How to combat pigmentation like a pro

Hyperpigmentation is a general description for dark spots, however there are multiple forms of “dark spots” with many names. This includes sun damage, age spots, melasma, discoloration, uneven tone and more.

All of these fall under the umbrella of hyperpigmentation and have different causes such as cumulative sun exposure, environmental stressors, hormones, as well as medications and wounding, making it one of the most challenging skin concerns to work on.

It's important to correct and prevent pigmentation like a pro because it is directly linked to a person's perceived age, wrinkles not included.

However, after being in the industry for nearly 11 years helping my clients clear, brighten, and lighten their pigment, I have found the perfect blend of pigment combating ingredients and skin treatments that I am going to share with you!

Let's Start with what products you will need to be using at home. Skin Treatments are important but it is more important to maximize your results at home when you are not in the treatment room. Think about it as the 1 to 30 rule. You do a skin treatment once per month and then you have 30 days ahead of you. If you're not doing homecare when you're not seeing your provider, chances are you're not going to get the results you want.

This is comparable to when you get your teeth cleaned. You walk out of your dentist office with pristine teeth, shiny, white and not a speck of dirt to be found. If you don't continue cleaning your teeth properly and floss, your teeth are not going to continue looking that way. The same rules apply to your skin.

Here are proven ingredients to brighten and lighten your skin!

Tyrosinase Inhibitors

Tyrosinase inhibitors come in various forms however they all perform the same task which is to inhibit the production of the tyrosinase enzyme that directly causes formation of excess pigment in the skin. Examples of Proven Tyrosinase Inhibitors include alpha arbutin, licorice root, turmeric, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, glycyrrhiza glabra extract, and hexylresorcinol. Its vital to utilize a variety of them because they each work a bit differently on the skin. Marini Luminate Lotion is a good place to start because they have multiple inhibitors within this single product.

This non-hydroquinone product combines multiple advanced brightening technologies including Nonapeptide-1, an advanced turmeric extract, alpha arbutin, hexylresorcinol, concentrated licorice root extract, all-trans-retinol green tea extract and bisabolol to address the many pathways leading to discoloration while simultaneously helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinoids

Retinol is both a tyrosinase inhibitor and a resurfacing agent to lift pigment that has already been interspersed into surrounding skin cells. Retinol really is a powerhouse ingredient that can also help build collagen when addressing lines and wrinkles as well.

This advanced solution combines retinol & peptides with green tea extract, chrysin, bisabolol, and hyaluronic acid for superior improvement in the appearance of skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and luminosity for younger, healthier looking skin while integrated soothing and hydrating ingredients offer superior experience with minimal acclimation.Age Intervention Retinol Plus redefines expectations for retinoids.

Skin Resurfacing Acids

Skin Resurfacing acids such as glycolic acid, azelaic acid and salicylic acid have been shown to resurface skin, increase volume, inhibit tyrosinase, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce excess melanin production and lift existing pigment. When these acids are combined, they will address an array of skincare concerns to provide radiant and flawless skin.

A powerful combination of glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acid provide a broad-range of benefits for dramatically smoother, clearer, more luminous looking skin. Bioclear Face Lotion is a remarkable multi-functional resurfacing solution that utilizes a combination of three proven acids for a broad range of benefits. It's ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, redness, acne scarring, large pores and uneven texture makes Bioclear a "must have" for nearly all individuals.

This dynamic at-home chemical peel pad combines 4 unique and powerful acids (glycolic, salicylic, mandelic, and lactic acid) with soothing chamomile, green tea, and aloe vera to deliver immediately smoother, more luminous skin, a more refined texture, and a reduced appearance of pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles. Jan Marini Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads are the perfect at-home peel for immediately brighter, smoother, glowing skin!

Targeted Lightening Ingredients

Peptides that are lightening such as nonapeptide-1 prevent melanin synthesis and unwanted pigment. Also targeted ingredients like non staining  turmeric contain a component called curcumin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant which plays a big role in reducing excess production of melanin

This patented formulation combines advanced growth factors, peptides and antioxidants to hydrate skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve the appearance of texture and overall skin tone.

Antioxidants

Additional antioxidants such as vitamin C, green tea extract, and bisabolol can also play a role in reducing inflammation and preventing production of excess pigment.

Five unique anti-aging peptides are combined with CoEnzyme Q10, green & red tea extract, pomegranate & grape seed extract and more to help soothe skin and and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A powerful antioxidant cocktail, featuring a lipid soluble Vitamin C and DMAE and HA, shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin texture. Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum is great for all skin types.

Sunscreen

Preventing future dark spots into the future requires a combo of sun protection and use of a proper home care regimen with skincare products for dark spots.

The ultimate in wearability! This fan favorite combines water-resistant, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with oil control and advanced hydration for the skin.

Using these products at home is surefire for brightening up your skin !

Now let's talk about the in spa skin treatments that target pigmentation directly!

Resurfacing Peels

Its no hidden secret that peels are notorious for correcting skin pigment and that's why active resurfacing acids are on the ingredient list above as well. Peels are very diverse and not all the same. You can have a mild to moderate to intense peel depending on how quickly you want to see results, if you can take time off work, how much you would like to spend, and what weather season you are in. If you want to take the slower route to results with no downtime and not having to worry about the season you're receiving the peel, I would suggest doing a series of  progressive peels.

If you're wanting a deeper peel with faster results that will require some downtime I suggest doing a series of Clinical Peels. What you'll have to be conscious of with deeper peels is that they require downtime and will restrict you from being in the sun at all. These peels are more ideal for fall/winter and early spring months, not so much in the summer if you are in a 4 season state.

Peels are moderately priced with mixed discomfort level depending on the peel.

If you'd like to learn more about peels you can read my Blog NOT ALL PEELS ARE THE SAME!

MICRONEEDLING X EXOSOMES

This is one of the absolute best treatments for multiple concerns. This treatment is pigment striping, texture smoothing, brightening, and preventative for aging. I suggest doing a series of 4 Microneedling x exosome treatments for a well rounded treatment that tackles everything all at once.

Minimal downtime is required for this treatment and numbing is included. The discomfort is about a 4/10 and the price is moderate to high depending on if you add PRP/PRF and which provider is working on you and in what area.

Resurfacing Lasers

Resurfacing lasers are one of the best treatments for peeling away unwanted pigmentations. Lasers for pigmentation are a 5/10 on the discomfort level and take a total of 10 days of downtime. The way you will look post laser is not so bad as well, you will still be able to carry on with normal tasks. Many lasers are not so aggressive and you can achieve your best result after 3 treatments.


Although they are high on the price Index you can guarantee that its money well spent because lasers get the job done!

My favorite resurfacing lasers are

Scitons MOXI LASER and Soltas CLEAR & BRILLIANT





You now have all the information you need to start tackling your pigmentation like a pro! Subscribe to our newsletter below to never miss an update!