Having smooth and glowing skin is something that all of us want to have. However, as we age, our skin also loses the glow and may appear “patchy”. Furthermore, we may also notice that freckles get more pronounced during the summer. These changes that you notice are called pigmentation. Continue reading to find out how you can put your pigmentation under control and what products will help.
The amount of melanin on our skin determines its colour. Melanin is a pigment that ranges from brown to black. It is produced by a skin cell called the melanocyte. Melanin helps protect our skin from UV exposure and skin trauma that causes inflammation.
So what causes pigmentation? Pigmentation happens when our skin is under prolonged stress that causes the melanocyte to produce too much melanin. This creates dark patches and spots.
PIGMENT BREAKDOWN
Freckles
This is the most common type of pigmentation. It is caused by repeated sun exposure and can be observed more on skin with a fairer complexion. Genetics is also one of the factors that contribute to the presence of freckles on your skin. In some cases, freckles are more prominent in the summer months compared to the winter months. It is always important to apply SPF to reduce the appearance of darkened freckles!
Solar Lentigines
Also known as liver spots, sun spots, age spots or brown spots. This particular type of pigmentation is caused by sun exposure particularly UV rays. It varies from brown to black in color. It can also appear on your face or any part of the body that is often exposed to the sun’s rays. To prevent and fade solar lentigines, daily sun protection of above 30 SPF or above is vital.
Melasma
Also known as chloasma is a form of hyperpigmentation. It appears as a larger tan or brown patch with an indistinct border. It is often caused by hormonal imbalance (may appear during pregnancy). Other factors such as sun exposure, genetics and hormonal changes also cause melasma on the skin. the most common melasma can be observed on the cheeks and across the nose. This is usually stubborn and requires high-quality products, patience and professional treatments to improve. It will also take longer to fade because it sits in the deeper layers of the skin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is caused by trauma to the skin that is associated with problematic skin that is most common to those with higher Fitzpatrick (darker skin). Damaged skin usually tries to recover quickly. This causes the melanocyte to produce more melanin to aid in protecting the inflamed skin. For best results when dealing with PIH, it is important to find out the cause of skin damage and cam the inflammation first.
LET’S GET EVEN!
As we have discussed above, pigmentation has many contributing factors. It is important to look for a course of treatment or product that tackles a multi-pathway approach. Furthermore, regular use of products with daily sun and antioxidant protection is a MUST! Prevention of pigmentation is always the key when it comes to pigmentation.
PREVENT & PROTECT
Speaking of prevention and protection, you should start your journey with SPF. It will be a waste to target pigmentation of your skin is not properly protected. Wear SPF every single day!
HERO PRODUCTS
Aspect and Aspect Dr advanced formulations and products are specifically created to target the pigmentation on the skin effectively.
Check out our top picks from the Aspect range here.
NEXT STEPS
Skin consultation is always a good start to your skincare journey. We recommend heading to an Aspect clinic partner to find out what your skin really needs. The clinician will give a personalised routine for your skin concerns.