Skin pigmentation (also known as hyperpigmentation) is defined as the appearance of brown patches or other uneven discolouration on the skin. While skin pigmentation might seem like a harmless cosmetic problem for most people, it can have a pretty significant effect on a person’s appearance and self-esteem. Here’s what you need to know about it:
RELATED: 4 ways to boost your skincare regimen
What Is Skin Pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation is caused by melanin, a pigment in our skin that gives it colour. Normally, the amount of melanin in our skin stays constant, but in the case of hyperpigmentation, the distribution of melanin is uneven, creating a blotchy appearance. Skin pigmentation often occurs via sun damage, melasma, hormonal imbalance, or injury to the skin.
Most cases of pigmentation can be classified as “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation”, which appear as dark spots on your face and neck caused by acne or other injuries on the face. Your melanin levels rise as your skin heals from injury, and the spots can remain for weeks after the cause.
Skin pigmentation can be difficult to treat because you can’t just peel away the sun spots from your skin. It’s relatively harmless, though some people might choose removal options for aesthetic reasons.
Can You Treat Skin Pigmentation?
You can treat skin pigmentation, but it isn’t as simple as getting some cream or scheduling a laser appointment. If you want to know how to get rid of those blemishes, it’s important to figure out what’s causing them to appear in the first place – if you don’t do that, you might end up causing more damage to your skin.
There are five common ways you can medically treat skin pigmentation:
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion (or skin needling)
- Light therapy
- Laser resurfacing
- Cryo treatments
On the other hand, these home remedies have also proven to be very popular:
- Orchid extracts
- Aloe Vera
- Black tea water
- Apple cider vinegar
- Milk
Some people are more prone to skin pigmentation than others, and its severity can depend on factors like your lifestyle, genetics, and even your age. If you’re cosmetically concerned about your skin pigmentation, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for advice.
Treatments For Skin Pigmentation+
Lytera® 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
Treatment: Serum
Price: Starts at $175 AUD
How to get it: Website
Formulated for all skin types and skin tones, this supplement is best paired with other treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy. Its powerful mix of ingredients helps balance melanin levels in the skin, enhance skin texture, and avoid the further appearance of dark spots.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Treatment: Serum
Price: Starts at $70 AUD
How to get it: Website
Vitamin C and collagen are critical to helping your skin recover from hyperpigmentation. This serum is infused with plenty of these ingredients, along with green tea extract to further enhance their effects. Excellent for regular use!
Mesoestetic Dermamelan Treatment Cream
Treatment: Cream
Price: Starts at $150 AUD
How to get it: Website
For hormonal-induced skin pigmentation, we’d recommend going with Dermamelan. It’s a cream that you can easily apply at home that can work in as little as two weeks. As a maintenance medication that you can use for recurring dark spots, it definitely gets you bang for your buck.
Kaya Clinic Pigmentation Reducing Complex
Treatment: Cream
Price: Starts at $50 AUD
How to get it: Website
If you want to get a product that works fast with little effort, try Kaya Clinics’ formula. This special night cream prevents skin blemishes from ever appearing and works with other types of skin discolouration like dark circles. The combination of different ingredients like azelaic and phytic acids galvanise your melanin levels, giving you results in less than two weeks!
A Note Before Looking Into Treatment
Always consult with your dermatologist about treatment options. They’ll be able to advise the best treatment for you, and they might even be able to show you some before and after photos to help ease your mind. With a little research, medical advice, and patience, you’ll find those spots vanishing away in no time at all!
RELATED: The benefits of natural skincare products
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
