PIGMENTATION
Pigmentation refers to the colouring of the skin, which is determined by melanin production. Changes in pigmentation can lead to darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) patches on the skin. These changes can be caused by factors like sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, injury, or inflammation. Common pigmentation issues include melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory pigmentation, which can affect skin tone and appearance.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the UK, it is estimated that around 30% of the population experiences some form of pigmentation disorder, such as hyperpigmentation or melasma. A common myth about pigmentation is that only people with darker skin tones experience hyperpigmentation. In reality, pigmentation issues can affect all skin tones.
PREVENTION
Preventing pigmentation involves a combination of proactive skincare measures and lifestyle choices that protect the skin and promote even tone. Here are effective strategies to help prevent pigmentation issues:
Sun Protection: The most crucial step in preventing pigmentation is diligent sun protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 evert day, even on cloudy days, where possible reapply every two hours.
Avoiding Tanning: Tanning beds and intentional sunbathing can increase the risk of pigmentation changes. Opt for sunless tanning products if you desire a bronzed look without UV exposure.
Mindful Skincare: Use gentle, non-irritating skincare products. Avoid harsh scrubs and excessive exfoliation, which can aggravate the skin and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Integrating medical grade skin care into your routine can prevent and even treat existing pigmentation.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) can support skin health. Foods high in vitamins C and E can help protect against sun damage.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can effectively reduce the risk of pigmentation problems and maintain healthier, more even-toned skin.
DID YOU KNOW?
40% of Britons don’t believe the sun in the UK is strong enough to cause damage. In fact UVA rays, those that can contribute to skin ageing and pigmentation can pass through windows and damage the skin even on cloudy days. Sun protection is required every day to protect against this damage.
HOW TO TREAT
PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA)
Treats pigmentation by using growth factors from the patient’s own blood to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. The growth factors in PRP promote skin regeneration, helping to fade dark spots and improve overall skin tone for a more even complexion. Great for those seeking a ‘natural’ solution.
POLYNUCLEOTIDES
Are a regenerative injectable treatment that reduces pigmentation by promoting cellular repair. They enhance collagen production and improve skin elasticity, helping to fade dark spots and even skin tone, resulting in a brighter, more uniform complexion over time. Great for those seeking general skin regeneration with the added benefits of reduced pigmentation. Best for localised areas of pigmentation.
PIGMENT BALANCING PEEL
Designed as an in-clinic treatment to target discolouration and improve uneven appearance of photodamaged skin, providing powerful exfoliation to accelerate skin renewal and brighten skin using the globally trusted skinceuticals professional peel range. A course of Pigment Balancing Peel treatments is recommended to achieve optimum results.
PURASOMES EXOSOMES
Revitalises the skin with growth factors, exosomes, and antioxidants, reducing melanin synthesis and oxidative stress while enhancing brightness and creating a protective barrier against sun damage for a flawless complexion. Best for at home use when used alone or to enhance the results from RF microneedling.
SKINPEN MICRONEEDLING
The SkinPen device creates tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural healing process, encouraging collagen and elastin production, helping to regulate melanocyte activity, which can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
OUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT PAIRINGS FOR PIGMENTATION
Good skin care and healthy habits are the foundation of any in-clinic treatment. In clinic we have partnered with GetHarley to offer a wide range of medical grade skin care brands and products. All new patients receive a bespoke skincare plan following their consultation. Though every skin need is different here are some of the products most loved by patients with pigmentation.
SKINBETTER SCIENCE ALPHARET
Reduces pigmentation by combining retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, promoting cell turnover, enhancing skin texture, and diminishing dark spots for a more radiant, even complexion.
ZO SELF-ACTIVATING VITAMIN C
Reduces pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production, promoting brighter skin, and providing antioxidant protection against environmental damage for a more even complexion.
ZO BRIGHTALIVE
Is a retinoid free serum that improves pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production, promoting an even skin tone, and enhancing brightness for a clearer, more radiant complexion.
ZO SMART TONE BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 FOR UV PROTECTION OF NEW SCARS
Smart Tone ZO SPF is a mineral-based sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays. Its colour-adapting technology blends seamlessly with various skin tones, offering a natural finish. The lightweight formula also contains antioxidants, enhancing skin protection from environmental damage while maintaining a smooth, even complexion.
Book a Consultation
A free face-to-face or virtual consultation can help determine which treatment or combination of treatments are best for you