Talking Pigmentation: What Is It & How Can You Treat It?
Many women struggle with pigmentation on the skin and once you’re stuck with it the condition can seem near impossible to get rid of! Melanocytes are highly specialised cells within our skin that act like microscopic umbrellas, protecting our skin from UV rays and producing melanin as a built-in sunscreen in response to sun exposure. The natural colour or pigment of our skin, however, can sometimes appear as blotchy or darker in patches due to our bodies creating too much melanin, either by too frequent exposure to sun or overproduction of hormones. Confused? Here’s the low-down on pigmentation and how to treat it:
What is Pigmentation?
Any pigmentation should be a warning sign from the body that the affected area of skin has been damaged by the sun. Although Melanin is part of the skin’s barrier defense, and we need it as part of our protection against exposure to UV radiation, the pigment that presents in melanin is always because of excessive stimulation by sunlight. Hyper-pigmentation is the most difficult of skin ailments to treat despite the warning signs. Usually, though, we get those warning signs too late.
Whether you’re struggling with uneven skin tone, menopause-related skin discolouration, post-pregnancy Chloasma, post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, or post-pustular hyper-pigmentation from healed acne wounds, dealing with the condition can seem like fighting an uphill battle. Luckily there are ways to treat uneven skin tone and discolouration.
Treating pigmentation and skin discolouration:
The best approach against hyperpigmentation is religiously applying sun protection all year round, even in winter, together with limiting sun exposure. Protecting yourself from the sun will help to prevent pigmentation marks from appearing or getting worse.
There are also a number of products available to help treat visible pigmentation and tackle dormant pigmentation before it rears its ugly head. To break down existing pigmentation, you need to use depigmenting skincare products with active ingredients to help even out your complexion and protect your skin from further damage.
Biodderma Pigmentbio range:
Biodderma’s Pigmentbio range is a great solution for anyone struggling with pigmentation issues, particularly those with sensitive skin. Formulated to even out existing spots and help you to regain your natural, even complexion, this comprehensive range is affordable and effective.
Featuring LumiReveal Technology to act on key steps of pigmentation — to reduce dark spots, prevent new ones from appearing and restore the skin’s original brightness — the Bioderma Pigmentbio range offers a unique balance between efficacy and tolerance to offer immediate and long-lasting results while respecting skin sensitivity.
The range includes Bioderma Pigmentbio Foaming Cream and H2O cleansers, Pigmentbio Daily Care SPF 50+ moisturiser, Pigmentbio Night Renewer cream, and the Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas to treat hyperpigmentation on the body. These products can be used as a relay range between dermatological depigmenting treatments to extend their efficacy and optimise skin recovery, as well as on its own as a complete skin-care treatment for hyperpigmentation.
Hands-on review:
I had the opportunity to review the full range and it has made a huge difference to the quality of my skin. While I don’t have visible pigmentation, a recent skin scan revealed underlying pigmentation that is getting ready to rear its ugly head in the future.
Using the Bioderma Pigmentbio range (along with daily sunscreen application) has given me peace of mind that I’m doing what I can to reduce the appearance of that pigmentation waiting in the wings and avoid causing any more damage. The products have also helped to calm my sensitive skin and improve the texture of my skin and my skin looks more radiant since I started using the range.
My favourite Pigmentbio products include the Pigmentbio H20 Micellar Water (a pigment fighting version of the brand’s legendary Micellar Water). This gentle cleanser is brilliant for removing makeup on the face and eye area and works to regulate the biological mechanisms that cause dark spots for a brightening effect.
Using this along with the Pigmentbio Foaming Cream cleanser has been absolutely incredible. This gentle brightening cleanser reduces the appearance of dark spots while also preventing them from reappearing or appearing at all. The cleanser contains AHAs (citric acid) and natural micro-beads that gently exfoliate, remove impurities, and smooth the complexion. The skin is then soothed with moisturising ingredients such as coco glucoside and glyceryl oleate. If you’re struggling with dull, lack-lustre skin this cleanser will do wonders for bringing back a healthy glow to your skin.
I adore the cleansers in this range but the absolute hero product of the range for me is the Pigmentbio Daily care SPF50+. This SPF works like a bomb and absorbs into the skin super quickly without leaving an oily residue. The cream features LumiReveal™ Technology to help reduce melanin production and boost cell renewal, promoting the elimination of installed dark spots while evening out the complexion. While this stunning lotion helps to protect the skin from the sun it also offers long-lasting hydration and provides an instant glow thanks to its pearly texture. It’s an incredible primer under makeup and is my new favourite product for summer.
I would highly recommend this range to anyone concerned about pigmentation. The products above are a great place to start for anyone wanting to treat pigmentation. For extra pigmentation fighting power, with a bit of anti-ageing power thrown in, add the Pigmentbio Night Renewer cream into the mix! This night cream also helps to reduce melanin production while also boosting collagen production to improve the skin’s elasticity.
Find the Bioderma Pigmentbio range at Dis-Chem pharmacies and Clicks stores nationwide.
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