Simply put, pigmentation refers to the colouring of the skin that is caused by an overproduction of melanin. Pigmentation can be a result of high levels of sun exposure, changes in hormones or the scarring left behind after a blemish. Whatever has triggered your pigmentation, there are several routes that you can take to reduce its appearance, without the need for invasive or expensive procedures.
How can you get rid of pigmentation?
Depending on the level of pigmentation that you have, there are various options available to you that can help to reduce it and to give the skin an overall brighter appearance. It is worth noting that the deeper the pigment is, the more difficult it is to treat, especially with topical products. However, when looking for ways to tackle your pigmentation, these are a few good places to start:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) in their many forms, are resurfacing acids that dissolve the bonds that keep dead skin cells attached to the skin’s surface. By removing these dead skins by exfoliating regularly, the appearance of pigmentation on the skin will lessen, as these cells are sloughed away to reveal the new cells beneath. Lactic Acid is our preferred AHA of choice, because its humectant properties help to keep the skin feeling soft and supple, and it’s gentle exfoliating action means it works well on even sensitive skins. As with all exfoliation, it is essential that you apply SPF every day to protect your skin from damaging UVA + UVB rays, especially if you are exfoliating as part of your morning skincare routine.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a gentle yet effective skincare ingredient, known to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation on the skin by disrupting the enzymes that are responsible for producing melanin. Although it will take consistent use to see the skincare benefits, Niacinamide is a great ingredient to incorporate into any skincare routine, especially if you tend to have a more sensitive skin type, because of its gentle skin-loving properties that go beyond just tackling your pigmentation.
Vitamin C
As the gold standard antioxidant, known to prevent oxidative stress on the skin that can lead to pigmentation as well as it collagen boosting properties, Vitamin C helps to not only reduce the appearance of existing pigmentation, but also helps to protect against further damage. Vitamin C helps to inhibit the production of melanin in the skin while also acting as a shield to protect the skin from environmental aggressors that can lead to pigmentation.
Retinol
Although renowned for its proven anti-aging capabilities, retinol also doubles up as a great ingredient that can reduce the appearance of pigmentation, by stimulating collagen production in the skin to give it a smoother, brighter appearance. Depending on the strength, retinol formulations can cause a plethora of irritating side effects. The Kahai Oil in our Advanced+ Vitamin Enriched Night Cream is rich in retinol, as well as Vitamins E and F, delivering a gentle dose of retinol to the skin while providing anti-oxidant protection and nourishment. As retinol acts as another form of exfoliation on the skin, its crucial that you protect your skin by ensuring you are vigilant with your use of SPF.
SPF
Arguably the most important step in any skincare routine, SPF is your non-negotiable skincare staple. Applying SPF daily is the essential step in your routine as it protects your skin from harmful UVA + UVB rays. By not protecting your skin from these harmful UVA + UVB rays, you not only increase the risk of developing further pigmentation or sunspots, but you are also increasing your risk of developing a variety of skin cancers. Although SPF is not a treatment that will reduce your existing pigmentation, SPF is a great preventative measure that you should implement into your routine to help reduce the risk of your pigmentation worsening, while preventing any further damage to the skin by protecting it.
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