How to combat pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a very common skin concern and can affect all skin types. In fact, it is one of the most common skin complaints that my clients wish to treat in order to achieve a more even and flawless complexion.

But what exactly is pigmentation, what causes it, and is it possible to effectively minimise its appearance with skin treatments?

Let's start at the beginning…

What causes pigmentation?

Pigmentation occurs when additional melanin is produced, which is then deposited within the deeper layers of the skin to give a darker appearance. Pigmentation can appear in both small and larger patches on all areas of the body.

There are a variety of things that can cause the body to produce extra melanin and cause pigmentation, including sun damage, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. Pigmentation can also develop after an acne or eczema flare-up as the body works to heal inflammation.

Can I prevent pigmentation?

There are a number of things that you can do to reduce the risk of developing hyperpigmentation. Avoiding direct sunlight is one of the main modes of prevention, which can be achieved by staying beneath a sun umbrella during peak sunshine hours, wearing a hat to shade your scalp, face and neck, and using a broad-spectrum SPF every single day.

Remember, UV rays can penetrate glass windows, so it's still important to use an SPF, even on days when you're going to be indoors.

Can pigmentation be treated?

Yes, there are a number of treatments that can effectively and efficiently minimise the appearance of skin pigmentation.

For those wanting to explore their topical treatment options, skincare which is formulated with active ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C, can be extremely effective. These active ingredients work in different ways, so it might take a little bit of experimentation to find a topical product that works best for you.

Retinoids or vitamin A work to minimise pigmentation by increasing skin cell turnover and encouraging the production of new, healthy, pigmentation-free skin cells. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can help to reduce the effects of and protect against future UV damage.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can also be used to minimise pigmentation, with mild strengths available in over-the-counter products and higher concentrations available in medical grade products that your skin practitioner should be able to provide.

Treating pigmentation with aesthetic treatments

If you find that topical skincare products aren't quite enough to help you to achieve your ideal outcomes, there are a variety of in-clinic skin treatments that can help.

- Peels

Skin peels are one of the most accessible treatments available, with options to suit all skin types. High strength AHA peels can be done on a one-off basis or monthly for up to six months to achieve the best outcomes.

- Microneedling

Microneedling treatments are especially adept at treating pigmentation in the deeper layers of the skin. This type of treatment uses tiny needles which penetrate into the skin and cause micro-injuries that trigger the body's natural healing processes. As the body works to heal these tiny injuries, melanin production is normalised and skin tone becomes more even.

Visiting your trusted skin practitioner is the first step towards achieving an even complexion. I recommend booking a bespoke skin consultation, which will give you and your practitioner the opportunity to explore your skin concerns and devise a personalised skincare and treatment plan.