Pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots; no matter what you call it, uneven skin tone in any form is one of the frustrating skin concerns that can be exasperating to try and fix. So if you feel like one minute you are a glowing goddess, and the next you are getting dark spots that appear out of nowhere, then chances are you are dealing with some form of pigmentation. While all the conditions listed above are slightly different in form and function, the ways of treating them tend to be very similar.
The good news is that pigmentation is something that affects all ages, skin tones, types, and lifestyles. It is often one of those skin conditions that comes and goes as well, often showing up during pregnancy or after the warmer months, and then disappearing for an extended leave of absence. Basically, it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and while it can absolutely be frustrating to deal with, there are achievable steps that you can take to treat it.
So if you have been waiting for the right time to spring into action, consider this your divine intervention, because winter is hands down the best time to do so. Whether you are dealing with melasma, sun spots, or stubborn acne marks, treating pigmentation in winter means you will be faced with significantly fewer hurdles, better results, and your skin will be glowing just in time for summer. If you are nodding your head along knowingly, then here is everything you need to know about what causes pigmentation, how to treat it, and why the winter months work in your favour.
What is pigmentation and why does it happen?
Like all skin-related concerns, the first step to effective treatment is understanding its type and cause. Simply put, pigmentation refers to the colouring of your skin. It’s all about melanin, the pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their natural colour. Sometimes, your skin produces too much melanin, causing darker patches or spots to form. This can happen for various reasons, like sun exposure, hormonal changes, or even after skin inflammation (think acne scars that leave a mark long after the breakout is gone).
What are the different types of pigmentation?
Not all pigmentation is made equal either. Here are the main types of pigmentation people deal with.
Melasma
Often called the 'mask of pregnancy,' melasma is typically triggered by hormonal changes and worsened by sun exposure. It usually appears as brown or grey, or dark patches on the face.
Freckles
Cute? Absolutely. But if you're looking to minimise them, freckles are small, flat spots that show up when melanin accumulates after sun exposure. If they’re raised, it may be time to pay a visit to your dermatologist.
Hyperpigmentation
Got a breakout or injury? Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH, is the leftover dark mark that sticks around long after your skin has healed. It’s the unwanted gift that keeps on giving, unfortunately.
Sunspots
These are flat, brown spots that develop over time from too much sun. They often pop up in areas that see the sun the most, like your face, hands, or décolletage.
How to treat pigmentation
Even though pigmentation can take on many different forms, the silver lining is that there are plenty of tried and true ways of managing it. Whether you are just starting out on your skincare journey or it’s time to level up your routine after years of suffering in silence, here is how to treat your pigmentation effectively.
Smart exfoliation
When it comes to fading pigmentation, exfoliation in the form of at-home products and in-clinic treatments truly are your best friend. They work by removing dead skin cells that can dull your complexion and mark dark spots or pigmentary patches appear more pronounced and noticeable. By encouraging skin cell turnover, you help reveal fresher, more even-toned skin underneath.
But not all exfoliators are created equal. Skip the gritty physical scrubs, those are out in a big way, and reach for something sensitive or an effective chemical exfoliant, depending on what your skin can tolerate.
Skinsmiths Resurfacing AHA/BHA Peel
A clinic inspired multi-acid formula that resurfaces and renews, tackling pigmentation both at the surface and deeper layers of the skin. With an expertly crafted blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, this wonder product will boost cell turnover and leave your skin smoother, cleaner and more radiant.
Skinsmiths Enzyme Polishing Powder
The newest addition to your exfoliation arsenal, this ultra-fine powder activates with water to deliver a gentle enzymatic exfoliation using fruit-derived enzymes and soothing oat extracts. Perfect for daily use or those with sensitive skin, it smooths texture, removes buildup, and preps your skin for whatever activity comes next.
Use the AHA/BHA Peel 1–2 times a week for a deep resurfacing treatment, and reach for the Enzyme Polishing Powder in between to keep your glow going without over-exfoliating.
