Pigmentation refers to the unexplained darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) of the skin. Causes are typically UVR exposure, trauma, or medication. A chemical substance or secretion can also be responsible. Additionally, deficiencies in vitamins A and C can be pinpointed. And not forgetting essential carboxylic acid deficiencies. Different causes trigger skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and skin problems.
Melanocytes are skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. When these cells become abnormal or unevenly distributed, it can lead to visible pigmentation issues. While most causes of skin discoloration are harmless, it is important to recognize when changes need medical attention.
Types of Pigmentation:
Hormonal Pigmentation
Melasma and chloasma refer to skin pigmentation that hormonal changes. Conditions like pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction, birth control pills, or specific medications can influence these hormone levels. People often call chloasma the “pregnancy mask,” and it typically fades after childbirth.
Melasma appears as symmetrical, dark patches on the cheeks, upper lip, chin, and forehead. It is more prevalent in women and individuals with darker skin tones. Lighter skin is not immune, especially with a family history.
Photomelanosis describes excessive pigmentation from sun exposure. It most commonly affects the face, neck, and back. It can appear as either uneven spots or a general darkening of sun-exposed skin.
What Causes Pigmentation
Most people will experience some form of pigmentation issue, regardless of age or skin tone. These concerns generally involve areas of skin that are lighter (hyperpigmentation) or darker (hypopigmentation) than normal. These changes occur when the skin produces too much or too little melanin.
Melanocytes produce melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its color. The amount of melanin available determines an individual’s complexion. An enzyme called tyrosinase activates melanin production, which also influences the color of our eyes and hair.
Melanin has 2 major forms.
Eumelanin- brown skin and hair color, Pheomelanin- imparts a yellow to carmine hue. Melanin is additionally the skin’s natural ‘Sun block.’ Depending on the amount available, it protects the skin from ultraviolet rays.
You say that animal pigment is the skin’s natural process against the sun. In this case, a ‘tan’ acts as this protective process. This can be why skin types IV to VI are at a smaller amount at risk of sunburn.
This doesn’t mean that these skin varieties are proof of the issues related to pigmentation. On the contrary, pigmentation is most often seen in lightweight to medium brown skins, like Indian and Mediterranean skins.
Moreover, to sun exposure and hormones, skin injuries—like those that lead to scarring—can also cause hyperpigmentation.
This type of pigmentation is particularly common in individuals with darker skin tones.
The primary cause of darkened skin, brown spots, and areas of discoloration is unprotected sun exposure. These brown spots were once called “liver spots,” but they have no connection to the liver role. Instead, they result from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. This occurs due to prolonged sun exposure. It is also caused by inadequate use of a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen.
They additionally don’t form overnight. Most varieties of pigmentation only appear later in life. This occurs due to years of sun exposure.
How does one treat pigmentation?
Sunscreen
This is your skin’s major defense against the sun and is the beginning of treating likewise as preventing pigmentation. It’s important to use an SPF of at least fifteen on your skin every day. This is because it is not just the sun that causes pigmentation. Fluorescent lights are also known to cause pigmentation, along with most major light forms.
It is not solely necessary to use UVB blockers that are blockers that stop the skin from burning. UVA rays age the skin. They penetrate deeper into the skin layers. This inflicts injury within the ‘living’ layer and leads to premature aging.
smart UVA-protecting ingredients are pigment and oxide, as they’re physical blockers that mirror these rays of the skin.
Remember to reapply a lower SPF, like fifteen. It is more necessary than putting high levels of chemicals on the skin. A vital factor to recollect is that associate SPF offers you ninety-three sun coverage. In comparison, an SPF thirty gives ninety-five percent coverage but with double the chemical content.
Vitamins
Many vitamins can help improve skin discoloration. The most effective ones are often Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). Niacinamide acts as a skin normalizer, helping to calm inflammation and regulate pigment production.
Vitamin C is particularly unique because it is the only vitamin that actively inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase. By blocking this enzyme, Vitamin C effectively prevents the trigger that signals the production of excess melanin. Excess melanin is responsible for dark spots and uneven tone.
Among the various forms of Vitamin C used in skincare, L-ascorbic acid is the most well-researched and potent. It is the only form proven to effectively penetrate the dermis. This is the active and living layer of the skin. Here, it can deliver its brightening and protective benefits.
