The Ultimate Guide to Facial Pigmentation •

Last Reviewed Oct 30, 2023

To have soft, supple and flawless skin is a wish for many. Unfortunately, many people suffer from skin problems such as facial pigmentation, acne, dry and oily skin. Although it is a generalized process, parts of the body exposed to the sun such as the face, legs, and arms are more prone to hyperpigmentation.

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With decades of research, modern medical and cosmetic experts have solutions like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serumwhich are highly effective in treating facial pigmentation and giving you flawless skin. Since acne breakout is one of the main causes of hyperpigmentation, using Vichy Liftactiv Serum can significantly reduce extreme acne.

Understanding the cause will help solve the problem effectively. That’s why here is the ultimate guide to help you learn all about facial pigmentation.

Causes of Facial Pigmentation

Various internal and external factors cause pigmentation of the face. Here are a few of them.

Excessive production of melanin

The excessive production of melanin is one of the main causes of facial pigmentation. It is the pigment that determines the color of your skin. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin. Although melanocytes produce melanin moderately, various factors can affect its natural function and cause hyperpigmentation.

Sun exposure

The human skin produces melanin when it is exposed to sunlight. While moderate sunlight is helpful for the topical area, excessive exposure to the sun can affect pigment production. Using sunscreen lotions with at least SPF 30 and reducing sun exposure can help prevent dark spots.

Melasma

Melasma causes brown, freckled spots on the face. These patches are caused by a hormonal imbalance, especially during pregnancy. Although melasma is very common in pregnant women, it can dramatically increase the pigmentation of the face and affect the appearance.

Skin inflammation

Inflammation of the skin affects melanin production. Because of this, inflammation caused by acne, lupus, eczema, and any skin injury can lead to facial pigmentation in many people. Serums like Vichy lift active have plenty of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which effectively treat acne and give better skin texture and appearance.

Drug reaction

Some medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants and antimalarials, can also affect the skin and cause pigment spots. The chemicals in some topical ointments can also darken the epidermis.

Some mental disorders such as stress, depression, and conditions like Addison’s disease can also cause hyperpigmentation.

Symptoms of facial pigmentation

Although facial pigmentation can be easily seen by its appearance, some significant symptoms can help pinpoint it.

Light brown, brown, or black spots usually appear on the skin of the face and are known as sun lentigines or moles
Larger patches of dark skin, usually on the face, forehead, and stomach
Dark and thick spots on the neck and shoulders

Since these symptoms are visually recognizable, it is always good to seek advice from an expert before it becomes serious.

Remedies for facial pigmentation

Natural remedies with aloe vera, red onion, and green tea extract can help reduce hyperpigmentation; they usually take time, persistence, and patience. Here are some better, more effective ways to treat and reduce facial pigmentation.

1. Skin acids

Skin acids are known to exfoliate the top layer. During the peeling process, the dead skin cells are replaced by new, healthy skin cells. Many effective facial acids such as salicylic acid are easy to find in the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum, which opens pores, gives you smoother, wrinkle-free skin, and keeps skin aging and fine lines at bay.

2. Lightening creams

Many over-the-counter (OTC) lightening creams are known to be effective at pigmentation. These creams usually contain ingredients like N-acetylglucosamine, hydroquinone, and licorice extract, etc. Applying these creams can help greatly reduce pigmentation.

3. Retinoids

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are used in many OTC skin care products. Thanks to their tiny molecular structure, they easily penetrate deep into the skin and help treat the layers of skin beneath the epidermis.

Retinoids are usually available in various OTC formulas or with prescription drugs. Although its OTC forms are effective, the stronger prescription form of retinoids known as retinoid tretinoin (Retin-A) sometimes reduces pigmentation.

4. Chemical peels

Chemical peels are effective in treating pigment spots. It uses strong acids on the desired skin area. By removing that part of the epidermis, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is usually done on the skin of the face, but it can be used to treat different areas of the body.

Although there are several OTC options for chemical peels, it is best to have them done by certified professionals and dermatologists to avoid side effects and get better results.

Facial pigmentation can be caused by various conditions and internal and external factors. You can treat it with effective prevention methods, quality skin care products, and professional treatments.