Pigmentation and Dark Spots…
What are they and how do we treat them at home??
With the summer creeping in the buzzword in the skincare industry is pigmentation and dark spots...
What does our daily routine have to do with dark spots? Sun exposure is a well-known cause of melanin production. Melanin, the substance in the skin that gives it its color, is also the leading cause of uneven pigmentation.
Also, a strong link between airborne pollution and dark spots has been suggested by recent research: particles become lodged in the skin’s deeper structure and oxidize (damage) the surrounding tissue, leading to skin damage and uneven pigmentation. Research shows that rising levels of airborne soot and traffic-generated pollution cause a 20-25% increase in dark spots – adding up to 20 years to one’s perceived age!
So first off… what is Pigmentation??
Hyperpigmentation is a change in the skin that will cause dark spots. These changes mean that your skin has produced more melanin than it typically does – usually in response to hormones, UV exposure, hormones or injury.
But what causes dark spots? Sometimes – in response to a variety of internal or external triggers – the skin produces irregular amounts of melanin, which leads to color-clumping at the skin’s surface. This over-production is the root cause of dark spots/hyperpigmentation. Though melanin naturally protects our skin from harmful UV rays, the skin occasionally overproduces melanin. This overproduction of melanin is what causes dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation.
What is NOT Hyperpigmentation
These are a normal part of your skin’s natural coloring. Embrace them!
Freckles
these are genetic and will fade/darken depending on sun exposure. They are common in those who do not have a lot of melanin in their skin, therefore, are not as protected by the sun…… despite what I was told when I was young… they do not eventually join up to form a full tan (am I the only one that believed this??)
Those with freckles should see them as a warning sign that they need to ensure they are well protected from the sun and wear high SPF.
Moles
Birthmarks
Examples of common causes of Hyperpigmentation -
Melasma - Aka Chloasma
Commonly known as the “butterfly mask of pregnancy” this is recognized by light brown patches on the forehead nose and cheek area one or two shades darker than your own skin tone and is caused by fluctuation in hormones particularly pregnancy and menopause.
Generally if caused by pregnancy it will disappear after the baby arrives.. but not always
This can be either temporary or permanent and is caused by hormone shifts during pregnancy. Even medications such as birth control pills can cause hormonal dark spots. It gets worse with sun exposure.
Hormonal
following on from Melasma, other hormonal causes of hyperpigmentation and dark spots can be puberty, taking the contraceptive pill, HRT, and thyroid medication.
UV rays / Sun Spots
Unprotected sun exposure is the biggest trigger for melanin production - It’s also the leading cause of dark spots; Fortunately, UV-induced hyperpigmentation is widely considered to be the easiest type to treat.
Sunspots are related to excess exposure to UV rays over time and are widely considered to be the most common type of dark spot. They generally appear as dark spots on areas that are typically exposed to the sun, such as the hands, neck, chest, and face.
Post Inflammatory Hyper Pigmentation (PIH) / Acne Scars
Inflammation is any trauma to the skin, whether it’s a wound, breakout, or even the result of a medical procedure such as resurfacing or laser hair removal, can cause melanocytes(the cells that produce the skins color melanin) to be damaged and over overstimulated, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Darker skin types are particularly susceptible to this type of hyperpigmentation.
Susceptibility to PIH typically increases with age, as cell turnover slows with age and it takes dark spots longer to move to the skin’s surface and slough off
So, can it be treated??
There is a wide variety of methods to treat Hyperpigmentation or dark spots, varying from at home over counter products, professional retail products, Professional standard skin treatments, and advanced skin treatments.
A lightening serum such as the Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Serum or IMAGE Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum can do wonders for reducing the appearance of dark spots, but consistency is key! You need to ensure you use it daily as recommended to get the results!
The next big thing in brightening gives dull skin a visible recharge, instantly and over time.
This concentrated corrector + skin brightener serum helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots while enhancing luminosity for a lit-from-within glow. The power-packed formula with tranexamic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide delivers optimal brightening benefits and targets dull, uneven skin tone. Silky and lightweight, this liquid booster can be applied on its own and layers seamlessly under your favorite crème.
The light, translucent texture with refreshing geranium and orange oils effortlessly sinks into skin and leaves a soft, dewy finish that suits all skin types especially those experiencing pigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone and texture
Part of the award-winning* ILUMA collection, this advanced skin brightener meets our clean clinical skincare™ standard and is formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, synthetic dyes or animal testing.
*2019 and 2020 American Spa Professional’s Choice Awards winner, favorite lightening line
This quick-absorbing serum addresses both skin discoloration and redness, offering a calming and brightening solution for irritated, sun-damaged and sensitive skin. A blend of botanical brighteners and vitamin C encourages a clear, even-toned complexion. Ideal for those skins that prefer a hydroquinone-free product.
Physician formulated for
Redness-prone skin
Sun-damaged skin
Sensitive and irritated skin
Post-peel irritation
Transports spheres of proprietary active ingredients deep into the skin, Brightens skin and lightens the appearance of discoloration, Promotes more even skin tone, Calms irritation, Reduces the appearance of redness
Formulated with high-tech ingredients that start working fast, it visibly fades dark spots in just a few days – and keeps working over time to deliver smooth, even-toned skin. Embrace natural, glowing skin, and see yourself – without dark spots.
Dermalogicas powerbright dark spot serum starts fading dark spots in a week, and continues to diminish them over time. It also brightens and boosts skin’s natural luminosity.
Light-diffusing technology begins to balance the appearance of uneven pigmentation after one use, and continues working overtime.
Niacinamide and Hexylresorcinol: help fade dark spots, for brighter, more even-toned skin and Shiitake Mushroom to brighten skin.
Adaptogenic Ashwagandha: smoothes and delivers antioxidant benefits while Black Currant Oil and Peony Flower helps boost skin’s natural luminosity.
Anyone with concerns for Pigment should be religious about using SPF. We recommend SPF 50 broad spectrum, sunscreen DAILY! The standard spf of 30 is also fine, but if your skin is particularly fair the higher the SPF the better. We will be doing a blog post of SPF next month, but check out our range of SPF’s by Dermalogica and Image Skincare to kickstart your skincare routine!
Check out the video below to see how to apply your serum!!
