Have darker patches of skin that give your complexion an uneven appearance? Skin pigmentation is one of the most frustrating skin conditions to treat. It can be caused by various factors such as sun exposure without proper protection, skin inflammation, or hormonal changes (like during pregnancy).
While avoiding skin pigmentation isn’t always in our control, professional guidance and a consistent skincare routine can help brighten, lighten, and maintain pigmented spots and areas.
Pigmentation Caused By Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is a major contributor to skin pigmentation, and probably the most avoidable culprit that can be curbed. No tan is worth a lifetime of hyperpigmentation. Avoid tanning and always use a zinc oxide-based SPF 50+ to protect your skin.
To prevent pigmentation, avoid direct sun exposure, use SPF regularly, wear a broad-brimmed hat, and avoid hot saunas. Why saunas? Heat can worsen hyperpigmentation as it induces inflammation, which is associated with pigmentation.
When addressing pigmentation caused by sun exposure, including products that contain mild AHA, BHA's, antioxidants, and vitamins (especially A and C) into your skin regimen is highly recommended.
Pigmentation Caused By Hormones
Melasma is another form of aggressive pigmentation that mostly affects women and is hormonally induced. It appears as splotchy brown spots on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and has a butterfly pattern. While commonly known as the "pregnancy mask," melasma can also occur due to birth control pills, IVF, or hormone replacement therapy.
Ways To Treat Pigmentation
There are various treatments for pigmentation such as brightening facials, chemical peels, laser treatments and targeted skincare products designed to brighten and lighten. Before starting any brightening therapies, it is essential to be on a skincare regimen that preps and primes the skin. The results of any professional treatments will be more effective with the proper skincare regimen in place.
Skincare Products
As an esthetician, I’ve seen some brightening and lightening products work wonders for resolving pigmentation issues.
My favorite products to treat pigmentation are from Biologique Recherche and Environ:
- Biologique Recherche P50 PIGM 400: Lotion P50 PIGM 400 is a vitamin-enriched exfoliating lotion that gently purifies, brightens and fades out the appearance of pigmentation spots. The only P50 that is designed to brighten the skin and is recommended for any skin type.
- Biologique Recherche Oligo-Protéines Marines: Oligo-Protéines Marines is a serum specifically designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles around the eye contour area. Brightens dull skin that is shallow and gray.
- Biologique Recherche Crème Aux Acides De Fruits: A true perfecting cream, Crème aux Acides de Fruits contains all the essential elements needed to gently exfoliate, smooth and refine skin texture. Contains mild fruit acids to help brighten pigmented skin or remove traces of acne scarring by gently exfoliating the skin.
- Biologique Recherche Crème PIGM 400: Crème PIGM 400 is a concentrate of active ingredients that brightens and protects skin, while reducing the appearance of dark spots. Gives the skin a luminous glow.
- Biologique Recherche Sérum PIGM 400: Specially formulated to prevent dark spots from appearing, reduce the appearance of existing pigmentation marks, and brighten and even out the complexion. Addresses sun spots and general sun-induced hyperpigmentation including melasma.
- Environ Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serums 1, 2, 3, 4: The technologically advanced serums in this Vitamin A step-up system range contain a powerful combination of ingredients that work in synergy to assist in: combating the visible signs of aging; creating the appearance of even, smoother and healthier looking skin; supporting and maintaining a radiantly youthful appearance.
- Environ Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream: Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream is a special oil soluble vitamin C infused cream which helps to reclaim the appearance of a younger, more healthy-looking luminous skin that has an even radiant glow.
- Environ Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturizer 1: Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturizer 1 is the introductory moisturizer in the Vitamin A step-up system and contains a low concentration of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which enhances the overall appearance of the skin.
- Biologique Recherche Masque VIP O2: Masque VIP O2 neutralizes pollutants to prevent them from reaching the skin cells, and eliminates cellular waste built up by the oxidation of lipids and proteins. With skin thoroughly cleansed and clear, the complexion is more radiant and brightened.
- Biologique Recherche ISO-Placenta: Its unique formula contains an active ingredient, the Biomimetic placenta, which mimics the composition of human placenta to provide the skin with all the elements it needs to regenerate. Best for post acne pigmentation (PIHP post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
- Environ Tri-Peptide Complex Avance Elixir: Avance Elixir is a multifunction serum that contains powerful ingredient combinations that may result in skin looking radiantly even and luminous, as well as resiliently younger for longer.
