Let's Get Even... With Pigmentation
We all long for even, smooth glowing skin, but why does our skin seem to look “patchy” as we age, or why do our freckles only come out during summer? We are going to breakdown everything you need to keep your pigmentation under control and the products that will help you get even.
The colour of our skin is determined by the amount of melanin in our skin. Melanin is pigment, that can range from brown to black, that is produced by a skin cell called, the melanocyte. The melanocyte produces melanin to help protect our skin from inflammation inducing factors like, UV exposure and skin trauma. However, when the skin is under prolonged stress, the melanocyte kicks into overdrive producing too much melanin, leading to the appearance of dark patches, hello pigment!
Pigment Breakdown
Freckles
The most common type of pigmentation. Freckles can appear from repeated sun exposure, particularly in fairer complexions – think Snow White, she would be naturally get a lot of freckles (especially if she lived in Australia!) Genetics can also influence how prone you are to freckling. Some people also find their freckles are more prominent in the summer months over the winter months! And even in hotter climates, over cooler/snowy parts of the world. (so always remember that SPF on your next Bali vay-cay).
Solar Lentigines
Solar Lentigines are the pigmentation types also known as liver spots, sun spots, brown spots or age spots. They are caused by sun exposure (UV rays) and vary in colour from light brown to black. They can appear anywhere on the body and face are caused by UV rays from the sun exposure. To achieve the best results when targeting sun spots, the use of a daily sun protection SPF 30 or above, is vital!
Melasma
Melasma (or chloasma) is hyperpigmentation – appearing on the face as larger tan or brown patches with an indistinct border. Often related to a hormonal imbalance, often occurring during pregnancy (this is where the term ‘pregnancy mask’ comes in!), although sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetics may also lead to the appearance of melasma in the skin. Most commonly melasma is present on the cheeks and across the nose. This type of pigmentation you need to be patient with, using high quality products and regular professional treatments, melasma typically takes longer to see an improvement in the appearance as it sits in the deeper layers of the skin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is caused by trauma to the skin and is commonly associated with problematic skins, especially those with a higher Fitzpatrick (darker skin). When skin is damaged, the skin quickly tries to recover leading to inflammation that can trigger the melanocyte to produce more melanin to aid in protecting the skin (Hey – they are just trying to help!) To achieve the best results when targeting PIH, it is important to identify what is causing the skin to be stressed and focus on calming this first.
Let’s Get Even!
With so many contributing factors leading to pigmentation it is important to look for a product or treatment with a multi-pathway approach and ALWAYS pair with daily sun and antioxidant protection – Prevention is key when it comes to pigmentation!
PREVENT & PROTECT
Let’s start with the most important… Prevention & protection – there is no point even starting your journey targeting pigmentation if you don’t wear SPF every, single day.
HERO PRODUCTS
Our Aspect and Aspect Dr advanced formulations and products are created to target your pigmentation concerns effectively.
Check out our top picks from the Aspect range here.
These Aspect Dr products will help kickstart your skincare routine.
NEXT STEPS
We always recommend heading to an Aspect clinic partner for a skin consultation. After assessing your skin, the clinician will prescribe a personalised routine and/or treatments tailored to your specific skin type and concerns. This is the best way to kickstart your #AspectSkinJourney and get even with your pigmentation!
