Pigmentation refers to small or large dark patches that may appear on your face and body, either from birth or over time as a result of environmental damages such as excessive sun exposure. Whilst pigmentation is typically flush on the skin, allowing it to be covered easily, pigmentation can easily be reduced and in some cases removed with the right products and treatments.
How to get rid of stubborn skin pigmentation
Senior Dermal Therapists at SSKIN clinic Christie Cameron and Amba Brennan share their top tips on how to reduce/remove stubborn pigmentation:
Cause
Christie believes that step one in treating pigmentation is identifying the cause of its presence. Being able to detect whether the pigmentation is a result of sun damage or hormones will allow for the skin therapist to treat the area accordingly to its cause of damage. Christie explains that treating pigmentation incorrectly may have a reverse effect causing them to appear darker. Professional diagnosis can be done through your GP or dermatologist.
Skin peel
Amba suggests that professional clinic peels such as the Cosmelan Peel offered at SSKIN is a depigmenting treatment in which removes the appearance of darkened spots on the skins surface whilst being able to ingibit the formation of melanin within the deeper layers of our skin. This Cosmelan requires a strict 4 treatment process followed by specific product use of up to 3-6 months post treatment.
SPF baby!
Christie’s most important tip is SPF everyday! Whilst this sounds quite typical, it truly is a leading cause of pigmentation and skin damage, particularly in Australia. Christie suggests applying SPF all year around whether you are indoor or outdoor, whether its cloudy or sunny. As the sun emits UVA and UVB through overcast climates it is important to protect your skin every day of the year, applying in the morning and throughout the day where needed.
Needling
Amba believes that for those looking for a non-invasive treatment, skin needling may be an option for you! Practiced safely in clinics, skin needling offers a heat free way to penetrate the skins surface using microscopic needles. These needles are directed into the epidermis and dermis vertically allowing the therapist to control the small wounds allowing for skin cell renewal.
