Unwanted pigmentation can create an uneven look to your skin. Skin gets its colour from a substance called melanin, which is made by skin cells. When those skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can produce too much melanin. The melanin can clump, causing that area to appear darker. Pigmentation can appear for many reasons, from hormonal changes to inflammation and use of certain medications. But here we are just talking about the typical pigmentation that you get from sun exposure, which, in Australia, is one of the most common concerns that we treat in our clinic.
Pigmentation Treatment
When you are looking to fade pigmentation, two things are super important to know; one is that prevention is always better than cure, so using a broad spectrum sunblock is essential, and two; do not expect overnight miracles. Although it doesn’t take long for pigmentation to form and appear on your skin, it takes much longer for it to be successfully treated. Using products that promise quick results usually contain chemical ingredients that ‘bleach’ the skin. These types of products cause the skin’s protective barrier, the epidermis, to become inflamed, impaired and will cause long term damage to the skin. Using products that heal and protect the skin is essential, but you really need to allow a good 4 to 6 weeks before you begin to notice a significant difference, although you will notice healthier looking skin before this time.
Here are the top products to use to treat pigmentation from sun damage:
Vitamin B
B vitamins, specifically vitamin B3, often referred to as niacinamide or niacin, helps to regulate pigmentation by decreasing melanin production as well as increasing collagen synthesis, which helps with fine lines and wrinkles (another concern that can be caused by sun damage). Aside from decreasing melanin, B vitamins applied topically to the skin also acts as a brightening agent, leaving the skin looking healthier and more radiant. The use of a vitamin B serum also increases the efficacy of other serums, such as vitamin A and C, meaning you get the most out of the benefits of all your products! Not only that, it also helps to regulate oil production, making it a great ingredient for those who suffer from oily skin or acne caused by congestion.
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Vitamin C
Most people know the wonderful and varied benefits of vitamin C, and this is one of the products that we recommend as an ‘essential’ in any skin care routine. Not only does vitamin C have natural lightning properties that help to even out your skin tone, it also fights against free radical damage. This is damage caused by not only the sun, but also from environmental toxins, toxins in food, blue light damage and general environmental pollution. Fighting pigmentation most definitely requires the help of a vitamin C serum. And of course, the added benefit of collagen stimulation is something we all want.
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Vitamin A
Vitamin A or retinal/retinol, is used to speed up cellular turnover. This is important when treating pigmentation as it shifts dead cells faster, and when you have products that are bringing pigmentation to the surface in order for it to shift, you need vitamin A to make this happen more effectively. Vitamin A does this really well by replacing old cells with new ones more regularly, it acts a bit like an exfoliant in that regard. Vitamin A is also one of the most effecting ingredients for lines and wrinkles as it stimulates collagen, probably the most effectively out of all vitamins.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the use of Bakuchiol in products is an excellent retinol alternative.
We love
- Aspect Dr Exfol A
- Osmosis Calm (great for sensitive skins)
- Cosmedix Elite Serum 24 (for the serious, experienced vitamin A users)
- Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides (retinol alternative)
Pigment Serums
Of course there are serums that are formulated specifically to treat pigmentation, and these include a variety of ingredients that block, fade and prevent pigmentation. They usually contain doses of vitamins C and B, but not as high as a dose as you get if you use a straight B or C serum. These pigment serums are typically high dose serums that are designed to treat pigment in the most effective way possible, and if you are serious about treating pigmentation, then these are the ones for you.
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- PCA Pigment Gel Pro
- Osmosis Perfection Pigment Corrector
- Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Plus
- Cosmedix Simply Brilliant
- Cosmedix Elite X-Cell
- SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector
Exfoliators
Using an exfoliator greatly improves the tone and texture of the skin, and like retinol, although to a higher degree, will remove dead skin that is holding pigment. Depending on your skin type, exfoliators can be used once to twice per week, and come in two forms – enzymatic, which uses enzymes to break down the glue like substance (keratin) that sticks dead skin cells together or a manual exfoliant, which contains small granules to gently scrub away dead skin build-up. Enzyme exfoliators are better for those with thinner skin or sensitive skin, while granular exfoliants are great for those who have thicker skin and can suffer from congestion. One is not better than the other – they both work effectively.
We love
- Aspect Dr Lanazyme Micro Peel (enzyme)
- Aspect Dr Fruit Enzyme Mask (enzyme)
- Aspect Illuminating Polish (granular)
- Dermalist Ultra Smoothing Facial Exfoliant (combines both enzymes and granules)
SPF
Of course, prevention is always best, and there is no point fighting pigmentation without the use of a daily SPF, regardless of the outside temperature. Australia has such harsh UV rays, and so using a broad spectrum SPF is essential, especially in the summer months. Luckily, these days, using a high spectrum SPF does not mean that you only have thick, white, greasy products to use. Skin Care brands have now formulated SPF’s to glide on like a moisturiser by refining the ingredients to small particles. But don’t worry – these are not nano-particles that can get into your system!
We love
- Aspect Hydrating Face SPF 50
- Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF 50
- We Are Feel Good Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50 (great for kids)
- SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50
- Aspect Dr Hydra Shield (a daily moisturiser that contains zinc for sun protection. This is a great option for the cooler days, away from summer)
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy that uses red and near-infrared light has been proven to help not only increase collagen, but to heal the skin and even out skin tone by effectively treating pigmentation. Omnilux have created at home devices that you can use several times per week for more luminous, healthier skin.
Body Pigmentation
Typically, women suffer this more than men, due to our clothing usually being lower at the front. This can mean pigmented chests that are prone to sagging. The use of creams that stimulate collagen and fade and block pigment are beneficial in this area, although you can always bring your serums down to cover the neck and chest;
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- Aspect Pigment Punch Body
- PCA Skin Perfecting Neck and Décolleté
- Omnilux Neck and Décolleté (LED Light Therapy)
Best Selling Pigmentation Skin Care Options
If you need any help in choosing your skin care, you can email us at info@theskincareclinic.com.au.
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