Beyond fading discoloration, L-ascorbic acid also provides powerful antioxidant protection. It helps control the inflammatory response caused by UV light exposure. It can even accelerate the skin’s healing process after sun damage. This makes it a cornerstone ingredient for both treatment and prevention.
Alpha chemical group Acids
It is important to remember that AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) work primarily by exfoliating the surface of the skin. This process helps to slough away pigmented cells. It can gradually lighten discoloration. AHAs are especially effective when used as part of a consistent treatment regimen alongside other targeted products.
The most effective natural AHAs include malic acid from apples, lactic acid from milk, and citric acid from citrus fruits. They offer a gentler approach. Unlike the potent synthetic Glycolic acid, these natural alternatives are typically milder. They do not need buffering. This makes them suitable for more sensitive skin types.
Nonetheless, AHA offers more than just surface-level exfoliation. They also exert a biological, therapeutic action within the deeper layers of the skin. This deeper activity helps to accelerate cell renewal and promote a healthier, more even-toned complexion from within.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products, derived from fermented rice.
Studies suggest it can be effective in treating pigmentation. This is especially true when mixed with ingredients like Glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a synthetic AHA that irritates. It can also increase sun sensitivity. It is also effective when used in a formula with hydroquinone.
Nonetheless, hydroquinone is a highly controversial chemical. It has been linked to side effects like scarring and further skin discoloration. Due to these risks, it is now available only by prescription in many regions.
When using products with kojic acid, it is important to follow directions carefully. Always apply sunscreen during the day. Some combinations can increase photosensitivity.
Azelaic Acid
This acid is an element of grains, like wheat, rye, and barley. When used in a 20% concentration in creams, this ingredient has demonstrated significant benefits for various skin concerns. While it is primarily recommended for acne-prone skin, research confirms it also effectively reduces skin discoloration. This dual action makes it a versatile and powerful ingredient for improving overall skin tone, texture, and clarity. It also has an advantage. It does not show severe facet effects like allergic sensitization or exogenous symptoms. These side effects are common in most high-level pigmentation preparations. Different studies show that it’s still a lot of irritating to the skin than hydroquinone joined with hydroxyacetic acid.
Laser Treatments
Both ablative and non-ablative laser treatments are available and have proven effective for reducing skin pigmentation. Still, these procedures can also carry a risk of several side effects. The optical device’s lightweight absorbs into the skin layers. It really ‘pushes’ the pigment to the surface. It effectively ‘strips’ the highest layer of the skin, taking the pigment with it. This action makes the skin vulnerable to several different things. Sun damage can increase pigmentation. The skin is also open to microorganisms and pollution.
There are new technologies on the market that are very effective. They work as well as optical device treatments on pigmentation. They also have reduced facet effects. One such technology is IPL (Intense periodical Light) treatment. It is a lightweight treatment for the skin. It works similarly to an optical device. Yet, it does not cause facet effects on the surface layers of the skin. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy targets the deeper layers of the skin, drawing excess pigment to the surface. This pigment then forms a temporary, subtle scab. Once this naturally sheds, the pigmentation lifts away. This results in a visibly lighter and more even skin tone in the treated area.
Combination Treatments
It is vitally necessary to recollect that not one treatment is effective on pigmentation on its own. This is why most skin care therapists recommend using different treatments together. Doctors also advocate for combining treatments.
It’s necessary to recollect this. Use a skin care product with high levels of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Make sure it has an SPF of fifteen. Also, use AHA at midnight and consider going for IPL/Laser treatments. This combination is more effective for treating pigmentation than having only IPL/Laser treatments.
- This kit includes a mild, daily creamy gel cleanser; a lightweight, daily serum consisting of very potent Vitamin B3, Niacinamide; and a lightweight moisturizer that soothes & calms irritated or sensitive skin
- Our Oat 06% Cleanser is formulated with an oat-based mild surfactant (cleansing agent) that creates a low & cushiony lather that effectively dissolves oil, dirt, makeup, and sunscreen, without compromising the skin barrier
Always keep in mind that the pigmentation didn’t type long and it’d so not improve long. It’s a lengthy method to lighten pigmentation, but by adopting the right strategies, you can achieve success.
