The Basics of Tackling Pigmentation

Facial pigmentation can be so discouraging. It’s difficult to treat and takes consistency and diligence in your routine. Because I get this question almost daily in my DMs, I wanted to create a post on the basics to help you combat mild or for tackling pigmentation disorders. To clarify, these are all over-the-counter steps you can take to help improve melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I always recommend consulting with a Dermatology provider to confirm the condition you’re dealing with and rule out other possible conditions and causes.

Remember that the most important way to tackle most skin concerns is with a comprehensive skin care routine! You can read about how to build an effective routine here!

Firstly, let’s cover some basics.

Melasma is a chronic disorder with no “cure”. It is often seen in women of childbearing age, in pregnancy and in those on hormonal birth control. Common areas are the upper lip, nose, cheeks and forehead. It is most commonly, not always, seen in areas of frequent sun exposure. As you may have gathered hormones (estrogen) and sun exposure are believed to be the most common causative agents. Sun exposure will always exacerbate this condition. If you suffer from melasma you’ve undoubtedly noticed this correlation when it flares in the summer months! It is also suspected that heat itself (in the absence of direct sun exposure) can flare melasma. If I so much as sit in a hot car, my upper lip will look like I grew a mustache. #sunstache.

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is another common condition amongst my patients and in my DMs. The question is often framed as “what can I do for acne scarring?”. You should know that the flat red/brown marks left over after a pimple are not true scarring but rather postinflammatory erythema vs. pigmentation. This is a good thing! We can treat this topically. Also note that PIH can occur after any inflammatory process like bug bites, irritation from a skin care product or peel, eczema, scratches, burns, etc. This condition is also more common in those with darker skin types and asian and mediterranean decent. I have Greek blood to thank for mine!

So now we have the basics out of the way… how can we treat mild pigmentation with an efficacious skin are regimen? Here are a few staple steps.

The Basics of Tackling Pigmentation

SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN FOR TAGLING PIGMENTATION

Although this obviously isn’t the first step in your regimen, I write it first because it is BY FAR the most important. I cannot say it enough. You can spend all the money and time in the world finding the best lightening products and be absolutely diligent about their use, but if you’re not using a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 (your makeup doesn’t count!) EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. your pigmentation will not improve. Furthermore, the HEV-light or blue light from our computers, phones and TVs has been implicated in worsening pigmentation. To combat this you’ll want to opt for a tinted SPF because the iron oxides offer HEV protection. Here are some of my favorites!

Alpha Hydroxy Acids.

These chemical exfoliants will help to prevent your skin cells from sticking together thus allowing the outer dead layer to slough off more easily. Combined with the right de-pigmenting agents, this increase in exfoliation will allow the pigmentated cells to slough off while new, healthy cells take their place. It’s important to note that inflammation is the enemy with pigmentation so incorporating these ingredients and products slowly to minimize irritation is key! Below are some of my favorite AHA/BHA products!

Of note: to the skin care novice, incorporating AHAs/BHA and retinoids alone can be challenging let alone together. I recommend starting slowly and keeping your acids to the morning with SPF and retinoids at night. If you experience irritation, dial back and introduce one at a time.

Lightening agents.

Lightening ingredients work in various different ways (depending on their mechanism of action) to inhibit pigmentation in your skin cells. Some of my favorite lightening ingredients are Vitamin C, kojic acid, Niacinamide, azaleic acid, arbutin, and tranexamic acid. Below are some of my favorite lightening serums for both melasma and PIH.

Antioxidants.

Whether topical or otherwise, antioxidants provide your skin an added defense from free-radicals. These are crucial in any anti-aging and pigmentation regimen! Below are a couple of my favorite topical antioxidants and one oral supplement I love for the treatment and prevention of pigmentation.

Retinoids.

These powerhouse ingredients are pretty crucial when it comes to a comprehensive anti-aging regimen. They are also key players in a comprehensive regimen for melasma and PIH. (as long as you’re not breastfeeding or pregnant). Below are a few of my favorite over the counter retinoids. Again irritation is the enemy so starting these products slowly is key. I recommend checking out this video on how to start retinoids while minimizing irritation.

While knowing your specific skin type is key when creating a regimen, these are the staples you’ll need to fend of pigmentation. A Sample regimen for melasma of PIH would look something like this:

AM:

1. Cleanse
2. Eye Cream
3. Antioxidant Serum
4. Moisturize
5. SPF

PM:

1. Cleanse
2. Eye Cream
3. Lightening Agent
4. Moisturize
5. Retinoid

Questions? Drop them below or DM me on instagram!

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