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Pigmentation

What is pigmentation?

Pigmentation is simply, colour in your skin. Your skin gets this colour through a pigment called melanin, which is produced in the melanocytes, which can begin to overproduce, and cause clusters of darker spots on the skin, known as pigmentation.  

Pigmentation is one of the most common skin complaints, that affects all skin types, and it normally presents itself on the face, neck, arms, and hands (although, it can occur anywhere on the body), as these are often more exposed to the sun. As we age, the risk of pigmentation increases, and so it is very important to always remember your SPF, and to consult your doctor if you are concerned by it. 

What causes pigmentation

The main cause of pigmentation in the skin is damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, or from using tanning beds, as the UVA stimulates the melanocytes to manufacture the melanin pigment. The UVA is responsible for a tan, but also it can darken these uneven patches, and make them a lot more noticeable, and so it is very important to wear a sunscreen every day that is SPF 50, to prevent any further damage, and to stop the dark patches forming. These dark patches on the skin can take up to 20 years to develop, and unfortunately, if you have not been wearing your sunscreen daily, they may have already formed. 

Different types of pigmentation and treatment

Melasma

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that affects up to 33% of the population, and it causes patches of pigmentation, that is normally darker than the persons skin tone. Although, it can affect all genders, it is more prominent in women due to the hormonal changes that a woman goes through, especially during pregnancy. Although, it can occur anywhere on the body, it can be more prominent on the face, especially on the cheeks, nose bridge, and forehead.  

There are many potential triggers for melasma, including hormonal changes during pregnancy (known as chloasma), taking the contraceptive pill, and sun damage. Although, it is really important to ensure that sunscreen is used every day of the year, if you are experiencing melasma, it is especially important as the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause the pigmentation to darken further. Sunscreen, however, does not protect your skin from the UV rays completely, and so you should wear a wide brimmed hat when outside, and wear protective clothing.  

If you are experiencing melasma, it is important to speak to your doctor as they can decide the right course of treatment. Hydroquinone is normally, the first line of treatment for melasma, which works by lightening the colour of the skin patches over time, but there are other creams that may be suggested. If these do not work, microdermabrasion, chemical peels or LED light therapy may be used.

Freckles

Freckles are a form of pigmentation, where the skin produces too much melanin, but it does not spread it evenly, causing these little areas of discolouration. These freckles are completely benign and nothing to be concerned about, however you should always protect yourself with a sunscreen of SPF 50.  

There are 2 types of freckles, one that appears due to sunlight exposure in the summer (known as ephelides freckles) and freckles that appear much darker, and they are more permanent (known as lentigines freckles). There are ways to reduce the appearance of freckles, including laser pigmentation removal, however, if your freckles are concerning you, visit your dermatologist or doctor to discuss your treatment options.

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens where the skin produces extra melanin due to injury or irritation, and the most common cause of this is acne, eczema, and any other skin irritating conditions.  Although, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can affect people of all ages, and genders, it is more prevalent in people with darker skin tone as the skin naturally contains higher amounts of pigmentation.  

Although, areas of post-inflammatory pigmentation can fade on their own without treatment, there are some skincare ingredients that may reduce the appearance of the spots if they are superficial, including hydroquinone, azelaic acid, retinoids, salicylic and glycolic acid. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that goes deeper into the skin may be more difficult to treat, and unfortunately there is no quick fix for these marks, aesthetic treatments like chemical skin peels, microdermabrasion, and derma pen may help to improve the appearance of the hyperpigmentation, however, always speak to your doctor or dermatologist to determine the best course of action, as this usually involves a combination of treatments. 

Sunspots

Sunspots are a form of hyperpigmentation that are completely harmless, benign, and non-cancerous and so they do not need treatment unless they are causing you concern. They present themselves as flat dark spots that are caused by exposure to the sun, and they normally appear on the face, shoulders, arms, and hands as these normally get the most sun exposure.   

The only way to prevent sunspots, is to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, by using a high SPF sunscreen (ideally SPF 50), avoiding tanning beds, and covering up using clothing.  

If the appearance of sunspots does concern you, there are treatments that can reduce the appearance, including plasma pen, chemical skin peels and skin rejuvenation using lasers. It is always recommended to discuss treatment plans with your dermatologist or doctor, to see why treatment would be best for yourself. 

View all of our products for pigmentation

SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 50ml

Original price was: £122.00.Current price is: £91.99.

NeoStrata Redness Neutralising Serum

Original price was: £60.00.Current price is: £43.00.

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF 30ml

Original price was: £168.00.Current price is: £115.99.

SkinCeuticals Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 30ml

Original price was: £45.00.Current price is: £34.29.

SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

Original price was: £88.00.Current price is: £69.99.

SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen (SPF 50) 40ml

Original price was: £52.00.Current price is: £36.49.

NeoStrata Bionic Face Serum

Original price was: £69.00.Current price is: £41.99.

NeoStrata Enlighten Pigment Controller RRP £67

Original price was: £67.00.Current price is: £46.95.
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SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF 30ml

Original price was: £165.00.Current price is: £115.99.

Heliocare 360 AK Fluid SPF100+

Original price was: £32.99.Current price is: £27.49.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 %

Original price was: £105.00.Current price is: £84.99.

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cream

Original price was: £95.00.Current price is: £83.99.

Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Facial Primer

Original price was: £55.00.Current price is: £36.99.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Original price was: £75.00.Current price is: £56.00.

NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream

Original price was: £88.00.Current price is: £55.00.
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

iS Clinical Active Serum

£79.99£131.95
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

iS Clinical Super Serum Advance+

£82.25£139.99

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser

Original price was: £43.00.Current price is: £35.99.

Heliocare 360 Pigment Solution Fluid SPF 50+

Original price was: £32.99.Current price is: £27.00.

NeoStrata Enlighten Ultra Brightening Cleanser

Original price was: £37.99.Current price is: £25.50.

NeoStrata Gel Plus – For Oily Skin

Original price was: £55.00.Current price is: £36.99.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic 30ml

Original price was: £165.00.Current price is: £115.99.

NeoStrata Skin Brightener SPF35

Original price was: £69.00.Current price is: £35.00.

NeoStrata Enlighten Dark Spot Corrector

Original price was: £39.00.Current price is: £30.00.

NeoStrata Resurface Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Cream

Original price was: £57.00.Current price is: £34.99.

NeoStrata Skin Active Cellular Restoration RRP £89

Original price was: £89.00.Current price is: £54.99.

NeoStrata Skin Active Dermal Replenishment

Original price was: £89.00.Current price is: £52.99.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3% 30ml

Original price was: £80.00.Current price is: £63.99.

Our Recommendations

Your skincare routine when you have pigmentation, does depend on the cause of the pigmentation, and your doctor or skincare specialist will be able to help you form a skin care routine that can help with the appearance. 

Cleanser

NeoStrata Enlighten Ultra Brightening Cleanser – This soap, fragrance and paraben free cleanser gently exfoliates dark spots while brightening and clarifying the skin, leaving the skin feeling healthy, refreshed, and even. 

Moisturiser

Neoretin Gel Cream SPF 50 – A rapidly absorbing formula that helps to reduce dark spots and improve their appearance, all while controlling and regulating melanin production in the skin, preventing new spots arising.

Serum

IS Clinical Active Serum – A potent botanical serum that helps to assist in correcting pigmentation in the skin, and sun damaged skin. Using Polyporus umbellatus extract (mushroom), it can provide fast-acting, long-term results and diminish the appearance of uneven skin tone.  

Sun Protectant

Heliocare 360 Pigment Solution Fluid SPF 50 – specifically formulated to help prevent and treat pigmentation, while protecting the skin from the damaging UVA (prevents aging) and UVB (prevents burning). It is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin, making it the perfect recommendation for pigmentated skin. 

Make-Up

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Breathable Foundation SPF 25 – a breathable makeup that is perfect for all skin types, that can conceal pigmentation marks without drying it out, or causing irritation. It also contains skincare ingredients that can help repair, renew, and diminish redness and pigmentation.  

Our Recommendations

Your skincare routine when you have pigmentation, does depend on the cause of the pigmentation, and your doctor or skincare specialist will be able to help you form a skin care routine that can help with the appearance. 

No products were found for this query.

A highly effective foaming cleansing gel that uses dual acids to improve the clarity of the skin and remove the build up of dead skin cells. This cleanser contains 8% glycolic acid and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Containing salicylic, citric, mandelic and tartaric acid, as well as pro-Vitamin A, it exfoliated dead skin cells and unclogs pores.

Environ’s Sebu-Lac Lotion is a non-oily formulation containing a combination of lactic acid and skin moisturisers for a problemed skin type.

This cleanser combines the potent acids, salicylic and glycolic, to exfoliate and smooth the appearance of skin prone to breakouts and premature ageing.

NeoStrata’s Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser is a deeply exfoliating mandelic cleanser ,perfect for oily and breakout prone skin types. 

Treatments for anti-ageing

There are a vast number of non-surgical cosmetic procedures whose aim is to provide a more youthful appearance, common treatments include:

Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion
LED Light Therapy
Photorejuvenation
Lasers

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