PIGMENTATION

Best Skincare for Pigmentation

Pigmentation and dark spots are caused by excess melanin production by the skin. These can result from prolonged sun exposure, scars, inflammation and ageing of the skin. Find the best pigmentation skincare products for your facial skin that can help improve the appearance of blemishes and restore your skin's flawless, healthy and silky-smooth complexion.

What are the characteristics of skin pigmentation

Pigmentation is a common skin concern that can occur on any skin type and seen on men and women around the world.

Pigmented skin indicates areas on the facial skin or body that have become darker in colour compared to the surrounding skin. This can result in an uneven or patchy appearance.

As soon as we are exposed to sunshine, we see freckles appear and a darkening of the skin, (what we call a sun tan).

Any skin condition causing inflammation of the skin (boils, acnes, burns and dryness) can cause overactive melanocytes to over produce melanin, and increase the skin’s pigment levels. Skincare treatments have to be tailored to the individual, taking into account their skin ethnicity, cause of the pigmentation and their desired outcome.

Pigmentation can manifest in a variety of ways including:

• Freckles
• Sunspots
• Melasma or chloasma
• Seborrheic keratosis
• Birthmarks

Best skincare for pigmentation

Stocking the best Korean brands for skincare for moisturisers and makeup, Boniik is your one-stop shop to treat any skincare concern, including pigmentation.

When it comes to shopping for the best pigmentation skincare products, you can’t go wrong with the following beauty staples, brightening toners.

Our toners do way more than just hydrate the complexion. They keep excess oil at bay, balance and smooth out the complexion, but most importantly, can do wonders at brightening and fading away those pesky dark spots.

Depending on their ingredients, some toners fade dark marks that acne and pimples leave behind after the blemishes heal. When shopping for toners, look out for the following powerhouse extracts to brighten the complexion:

Citric Acid - This natural astringent has been clinically proven to improve the appearance of dark spots and blemishes on the skin. When applied topically, citric acid can work the outer layers of the skin, actively repairing the skin barrier function and enabling it to prevent UV rays penetrating into the skin layers. This minimises future chances of the skin suffering from photodamage.

*Citric acid should always be applied with SPF+15 or more, as citric acid makes the skin more photosensitive.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C is one of our most valued natural extracts for glowing, smoother and brighter skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which makes it an excellent anti-inflammatory which plays a crucial role in combating dark spots. Vitamin C helps inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps prevent over production of melanin, and decreases signs of ageing.

Magnolia extract - This magic anti-inflammatory has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Magnolia extract has been proven to prevent the loss of skin elasticity caused by UV damage, reduce reddening and uneven skin, and softens the complexion by eliminating dark spots.

Retinol - This form of Vitamin A is a go-to remedy for hyperpigmentation. Retinol is particularly effective as it encourages cell turnover to bring about healthier, newer skin cells while gently buffing away older, darker ones.

Arbutin - Arbutin is a natural extract from dried blueberry, bearberry, or pear tree leaves. Arbutin is a natural form of hydroquinone, which is a synthetic chemical to lighten dark spots and signs of ageing. As a result, it’s safer and softer on the skin, yet just as effective.

The best pigmentation skincare routine

Step 1: Start With a Gently Exfoliating Cleanser

Avoid the harsh granular scrubs. When it comes to exfoliating pigmented skin, it's better to turn to a light bubble cleanser infused with one of the ingredients above, or lactic acid- an ingredient that hydrates as it exfoliates.

Step 2: Brighten and Protect with Vitamin C

Using a potent Vitamin C serum not only protects the skin from future UV damage, but can help lift and brighten the pigmentation on your facial skin.

Step 3: Give the Skin a Boost of Vitamin B

A Vitamin B serum, toner or cleanser can help rejuvenate the complexion, and promote collagen production in the skin. Vitamin B is an underrated pigmentation ingredient as it helps to hydrate the skin and reduce redness.

Step 4: Moisturise as per usual

Follow up with a lightweight moisturising cream so you don’t clog your pores.

Step 5: Double Up on Sun Protection

Finish your routine with a pump of SPF sunscreen. UV rays are the primary evil of creating sun spots. A good old dose of sunscreen should provide your skin with the necessary protective barrier it needs to prevent future dark spots, and photodamage.