Pigmentation can take many forms: age spots, freckles, and moles or patches, stains, and Melasma.

The root cause of pigmentation can be sun damage, inflammation, or hormonal changes. However, they all have the same symptoms: pigment-producing melanocytes in the base layer of skin produce more pigment on certain parts of the face and body or distribute pigment unevenly. Many treatments can be used to remove pigmentation. However, they are not always permanent. You will need to maintain your skin in order to keep pigmentation at bay. How it works is explained here.

Why can pigmentation recur, and how is it formed?

Melanocytes, which are cells found in the deeper layers, produce pigment or melanin. In an ideal world, the pigment made by the melanocytes would be evenly distributed across the skin. However, this is not always the case.

Hormones can cause melanocytes, which produce pigments, to overproduce. This is the case with Melasma, pregnancy-related pigmentation, and inflammation.

Even after treatment, uneven pigmentation may return because the melanocytes continue to produce pigment. Below are some ways to stop it from returning.

Every four weeks, the surface layer of skin sheds or exfoliates. The visible pigment trapped in this layer is reformed each month by the melanocytes, who transfer pigment to new skin cells.

You can manage pigmentation on a long-term basis by removing the pigmentation that is trapped both in the surface and deeper layers of the skin. Then, use a serum to inhibit pigmentation and control your triggers.

How can you remove pigmentation that has already been applied?

It is important to speak to a Clinician before you choose a laser to treat your pigmentation. This will ensure that the treatment is right for you.

The Fraxel Laser, for example, can be effective in treating certain sun damage types because it accelerates your skin’s cell turnover. The pigmented cells on the skin’s surface fall off, and newer, healthier layers with an even skin tone appear.

The Fraxel is effective for age spots and sun damage, but if you suffer from postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or Melasma, it can make your pigmentation worse.

It’s usually better to use a Pico Laser for Melasma, PIH, or other similar conditions. Pico laser uses vibrational energy to target and safely break down pigmentation on your skin. The body will then naturally remove these particles.

It may take a few treatments before you achieve the desired results. You can achieve better results and maintain them over time by using a pigment-inhibiting serum, as well as managing common triggers.

How can you prevent pigmentation for a long time?

There are four main considerations when it comes to managing pigmentation: UV protection, exfoliation, pigment-inhibiting serums, and vitamins/antioxidants.

UV Protection

Sun protection is the priority. Sun exposure can trigger pigmentation, regardless of your type. A daily sunblock will help. The sun’s damage can accumulate, and UV rays are able to penetrate glass windows. Wearing sunscreen is important even when you only spend a short time outdoors, like parking your car.

In addition to sun sensitivity, Melasma can also be caused by stress and hormonal changes. It is, therefore, important to control these triggers.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation promotes healthy cell turnover and helps to remove pigmented skin cells. Exfoliation removes some of the dead skin cells from the surface layer of your skin, allowing your serums and pigment inhibitors to penetrate and absorb better.

After cleansing with a mild AHA cleanser, we recommend using an exfoliating lotion. It is better for the skin than using abrasive products.

Pigment Inhibiting Serum

Your melanocytes are constantly producing melanin, so when there is visible pigmentation, we know they’re too active. A pigment-inhibiting serum should contain ingredients that inhibit overactive melanocytes.

Three powerful natural ingredients, Algowhite (Amla Fruit extract) and Sepi White (an enzyme derived from pine), inhibit the production of pigment in melanocytes.

RejuvAus S2 Super Whitening and Brightening Serum have all three, along with Vitamin B3, which can regulate pigmentation by blocking melanin transfer from melanocytes to your regular skin cells.

Vitamins To Reduce Pigmentation

Vitamin 3 (also known as Niacinamide) has many benefits for your skin. One of them is that it regulates pigmentation by blocking the PAR2 receptors.

The PAR 2 receptors (proteinase-activated receptors) are responsible for starting melanosomes, which are cellular organs that transfer pigment to skin cells. Vitamin B3 helps block PAR 2 receptors, preventing unwanted pigment from being transferred onto skin cells.

Vitamin C also inhibits pigmentation but is on a different path than Vitamin B3. Vitamin C works by inhibiting tyrosinase. This enzyme is responsible for pigment production. It can also brighten the skin’s overall tone.

Professional Guidance

Each of us is unique, and our skin pigmentation will be different. It’s great to have an overview of treatment, UV protection, and pigment-inhibiting skin care. Still, it’s better to consult a Clinician who can help you understand your skin’s nature and determine the best maintenance and treatment plan.