Before we talk about how to reduce the appearance of facial pigmentation, you should know what pigmentation actually is.
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is the skin’s natural colouring. This colour comes from a substance called melanin, which is made by special cells called melanocytes. Melanin helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays. It acts as a natural barrier by absorbing and dispersing sunlight.
But different things can cause your body to make too much melanin or distribute it unevenly. This can lead to dark spots, patches, or skin darkening. This is what people commonly call pigmentation. Changes in skin pigmentation are natural, but they can affect many people.
About 50% of people worldwide have a pigmentary disorder. Women are affected more often, making up almost 59% of reported cases. In Australia, about 48% of the population experiences pigmentary disorders.
Skin pigmentation is a key part of your body's defense. Melanin not only colours your skin, but also the colour of your hair and eyes. The amount and type of melanin your skin makes affects your skin tone. This is influenced by your genes, hormones, and the environment.
While pigmentation is common, it can be managed. With the right skincare and professional treatments, you can reduce the look of dark spots on your skin. You just need the right support and guidance.
What Causes Pigmentation?
There are several reasons why this happens. Let’s explore the most common causes below:
1. Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is a main cause of pigmentation. When your skin is in the sun, UV rays make it produce more melanin. More melanin helps protect you from the sun’s UV radiation. But too much sun can disrupt this process and cause dark patches on your skin.
2. Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress happens when there's an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Things like smoking, a poor diet, and too much sun can cause this imbalance. Free radicals can make your melanocytes work too hard, which leads to more melanin. This can cause pigmentation.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also trigger hyperpigmentation. When hormones change, like during pregnancy or if you start a new birth control, it can lead to more melanin production. This is often called the pregnancy mask.
4. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens when the skin experiences trauma, such as from squeezing or picking at spots. The trauma starts an inflammatory response that can mess up how your melanocytes work. This can cause your skin to get discoloured. This type of pigmentation can take a while to fade on its own. People with darker skin are more likely to get it.
5. Age and Genetics
Your age and genes also play a big part in pigmentation. As you get older, your skin ages from both time and your environment. Chronological aging is simply the passage of time, while sun exposure and pollution influence environmental aging.
How to Prevent Pigmentation?
It is not possible to prevent all pigmentation. But you can take some steps to reduce it. Follow these tips to protect your skin and maintain a more even tone:
-
Limit your time in the sun.
-
Apply sunscreen every day.
-
Add vitamin C to your skincare routine.
-
Try not to touch your face.
-
Wear a protective hat.
How to Reduce the Appearance of Facial Pigmentation
A consultation is required to determine suitability for any of these treatments.
1. BioRePeel
BioRePeel is a modern chemical peel that exfoliates deeply. It works on the skin's surface to help exfoliate and help address the look of uneven pigmentation and dullness over time.
2. Morpheus8
Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency. This treatment delivers energy below the skin’s surface, which may help support collagen production and visibly improve tone and texture.
3. LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to address the skin. LED can help with the appearance of surface redness and congestion, while infrared light uses specific light wavelengths that may support the appearance of clearer skin and improve the overall skin appearance.
4. Limelight on XEO+
Limelight on XEO+ is a non-invasive light-based treatment designed to address skin tone irregularities. It uses gentle pulses of light that may help reduce the appearance of pigmentation, redness, and sun spots, leaving the skin looking clearer and more even.
5. Lumecca IPL
Lumecca uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to address visible signs of sun exposure and discolouration. It may help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and freckles. Over time, the skin can appear more even and refreshed.
Personalised Skin Consultation in Melbourne
Your skin has a story, and sometimes pigmentation is a part of it you’d like to change. At Skin Bottega, our process begins by listening to yours.
A good path forward comes from a personalised plan, combining our knowledge of what's current in skincare with your unique concerns. A consultation with us is the start of a new chapter for your skin. One focused on achieving a clearer, more even-toned appearance.