Fade Hyperpigmentation with Dr. Shawana Vali

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THE IN-DEMAND, LONDON-BASED MD SHARES HER EVEN-SKIN PROTOCOL.

Of all the skin complaints treated in the average dermatology office, facial discoloration is one of the most common. Known as hyperpigmentation, dark patches can be caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, breakouts, inflammation, and genetics, among other things, and are often considered bothersome due to their non-uniform shape and placement. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dark spots are more common in those with medium to deep skin tones, but anyone can experience different types of hyperpigmentation such as melasma and acne scars. In short, a strategic approach is required for those that want to safely fade hyperpigmentation of any kind, so Rose Inc. consulted Shawana Vali, MD, the doctor behind London’s members-only LMS Wellness, for guidance. With a hyperbaric chamber developed by NASA, a cozy meditation pod, and a ‘mind lab’ designed to quell anxiety by reducing stress, LMS Wellness isn’t your everyday doctor’s office—but they certainly treat hyperpigmentation every day.

Dr. Vali and her colleagues have given their own unique spin to the world of cosmetic dermatology by mixing Eastern and Western practices, the latest in international aesthetics, and a touch of biohacking to create a unique wellness-meets-MD space. Her holistic approach seeks to increase the health of the skin at a cellular level. “I take a look at what's happening both on the inside and outside, creating a 360 approach to retrain your body to function like a superstar,” she says. “When you’re layering on excess products, your skin becomes lazy and stops doing what it's naturally designed to do. It becomes reliant on consistently being fed. That’s where I step in to help restore it’s molecular integrity to sustain itself.”

ONCE-DAILY SPF ISN'T ENOUGH

“Regardless of your complexion, you need protection against all the factors that cause or worsen pigmentary disorders,” Dr. Vali says. “Even throughout winter, because of the low air quality and insane exposure to blue light that jeopardize the skin's barrier, you should always wear at least SPF 15.” Reapplication is essential: “UV filters and antioxidants are depleted during the protection process… You have to be consistent.” Dr. Vali recommends reapplying sunscreen with a chemical filter (since it works well on all skin tones) several times per day when avoiding the sun isn’t practical.