Skincare for Pigmentation with Nurse Catherine
After a summer filled with sunshine, it’s not unusual for new sun damage and pigmentation to surface on our skin. While we always recommend a holistic approach that includes effective complexion treatments, skincare also plays an integral role in any 360° treatment plan where a goal is to correct accumulated sun damage and pigmentation, and revitalize skin’s vibrancy.
Nurse Catherine has graciously taken time away from her busy patient schedule to give you some expert advice about pigmentation. What is it? What causes it? How do we avoid it or treat it? Read on to find out…
1. What is pigmentation?
The natural colouration of our skin is determined by the pigment (melanin) made by specialized cells. Like the colour of our hair and eyes, this is linked to our ethnic heritage and genetics. When we talk about pigmentation, however, we’re often referring to uneven skin tone that occurs as a result of sun exposure over the years.
Pigmentation can appear in a variety of forms in the skin. Some common lesions and conditions that we see in dermatology are hyperpigmentation (darker), hypopigmentation (lighter), solar lentigines (sun spots), seborrheic keratoses (raised brown lesions), melasma (dark patches) and vitiligo (pale patches).
2. What causes pigmentation?
The effects of our natural environment, UV exposure, heat, and hormonal changes can greatly impact the pigmentation of the skin. Although all skin types can experience hyperpigmentation, those with more melanin in their skin can experience more challenges with dark spots and stubborn pigmented areas.
3. Does hyperpigmentation fade away naturally?
In the same way a tan fades after the summer time or a sunny vacation, hyperpigmentation can gradually fade, but we typically recommend a customized skincare routine to speed up the fading process and slow down the accumulation of new pigmentation.
4. How can I prevent pigmentation? How do I address it when it happens?
To prevent pigmentation, focus on sun protection! Wear a hat and sunglasses and sit in the shade when you’re out enjoying the sunshine. Of course, you should always wear SPF (and re-apply regularly). There are so many great SPF formulations available; especially broad-spectrum mineral based lotions and powders.
Once the pigmentation has occurred, we often recommend treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Clear + Brilliant, and microneedling to address pigmentation in the skin. For best results, these complexion treatments should be performed in a series, and in combination with a customized, medical-grade skincare routine.
7. What are your skincare recommendations for addressing pigmentation in the skin?
When you’re looking for skincare to address pigmentation in the skin, you should be looking for products that include arbutin, hydroquinone and tranexamic acid. Lactic, ferulic, azelaic, salicilic, kojic or glycolic acids can also help soften the skin and turn over skin cells, effectively helping to exfoliate superficial pigmentation. Retinol or another form of vitamin A can be used in combination to speed up the fading process.
ZO Skin Health, SkinMedica, and SkinCeuticals have popular, evidence-based products that can be customized for pigment control year-round. A topical vitamin C serum and sunscreen daily can also really help to minimize pigmentation.
One of our most popular skincare options for treating pigment in the skin through fall or winter is the ZO Skin Health Hydroquinone Kit. This custom kit is designed to address hyperpigmentation and includes the following effective, well-tolerated products:
- Gentle Cleanser
- Daily Power Defense
- Pigment Control Crème 2% HQ
- Exfoliation Accelerator
- Wrinkle + Texture Repair 0.5%
- Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Hydrating Crème
If you’re curious about a skincare regimen to support your 360° treatment plan and address pigmentation, please contact us, or speak to us at your next appointment.