Serums that brighten
If there’s one ingredient that earns a place in every pigmentaiton routine, it's vitamin C. This antioxidant works by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin, meaning it helps stop dark spots from forming while fading the ones you already have. Vitamin C also comes with a host of other benefits for the skin, so you are getting a multi-tasking treatment that will keep your skin happy and healthy, while also banishing dark spots and pigmentation.
Skinsmiths PRO Vitamin C Serum
This heavy-hitter serum has been clinically proven to reduce visible dark spots by 25%. It doesn’t just brighten (but it does a fantastic job at doing that too, it shields your skin from environmental damage, making it a true staple in your skincare toolkit.
Focus on repairing your skin barrier
No matter what skin concern you are facing, hydrated skin will always look better, and pigmentation is no exception. Dry, flaky skin can make discolouration look more pronounced and worsen its effects. By keeping your skin barrier strong and healthy, you are allowing your skin to heal and function at its best.
Skinsmiths B12 Ceramide Cream
The newest launch from the B12 range, this deeply nourishing cream combines barrier-repairing ceramides with calming vitamin B12 and niacinamide. It works overtime to lock in moisture, reduce redness, and support your skin’s natural recovery process… all while helping improve clarity and tone. Think of it as your comfort blanket in a cute little pink and white bottle.
Wear SPF every single day
Yes, even in winter. Yes, even when it’s cloudy outside. Yes, even if you aren’t planning on setting foot outside of your house. Sun exposure is one of, if not the biggest, triggers for pigmentation and discolouration and without your daily armour of SPF, your dark spots will just keep worsening and coming back.
Skinsmiths Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF 30
Lightweight, hydrating and broad-spectrum, this daily sunscreen does more than protect. It smooths, plumps, and provides antioxidant support, making it the perfect daily final step, whether you wear it alone or under makeup.
Treat from the inside out
While topical skincare products are absolutely crucial when it comes to treating pigmentation and keeping it at bay, there are also lifestyle factors that play a role. And a holistic approach to any problem in your life is always the best. Antioxidants are not just effective at treating pigmentation on the outside, eating a diet rich in antioxidants, like berries, green leafy vegetables, and nuts, can help to protect your skin from oxidative stress, which can contribute to pigmentation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed, also help to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
Avoiding excessive sun exposure, smoking, and stress will also benefit your skin in the long run. And don’t forget to stay consistent with your skincare routine, pigmentation isn’t something that disappears overnight, but with the right lifestyle and products, you can make a huge difference over time.
Why winter is the perfect time to treat pigmentation
So, why winter, you ask? Well, for a few reasons actually. When you treat your skin concerns is equally important as how, and winter is absolutely the best time to tackle pigmentation head on. Here’s why.
Less sun
Less sun = less risk. Many brightening products (particularly chemical exfoliants) and in-clinic solutions like lasers and microneedling can all make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. In winter, lower UV levels and shorter days all work in your favour while you are trying to get your pigmentation under control. It will give you less chance of a post-treatment flare up or rebound pigmentation, as well as just keeping your skin overall more healthy, and avoiding having new sun spots pop up in their place.
Your actives work harder
Actives are key to the success of any type of pigmentatio treatment. Vitamin C, AHAs, and other pigment-fighting ingredients work best when they are not in constant competition with sun damage. With less environmental stress in the colder months, your skin can focus on healing, brightening and repairing your skin barrier without having to tackle a host of other external stressors all day.
You will be glowing when summer rolls around
Like all persistent skin conditions, pigmentation and sun spots will take some time to fade. Starting your routine now means you will be showing off clearer, more even skin by the time summer comes back around. Consider this your pre-party season glow up.
Still not seeing results?
And, that pretty much summers it up. If you have tried all of these techniques and are still not seeing the results you want, it may be time to call in the professionals. And by professionals, we of course mean our friends at Caci Clinic. They have all the in-clinic treatments you could ever need to treat more stubborn or severe pigmentation, from fractional laser to microneedling.
Visit your local clinic for an obligation-free consultation.
