Reducing Pigmentation

May 18

What can we do about Pigmentation?

Pigmentation can be frustrating, creating uneven skin tone in the form of freckles, dark spots or patches.

Unfortunately some skins are more prone to certain types of pigmentation, and daily sun exposure (even if it’s through your car windows) can cumulatively worsen these pigmented areas.

We chat to one of our skin specialists from our spa in Alexandra about the expert-approved ways to beat pigmentation and achieve a clearer, more radiant skin tone.

What causes pigmentation?

While there are many causes of pigmentation, the one we find most prevalent here at Harmony in Central Otago is pigmentation caused by sun damage.

We find a lot of clients have sun damage on not only their face and décolletage, but also their hands. Hormonal factors (such as pregnancy) can also be the cause of excess pigment, often resulting in darkened areas on the face.

How have skin and beauty products changed over the years when it comes to treating pigmentation?

The biggest shift I’ve seen in regards to both treating and preventing pigmentation is the ever-growing knowledge and research we have. Gone are the days of lathering our bodies in oil and bathing in the sun!

I have clients that wish they knew 20 years ago about the damage of not wearing a daily SPF. But it’s never too late to start!

When it comes to treating pigmentation, the products and technology we have today to help remove and lighten pigment are far more effective than they’ve ever been.

Our clients love that they can come to us to achieve real results, rather than the old days of buying skin lightening creams that barely work.

Is it really possible to correct and reduce pigment in the skin using treatments?

Definitely, we’ve seen incredible results from Dermapen microneedling and IPL for treating pigmentation, as well as the O Cosmedics Bio White Peel! This peel is packed full of ingredients helping to improve pigment, one being StayC-50, a Tyrosinase inhibitor which helps to regulate pigment.

To begin the journey of addressing pigmentation, I always start with a good consultation with my client, and then delve straight into an O Cosmedics Pro Dermal Peel Facial. The journey then continues with the use of LED Light Therapy, and of course corrective at home skincare.

What’s the best way to prevent pigmentation?

Prevention begins with a good zinc based sunscreen! I recommend a daily SPF30 to every single one of my clients, my favourite being the Suntegrity range. When the understanding of why we need to be using SPF daily is there, applying one each morning without fail is an absolute no brainer.

The best part is, we now have sunscreens like Suntegrity or O Cosmedics Mineral Pro which aren’t greasy or irritating for the skin, thanks to their zinc-based formulas and skin-nourishing ingredients.

Which products would you recommend for treating existing pigmentation?

As with every skin condition, committing to a daily active skincare routine is the best way to aid in treating pigmentation at home.

The products I have personally seen the most change in my clients’ skins, and for treating my own pigmentation, is the O Cosmedics B3 Plus serum and the O Cosmedics Pure C+BHA powder.

Implementing these products into your daily skincare routine ensures the skin is breaking down epidermal pigment, while also regulating the pigment.