Understanding Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation is the development of darker patches which can present in any area of the skin. They often develop under the eyes or around your upper lip, and they can be both large and smaller patches. These dark spots are not just caused by the sun; they can also stem from activities like squeezing a pimple, using the wrong products, or harsh skin treatments.
Watch our skin expert's video below to understand more about pigmentation and how to care for skin prone to it.
How Pigmentation Works: The Role of Melanocyte
Melanocytes are the skin cells responsible for producing melanin (dark skin patches). It is melanin that helps protect the skin when it experiences trauma. This trauma is not just from the sun; it can be from internal effects like hormones or medication (like the contraceptive pill) or external treatments and products. The production of the darker patch (melanin) is your skin's way of protecting or shielding itself. Think of it like as a brown shield that the skin puts up to protect itself from trauma.
Caring for Pigmentation-Prone Skin: 3 Essential Steps
Firstly, we need to calm the skin and help reduce the look of redness. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid will flood the skin with a protective jelly substance. It's important that we use a high-percentage hyaluronic acid and one that has different molecular weights so it can access 3 different layers of the skin. A good quality hyaluronic acid serum is always our first step to help calm the skin, as irritation can "wake up" the melanin.
Secondly, we need ingredients that help fade the look of existing dark patches so they blend in with your natural skin tone. For this step we recommend our Expert Lab Homecare pack, formulated to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots, including sunspots and age spots.
Lastly, to even out the skin tone, we need to bring these irregular spots to the surface using products with AHAs & BHAs; these ingredients are found in two of our Expert Lab Glycocure products. These help remove dead skin cells for a more even-looking, healthier complexion. The weekly use of The Intense Renewal Exfoliating Mask & Hydro - Retexturing Booster Concentrate is recommended to intensify your results.
Protecting Your Skin: The Importance of Sunscreen
As the sun causes trauma, it's always important to remember to apply sunscreen daily, as it is an essential part of caring for skin prone to pigmentation. We recommend wearing sunscreen every day. One of our most popular is our SPF 50 tinted anti-ageing sunscreen.
Pigmentation is a complex skin concern, as there are many causes. If you have more questions or would like to speak with a skin expert, please reach out to one of our friendly team members or book a skin consultation with our skincare expert. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, talk to your GP or dermatologist. Take care of your skin, and goodbye for now!
