Collagen, which makes up to 75% of the skin works in tandem with elastin to keep the skin firm yet elastic, sort of like a connectivity tissue. Fine lines & wrinkles start to appear when collagen and elastin starts to breakdown.

As these supporting fibers start to diminish, so does the firmness and elasticity of the skin. The sun and the natural aging process also causes the skin to age, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyper-Pigmentation happens when there is an overproduction or uneven production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by the basal cells of the dermis called melanocytes. These cells coexist with other cells called keratinocytes, which are the dead cells forming the stratum cornium or epidermis (top layer of the skin).

Together they form a melanin unit. There are two types of melanin. One that causes brown-black pigmentation, while the other causes red-yellow pigmentation.

Many factors can cause over or uneven production of melanin. These include birth control pills, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, sun exposure, drugs containing phototoxic agents, abrasions or acne.

Blackheads and Whiteheads are known as comedones, which are usually found on the face, upper neck and chest area. Blackheads also known as open comedones go together with open pores.

The debris that is stuck (called plugs) inside undergoes a process that result in the oxidation of melanin. Contact with air allows oxygenation to take place, turning the plugs black, further heightening visibility

Acne is a skin condition caused by the over activity of the glands that secrete oily substances (sebum) on to the skin. When there is an increase of sebum, the area around the hair follicles gets clogged up.

A bacterium, called Propionobacterium Acnes that normally lives on the skin thrives within the blocked pores. This infection causes inflammation of the skin, which is responsible for the redness and swelling of a spot resulting in Acne.