When looking to achieve a balanced complexion, nothing is more of a drag than unwanted spots or patchy skin tone. The technical term for this is hyperpigmentation, a broad term used to describe darker patches of skin. It’s formed from an overproduction of melanin (colour) in your skin. Sun damage, genetics, environmental exposures and skin trauma can all cause it.
It’s incredibly common and can be one of the most challenging issues. One of the most common questions in the studio is, “What is the best facial for pigmentation?”. There’s no other way to put it; trying to lighten the appearance of these patches is time-consuming, tedious and frustrating at times of re-occurrence.
The approach to treating hyperpigmentation is different for each individual. A skin specialist will help identify the problem and give you a rundown on treatment options depending on your skin tone, sensitivity, and budget. Common treatments usually involve photo rejuvenation, lasers, chemical peels, skin needling, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and both the Cosmelan peel and Dermamelan peel.
Now that you know how to get started on your treatment, here are some fascinating truths about hyperpigmentation.
1. Pigments are self-protecting
Sunlight tends to age all types of skin cells. Exposure to the sun can increase age spots, Melasma and post-inflammatory acne.
All skin types develop hyperpigmentation as they age. Lighter skin is more likely to produce freckle-type splotches. In comparison, darker skin types develop an overall unevenness.
When exposed to sunlight, your skin cells respond to UV light by producing more melanin as a self-protecting mechanism. Skin turning to a darker shade, whether by pigments or a tan, is a sign of damage and injury. Once this happens, your skin doesn’t get a fresh start.
Lathering on some SPF is crucial in preventing hyperpigmentation. It blocks UV light from reaching your skin and injuring your cells.
2. Different types of pigmentation requires a different approach to treatment
Hyperpigmentation can develop from several factors, such as scarring from acne, freckles that expand into sunspots or discolouration caused by eczema. Acne, the sun or rashes all have the potential to stimulate the melanin in your skin, causing discolouration.
Treatment can be different depending on the severity of the pigment. Deeper pigments are tougher to treat. One of the tougher pigments to treat is Melasma, a condition caused by sun exposure and hormonal influences. Oral contraceptives, pregnancy or hormone therapies are some known triggers for Melasma.
The type of spot you have will usually warrant a different treatment. My go-to for treating mild hyperpigmentation is chemical peels. Chemical peels have also shown great results when treating Melasma. For dense, less apparent spots, lasers are ideal.
3. Glowing skin reduces the appearance of pigmentation
Dry, dull skin can personify the appearance of dark spots or an uneven skin tone. Exfoliating and coupling your skin with regular brightening facials leave you with healthy, dewy skin that reflects light.
A brightening treatment can help block pigment production and increase cell turnover. Increased cell turnover speeds up the time it takes for your skin to flake away the upper sun-damaged layer to reveal new baby-soft skin.
4. Pigment goes beyond the surface of the skin
The full scope of hyperpigmentation is not visible to the naked eye. Surface pigmentation is, at times, more widespread below the skin’s surface.
Our skin has multiple layers split by the epidermis and the dermis, and in the case of pigmentation, excess melanin is present within each epidermis layer. It can sometimes be challenging to know how far the depth of the hyperpigmentation goes, so use your time and money treating pigmentation that has reached the surface while simultaneously targeting the cause of the pigmentation on a cellular level.
When treating pigment, it’s a good idea also to treat the entire face rather than just spot treating.
5. Treating hyperpigmentation at home
Progressively ministering pigmentation at home before any treatments and maintaining your complexion after your treatments will prolong results and prevent the re-occurrence.
A stellar home regimen targeted to combat pigmentation should include the following:
- Broad spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 for everyday protection
- Pigment regulators and Antioxidants, including Retinol, L-ascorbic acid and Niacinamide
- Anti-inflammatory- Azelaic acid and Tranexamic acid
- Tyrosinase inhibitors such as Alpha-arbutin, Resorcinol, Beta-White and Kojic acid
- Pigment regulators
- Surface renewing ingredients, including glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid
Neoretin Discrom Ligthening Peel Pads
The Neoretin DISCROM peel pads are very effective for brightening and improving facial pigmentation and help to increase the penetration of skin products that are layered on top. We recommend using these once a week for best results.
Dermaceutic Laboratories Mela Cream
Specifically made to treat pigment spots, Mela Cream by Dermaceutic inhibits the transfer of melanin in the skin and harmonises skin complexion.
Mesoestetic Cosmelan 2
Cosmelan 2 by Mesoestetic is a powerful depigmentation cream that contains a combination of potent ingredients that work by lightening areas of the skin that have been affected by the sun. This product is only sold conditionally or prescribed by our therapists.
Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum
Even Tone Correcting Serum, featuring the patented b.r.y.t. complex by skinbetter is a ground-breaking, non-hydroquinone, non-retinol formula that delivers a visibly dramatic reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentation, improving the appearance of brown patches, sun damage and discolouration.
iS Clinical Brigthening Complex
Stop pigmentation from all sides with iS Clinical Brightening Complex (formerly known as “White Lightening Complex”), a cutting-edge anti-aging formula for creating a lightened, brightened complexion. Packed with antioxidant protection, this lightweight fluid reduces inflammation, disrupts further darkening and exfoliates. Norwegian kelp and bearberry extract are fused into the revolutionary complex for their potent naturally lightening properties, while natural hydrators keep your skin comfortably moisturized.
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Dr. Murad’s next generation of powerhouse brightening ingredients take on the look of the most stubborn dark spots while treating your skin with the same care that a dermatologist would. This transformative, daily use serum goes one step beyond correction with antioxidant resorcinol that helps prevent the look of dark spots for more even skintone in the future.
Pigmentation is a skin concern that can be frustrating to deal with and even harder to manage without the right treatment and products. Our facial pigmentation treatments are as indulgent as they are transformative and are designed to enhance your natural beauty, whilst working towards your skin goals. For professional results that will last, book a consultation at our clinic today!
