Pigmentation 101

Pigmentation is a prevalent skin issue, often accompanied by frustration over treatment and prevention methods. Despite feeling overwhelmed, the right knowledge and products can lead to significant improvement. MZ SKIN’s at-home skin-brightening formulas offer a tailored and holistic approach to addressing this concern. By combining targeted treatments for skin damage with our skin-brightening and resurfacing formulas, you can establish a comprehensive routine to reduce pigmentation and achieve radiant, refined skin.

Dr Maryam Zamani’s on Pigmentation:

“I have been vocal about my own issues with pigmentation, in particular Melasma. As a condition that waxes and wanes, there are some periods my skin is better than others. When treating pigmentation, I believe skincare in combination with various peels, light and laser treatments work well together for best results. For this, I do clinic procedures such as BBL with Moxi to provide a dramatic increase in skin tone, colour and quality. However, I maintain my results with an at-home skincare routine that will combat oxidative damage, visibly boost collagen and promote a youthful healthy glow.” – Dr. Maryam Zamani

Understanding Pigmentation

Pigmentation arises when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colouration, in response to various factors such as injury, lifestyle choices, or underlying conditions. This excess melanin leads to darker patches on the skin, commonly referred to as pigmentation or hyperpigmentation. The three primary causes include sun exposure, inflammation, and hormonal fluctuations.

Types of Pigmentation

1. Sun Exposure: Extended periods of sun exposure can stimulate excessive melanin production, resulting in the formation of small, dark patches known as sunspots. Further exposure to sunlight can exacerbate their appearance and contribute to the development of additional spots.
2. Blemish Scarring: Inflammation caused by blemishes prompts the skin to release more melanosomes, pigment molecules that protect the skin but can also darken it. This post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) often persists after the blemish has healed, particularly in darker skin tones.
3. Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormone levels, such as those occurring during pregnancy or due to certain medications like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can trigger hormonal pigmentation.

Combatting Pigmentation

Hands Off

Avoid picking at blemishes, as this can worsen inflammation and darkening. Instead, apply our Micro-Peeling Glow Essence, our replenishing, skin-quenching tonic meets resurfacing, glow-giving toner. An intelligent multitasking skin tonic, powered by 7 high-performance actives that unite synergistically to brighten, clarify and illuminate even the most sensitive complexion. It is the ultimate start to a skincare ritual, to prime for optimal absorption of follow-up skincare, restore hydration and rebalance the skin.

Stress Reduction

Stress triggers the body’s melanocytes to produce more pigment, leading to darkened skin. Unwind and have an extra moment of self-care with our Pigmentation Correcting Ampoules, this 7 day-intensive regime reverses the visible effects of ageing and sun damage with 14 potent, serum-filled ampoules to improve the appearance of pigmentation, discolouration and uneven skin. Powerful, anti-inflammatory actives instantly calm and restore the skin barrier, while supercharged Peptides defend against free radicals, visibly boost collagen and promote a youthful healthy glow.

Integrate Vitamin C into Your Routine

Vitamin C is known to inhibit melanin production, promoting a more even skin tone while neutralizing oxidative stress. Our Brighten & Perfect Vitamin C Serum is a fast-acting, ultra-targeted Vitamin C serum that combines a potent complex of actives and an optimal dosage of 10% stabilised Vitamin C. These address the visible effects of UV-activated pigmentation, and age spots and reduce skin tone imperfections. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C also creates a shield to protect against environmental aggressors, resulting in a strengthened, refined, and brightened skin tone.

Sun Protection

Daily application of sun protection is crucial, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate cloud cover. Limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, and wearing protective clothing can also help.  Our Expert UV Protector SPF 50 combines health-boosting ingredients with broad-spectrum sun filters for ultimate protection, offering advanced skincare benefits and factor 50 defence against environmental elements. It delivers high-performance UVA and UVB defence with a lightweight, non-greasy formula suitable for all skin types and tones, leaving an invisible finish.