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Are random dark spots and patches making your complexion uneven? If yes, we got your back. First of all, trust us, you aren’t alone. Roughly 80% of the Indian population grapples with pigmentation of some sort. For those unaware, pigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin in skin cells in particular areas. This discoloration not only impacts your appearance but also takes a toll on your mood. So, why not remedy the situation STAT?
In this blog, we learn about different pigmentation types, their causes, and prevention methods. Additionally, we introduce active ingredients like Vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and Retinol that help administer a more even-tone complexion.
What Are The Different Types Of Pigmentation?
1. Sun spots: Prevalent to people in tropical areas, continued exposure to the sun leads to sun or liver spots.
2. Melasma: Expecting mothers, women on birth control, and folks with deeper skin tones may notice some discoloration of their skin – also known as melasma.
3. PIH or Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This kind of pigmentation occurs after acne breakouts or any kind of trauma on the skin.
What Are The Different Triggers For Pigmentation?
Pigmentation can occur due to a gamut of concerns. We list the most common ones here -
1. Hormonal issues
2. Inflammation
3. Side effects of certain drugs or medication
4. Unlimited UV exposure
5. Melasma
6. Skin infections or diseases
Key Ingredients For Addressing Pigmentation
Once you figure out the trigger or cause, use the following ingredients to treat dark spots and pigmentation on your face. We have divided into 3 categories – brightening agents, exfoliating agents, retinol, and sunscreen.
Brightening Agent
1. Vitamin C: This active ingredient has been dubbed the holy grail of brightening. Topical application of Vitamin C inhibits melanin production in the skin cells to tackle spots and pigmentation. Additionally, it enhances your skin’s latent radiance.
2. Niacinamide: This skincare workhorse also tackles dark spots and pigmentation albeit via a different pathway. Niacinamide curbs melanin distribution across skin cells to prevent discoloration. It is a must-have to achieve an even complexion while upholding overall skin health.
Exfoliating Agents
1. AHAs: Alpha Hydroxy Acids exfoliate the skin’s outermost layer, revealing a brighter, more uniform skin tone. Some examples of AHAs are Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Mandelic Acid.
2. BHAs: Unlike AHAs, BHAs or Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil soluble. They percolate deep into the skin to remove dirt, grime, and dead cells – unveiling a bright, beautiful skin. One of the most popular BHAs, Salicylic Acid, helps improve skin tone with time.
Retinols
Retinol is also dubbed the fountain of youth. It softens fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet with regular use. But not many know that Retinol also helps improve your skin tone. Its application ensures healthy cellular renewal – shedding dead cells and regenerating new ones. Results? Radiant skin with a uniform complexion.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your anti-pigmentation starter kit. A broad-spectrum sunscreen shields the skin against harmful UV rays that lead to increased melanin production. All you need is two fingers’ worth of a dewy or mattifying SPF – whatever best suits your skin type.
Other Targeted Treatments For Pigmentation
Additionally, here are some other targeted treatments you can turn t
1. Kojic Acid: Kojic Acid prevents melanin production for waning dark spots and pigmentation. Moreover, the powerful antioxidant shields the skin against pollutants, harmful aggressors, and UV rays.
2. Tranexamic Acid: Tranexamic Acid helps reduce pigmentation due to acne, melasma, and rosacea by inhibiting melanin production.
3. Licorice Extracts: Licorice is yet another brightening agent. It controls melanin production and distribution across skin cells to maintain a uniform complexion
If you’re someone who grapples with pigmentation, here’s how you can curate an AM/PM routine for best results
Morning Skincare Routine For Pigmentation-Free Skin
1. Cleanse
Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser to remove dirt, impurities, and dead cells from the skin. Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash checks all these boxes while ensuring long-lasting hydration for the skin. Take a coin-sized amount of the formula and gently massage your skin. Once through, rinse with cold or lukewarm water.
2. Apply an antioxidant serum
After your skin is dry, apply our 15% L-Ascorbic Serum. The most potent and stable form of Vitamin C, the formulation fights spots and pigmentation while bestowing a glow upon your face. Moreover, the emollient-rich serum shields the skin against harmful aggressors, pollutants, and free radicals.
3. Hydrate
To lock in the treatment and moisture, use a moisturizer, preferably a moisturizer with Niacinamide. Foxtale’s Oil Free moisturizer fits the bill exactly.
4. Sunscreen
Double down on efforts for pigment-free skin with SPF. Experts suggest that Indian skin needs at least SPF 30 or more to avert UV rays. Apply 2 fingers’ worth of the formula before stepping outdoors and reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection.
Evening Skincare Routine For Pigmentation Free Skin
This is your sign to undertake evening rituals to reduce pigmentation on skin. Start with a -
1. Double cleanse
Use an oil-based cleanser to remove stubborn impurities, makeup, and SPF from the pores. Follow up with a foaming face wash for a clean, radiant base.
2. Exfoliate
To exfoliate dullness, dark spots, and pigmentation – opt for a potent AHA BHA Serum. Use it 2 to 3 times a week for best results. Remember, over-exfoliation is counterproductive to efforts for good skin. It expels the dermis’ natural oils, leading to dehydration, dryness, and uncomfortable tightness.
3. Retinol
Apply Retinol to circumvent uneven skin texture and complexion. To avoid any flare-ups, don’t use Retinol and AHA BHAs on the same night.
4. Hydrate And Repair
Use a Ceramide-based cream to lock in the treatment and hydration into the skin. Ceramide prevents TEWL, soothes inflammation, and gives a soft, smooth appearance to your skin.
Weekly Treatments For Pigment-Free Skin
Apart from your daily skincare, you can opt for weekly masking rituals. Use formulation imbued with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Kojic Acid for an instant glow. In case of severe pigmentation, you can consider the following professional treatments too -
1. Laser Therapy: The process uses focused beams to stimulate Collagen production, reducing dark spots, patches, and pigmentation in the process.
2. Chemical peels: Chemical peel involves using a high concentration of Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid to exfoliate the skin. Results? A more uniform, brightened complexion.
3. Microneedling: Microneedling entails creating tiny punctures into the dermis. This triggers repair activities, boosting Collagen and Elastin growth in the focused areas. Word to the wise: use these professional treatments only under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist.
Lifestyle Tips For Pigmentation-Free Skin
Pigmentation on the skin can also be cured using certain lifestyle changes. Here’s how you can inculcate these habits daily
1. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure: Continued sun exposure leads to unregulated melanin production, resulting in spots and pigmentation. To circumvent this problem, avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 am to 4 pm. Always wear sunscreen and wear protective clothing while stepping outdoors.
2. Maintain a rich diet with antioxidants: Load up your plate with antioxidants! Consuming Vitamin C in berries, kiwis, and oranges will prevent uneven skin triggered by pollutants, UV rays, and other aggressors.
3. Stay hydrated: Focus on internal and external hydration to avoid patchy, discolored skin. Hydration also boosts overall skin health which further supports Collagen and Elastin production.
When Should I See A Dermatologist?
We recommend seeing a dermatologist in case of severe pigmentation that shows no sign of abatement
Conclusion
Pigmentation occurs due to excessive melanin production in and around certain areas of the skin. There are three types of pigmentation – sunspots, melasma, and PIH. If you grapple with this concern, you can try topical treatments like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol, AHAs, BHAs, Kojic Acid, and more. In case of severe pigmentation, we recommend opting for professional treatments under your dermatologist’s guidance.
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