Pigmentation is easily one of the hardest conditions to treat/manage and so many people I come across in clinic tend to rely on one serum alone - then wonder why it’s not going away.
So in today’s class, that is what we are going to discuss: pigmentation.
You see, in our epidermis (the top layer of skin) we have melanocytes - which are the cells that make our pigment.
It's what gives our skin its colour, and in our pigment cells there is an enzyme called tyrosinase which is the key enzyme for creating pigment (aka melanin).
And the thing is, our skin can be revved up to create pigmentation via our pigment producing pathways.
Predominantly made worse by things like UV exposure, heat (which is why pigmentation can flare through summer), hormones etc…
However, the pigment pathways in our skin can also be calmed down - when treated correctly. Make sense?
So if we want to minimise pigment production we need to find a way to help calm down the production of pigment from our pigment producing cells - and this requires a multi-pronged approach. (And not just a one off vitamin C.)
Meaning, we need to be using a bunch of specific pigment-blocking and calming ingredients to help. (And for most people fighting pigmentation will also need to include clinical treatments like chemical peels and laser.)
So what ingredients should you have in your routine to treat pigmentation?
Let’s go through these together below.
Best Ingredients for Pigmentation.
SPF.
Sunscreen is going to prevent your pigmentation from getting worse.
If you have pigmentation concerns and you are not using sunscreen you are doing your skin a disservice.
UV will damage your cells, promote melanin production and worsen your pigmentation concerns.
Prevention is key - and it will be much cheaper to just wear it than to try to treat your pigmentation in ten years time. Wear. The. SPF.
Hydroquinone.
This is a prescription strength skin lightener and something that should be discussed with your doctor/dermatologist.
However, for some people it is beneficial and will reduce the production of melanin and even out the skin tone.
