How To Tackle Pigmentation Problems
We all dream of having naturally clear, radiant and smooth skin. While make-up can help you create the complexion you want, in reality completely clear skin is much harder to achieve. There are a number of skin problems which can make us feel unhappy with our appearance, from acne to wrinkles, but one of the most common ones is pigmentation. Luckily this is a skin issue which can be tackled with the right treatment, but in order to find the right treatment it’s important to understand what causes pigmentation and where the damage to your skin has come from.
What Is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is simply the darkening of the skin where there has been an overproduction of melanin, the substance in the body which is responsible for colour. Pigmentation and tends to appear on areas of the body which are commonly exposed such as the hands, face, neck, chest or arms, and although is not usually serious but it can be aesthically upsetting. It can affect anyone, but is more prevalent in those with Asian, Mediterranean, Latin or African backgrounds. The size of the pigmented area can vary
What Are The Causes?
1. UV Exposure – Sun damage is one of the main causes of pigmentation. Melanin is the skin’s first line of defence against the sun as it absorbs UV rays. But it can only protect you so much, when melanin can no longer absorb the UV then you get sunburnt, a signal that your skin has been damaged. UV rays can trigger a growth of excess skin cells called solar lentigo, more commonly known as reckless and sun spots. The cells, visible of the skin due to the pigmented brown melain, cluster together, forming marks a few shades deeper than you skin tone
2. Hormonal Fluctuations – Oestrogen changes due to pregnancy or the contraceptive pill, stimulate melanocyte cells, which are responsible for producing pigment, and create melasma. These are large patches of melanin in the skin which, unlike freckles, do not stay confined to small spots
3. Skin Injuries – Trauma to the skin, like a hair straightener burn or acne, can also kickstart melanin production. This is more prevalent in Asian, Hispanic or Black skin, and can leave dark marks cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
How To Treat Pigmentation
If you have patches of pigmentation of the skin then it is important to stop the spots from darkening further and to prevent new ones from forming. Sun exposure remains the main cause of pigmentation, and even the smallest amount on unprotected areas can make pigmentation worse. Make sure your protect the skin with our Aqua Physics Defence Cream, which contains a mineral UV filter to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Secondly all pigmentation will respond to topical brightening ingredients. The most commonly known brightening ingredient is hydroquinone, but this bleaching agent is prescription only and is harsh on the skin. Instead try other brightening ingredients like Arbutin which have been clinically proven to brighten and even skin tone, without causing damage to the cells. Our Celestial Black Diamond Serum contains a concentrated Arbutin formula, which will help to clear the complexion with continued use over a few months. You can also find Arbutin in our Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Masks. The mask instantly adheres to your skin to deliver moisture to the skin. Infused with Arbutin, using this mask three times a week over a continued period will also help to brighten the face.