Different types of Pigmentation
Pigmentation can appear in the following types:
- In the form of one freckle or multiple freckles.
- In the form of ‘sun spots,’ ‘age spots’ and ‘liver spots’ caused by sun exposure.
- Melasma, often known as the ‘pregnancy mask,’ is caused by hormonal changes. These changes can occur for another reason, the most common being pregnancy or going on the pill and is characterized by splotchy, pigmented areas usually on the face (except the eye area).
The trick to removing and fading pigmentation is to know which treatment suits the type of pigmentation you have. For freckles, spots and more superficial pigmentation caused by the sun we know that laser pigmentation removal can clear the pigment with instant results. Generally, pigmentation caused by hormones or during pregnancy sits deeper in the skin and we find the active ingredients in our peels penetrate deep into the dermis (deeper layer of the skin) to help disperse it.
In some cases pigmentation is caused by damage to the skin and you may need to use products with active ingredients at home to fade the pigmentation like Hydraquinone (the active ingredient in our Clear Skin 2%) over time. The trick to removing pigment is to use a combination of treatments and determine which one works best for your skin type.
What treatments should I try?
To begin your journey to pigment-free skin, book in for a complimentary skin consultation. Your therapist will recommend the best treatment to suit your skin type and skin concern. This may involve a laser pigmentation removal treatment followed by either an Azelaic, Vitamin C or Glycolic Peel based on the type of pigmentation you have. Or they will recommend a IPL treatment which also helps with skin texture and collagen production. Don’t forget to use your at-home active ingredients for the best results. These will include Clear Skin 2%/Lighten to fade pigmentation and works best when mixed with Vitamin A (New Skin or Stieva A), Smooth Skin 8% to exfoliate pigmentation and C’ensil to moisturise and rejuvenate your skin.
Please see the following table below to see what treatments can help reduce your pigmentation.