Research has shown that women with uneven pigmented skin tend to appear older than they are. It’s one of the top signs of ageing skin, along with wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for pigmentation, but regular treatments and home care products can bring it under control.
What causes pigmentation?
Sun exposure, pollution, hormones, pregnancy, and inflammation (e.g. due to breakouts) can all cause overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour. The resulting dark patches and spots are typically perceived as "aged skin" and can make you look more than 12 years older.
What works?
Pigmentation can be one of the most difficult skin concerns to repair. Often it can take 6-8 weeks before any improvement is visible. Also, as the pigment is drawn into the upper layers of the skin, it can look worse before it starts to improve. The 2 key areas to focus on are:
- Prevention
Although there are several triggers for pigmentation, sun damage is by far the most common. Wearing a high-quality sunscreen all year round will stop damage happening in the first place.
-
Repair
Key ingredient for repairing skin cells are Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Vitamin C
also disrupts the body’s chemical process of making pigmentation. It’s
important that these vitamins can penetrate into the skin’s lower layers where
the pigment is produced.
How can your skin therapist help?
The key to dealing with any skin condition is your initial consultation. Your skin therapist will help you understand the cause of the pigmentation and changes in lifestyle you can make. She will also recommend the best course of treatments and products for you.
Check out the various options we offer at Looking Glass Aesthetics on our T reatments Pages. We are also able to offer bespoke treatments.