Intelligent Methods For Reducing Skin Pigmentation

Unwanted pigmentation is one of the most common skincare concerns, plaguing countless women globally. Pigmentation can be difficult to remove, however its appearance can be greatly reduced by following a few simple intelligent methods that are effective in improving skin clarity.

Chemical exfoliation utilising alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are one the most cited class of compounds for photo aged and pigmented skin. AHAs improve the skin’s appearance by disrupting the cellular adhesions of corneocytes within the stratum corneum, enabling the exfoliation of skin cells to take place. This naturally occurring sugar also increases dermal collagen production and the moisture level of the skin, improving skin elasticity and the overall appearance.

When it comes specifically to lightening pigmentation, glycolic acid, the main acid component in alpha hydroxy acids, lightens hyperpigmentation by dispersing melanin in the basal layer (lowest layer) of skin, in addition to removing discoloured cells in the outer layers of skin.

While physical exfoliators remain very popular and are found in just about ever beauty store, they are actually harmful to the skin, causing micro tears in the skin’s surface, compromising the skin’s barrier and making it more prone to developing pigmentation.

For those interested in procuring the benefits of AHAs in their skincare routine, our Ecdysis Bio-Ferment Enzyme Cleanse is a luxurious cream cleanser that combines naturally occurring fruit derived AHAs with the power of papain enzymes to sweep away makeup, pollution, debris and protein deposits between cells to instantly reveal brighter, smoother skin.

Along with AHAs, there are certain intelligent ingredients that posses the ability to assist with inhibiting or reducing pigmentation. Niacinamide, a powerful B Vitamin is one such ingredient. This powerful water-soluble molecule acts at a cellular level to reduce skin pigmentation by blocking the transfer of melanosomes to produce a skin lightening effect.

A true skincare workhorse, this versatile ingredient works tirelessly to improve the skin’s ability to maintain moisture, strengthen the skin’s barrier and normalise inflammation for significant improvements in skin appearance, including reductions in fine lines and wrinkles, hyper pigmented spots, red blotchiness, skin roughness, skin sallowness, as well as improved elasticity and hydration. Another great thing about Niacinamide, is that it can be used in conjunction with most other active ingredients without interfering with their effectiveness.

For those interested in experiencing the benefits of Niacinamide, our Immortelle Vitamin B3 Serum combines this potent ingredient with retinyl palmitate and botanical plant extracts of White Tea and Gotu Kola to rejuvenate the skin for an even-toned appearance.

A huge amount of overall skin damage is caused by the sun. Along with wrinkles and fine lines, pigmentation is also a result of too much time spent exposed to UV rays. While we are by no means suggesting you avoid all sun exposure, it is simply a case of learning how to protect your skin from the harmful aspects. When the sun’s UV rays come into contact with skin, they transcend beyond the skin’s surface to harm cells and accelerate DNA damage. This causes the skin to produce less collagen and more pigmentation in an attempt to protect itself.

With this in mind, it is imperative to prioritise sun protection to reduce pigmentation. Along with wearing a daily SPF of at least factor 30, there are certain intelligent skincare ingredients, such as Vitamin C that have the ability to improve the skin’s resistance to UV rays, protecting the skin against inflammatory damage and reducing the frequency of pigmentation occurrences. The powerful antioxidant activity of Vitamin C both protects skin and regenerates healthy skin, to accelerate the production of collagen and elastin to ensure the skin retains a smooth, youthful appearance.

Our Luminosity Vitamin C Serum contains a highly bio-available form of Vitamin C to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation.

For further information on how you can reduce the appearance of sun damage, follow us on Instagram.

Image: @anneinthedollhouse