TYROSINASE INHIBITORS - WHAT ARE THEY?

Skin is made of numerous layers and each layer is performing different functions. One of these layers is called the Basal Layer — this is where our skin cells form and divide to create the outer layer of our skin.

Skin is made of numerous layers and each layer is performing different functions. One of these layers is called the Basal Layer — this is where our skin cells form and divide to create the outer layer of our skin. Also in this layer, there is a cell called a Melanocyte. A Melanocyte is a dendritic cell, meaning it has branch-like legs that reach up through the skin and is responsible for transporting melanosomes. Melanosomes contain pigment (melanin) to give us the color of our skin, hair, and eyes.

What is Tyrosinase and why are we trying to control it?

Alongside the melanocyte, in the basal layer, there is an enzyme called Tyrosinase. This enzyme converts an amino acid called Tyrosine to oxidize and essentially create the pigment (melanin) to be transported. This is a natural process that gives us our colouring but it is also a defense mechanism against Ultraviolet Rays (UV rays) from Sun exposure.

Many factors play a part in how our skin cells are affected but UV rays are one of the most common. When we are exposed to UV rays, our melanocyte will produce more pigment (melanin) to protect us from the sun. This can be damaging to our cells, especially if it results in a sunburn.

When cells have been damaged, the Tyrosinase enzyme will send a “misfire” of oxidation to Tyrosine which will result in overproduction of pigment. This is called hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation comes in many forms such as freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots, age spots, and melasma. This is an uneven skin tone usually presented by a brown darkening of the skin.

What is a Tyrosinase Inhibitor and what does it do?

We can protect our cells from being damaged with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and skincare products that contain Tyrosinase Inhibitor ingredients. Tyrosinase Inhibitors will prevent the enzyme Tyrosinase from “misfiring” or over-oxidizing so there is no overproduction of pigment in the skin. This will lighten and brighten pigmentation and prevent more pigmentation from forming.

Tyrosinase Inhibitors are not only for those who have Hyperpigmentation but also for clients who don’t have hyperpigmentation yet. We have all heard the saying “it’s easier to prevent than it is to correct” and that saying applies here. You might have a beautiful, even skin tone now, but we want to make sure it stays that way. Using a Tyrosinase Inhibitor will help protect your skin and prevent you from forming hyperpigmentation. And just because you don’t see hyperpigmentation yet, doesn’t mean your cells aren’t damaged. Oftentimes hyperpigmentation is lying underneath the skin and will surface later-on in life. You can prevent this hyperpigmentation from happening or from surfacing altogether with tyrosinase inhibitors.

Tyrosinase Inhibitors will correct hyperpigmentation and prevent it from forming but it does require continued use. Our skin has a memory and once it’s been damaged hyperpigmentation can come back, especially if the cells are left unprotected. Using a Tyrosinase Inhibitor with the addition of high-quality broad-spectrum SPF you will help to protect the cells from damage.