PIGMENTATION: THE FACTS

Pigmentation is now the no.1 skin conern for Australian women, the most googled condition and sought after treatment. 

Pigmentation has many different ways of presenting, whether it is melasma, hormonal pigmentation, sun damage or post-iflammatory pigment - it’s important to understand exactly what it is and how to protect yourself against it.

WHAT IS PIGMENTATION?

Without going into too much science, pigment is caused by the overproduction of melanin in the skin.  Pigments are coloured substances from normal clusters of cells that give skin its colour. They are produced by the melanocyte cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis. Skin pigmentation problems occur because the body produces either too much or too little melanin, resulting in darker skin patches, freckles and uneven skin tone, caused by the uneven distribution of melanin. This is made worse by unprotected sun exposure or hormonal activity (common causes are use of birth control pill or pregnancy). Most skin pigment conditions can be treated with the right active ingredients, vigilant sun protection and an understanding of what caused the pigment to present in the first place.

WHAT MAKES IT WORSE?

Pigmentation is stimulated by several factors including ultraviolet light, progesterone, melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH), stress, inflammation, injury and heat. All of these things can make it manifest or worsen, but all can be avoided with targeted lifestyle changes and nutrition.

WHAT HELPS?

Pigmentation is best treated using a combination of skincare ingredients including tyrosinase inhibitors (pigment is produced when the enzyme tyrosinase) and of course an SPF50 daily with UVA/UVB protection. Antioxidants such as vitamin C in skincare and in your diet are also hugely beneficial in the prevention of pigmentation by stopping inflammation. It is also crucial to learn how and why your body may have reacted to cause the pigment in the first place, so a consultation with our naturopath and hormonal testing may be of interest. Dermally we prefer to treat pigmentation Healite Light Therapy, targeted Chemical Peels and IPL. Want to get started? Book an Initial Skin Consultation or start with a Complimentary Discovery Call.

SKINCARE PRODUCTS TO COMBAT PIGMENTATION

Key active ingredients such as Vitamin C to brighten skin, Vitamin A for cellular rejuvenation are key to any pigmentation regime. Targeted serums such as Medik8 White Balance Serum can boost results - and of course ALWAYS wear an SPF50 such as Medik8 Physical Sunscreen.

If pigment is a concern for you, contact Mi:skn Clinic for a consultation to discuss a personalised treatment protocol to a radiant, clear, pigment free complexion.