All you need to know about pigmentation

A common marker of healthy skin is the even distribution of melanin on the face. This pigment determines your skin’s colour and protects it from UV damage. However, if you have noticed skin discolouration on your face or other parts of the body, they may be indicators of the uneven spread of melanin, which shows up as hyperpigmentation. This mostly occurs around the mouth, sides of the eyes, and forehead.  Getting rid of dark spots begins with finding out and eliminating the reasons behind them so you can prevent new spots from appearing.

3 steps of skin pigmentation:

Melanin production: The pigment-producing cells, melanocytes, produce melanin. Sometimes, this pathway is disturbed by sun exposure, hormonal imbalance, certain medications or medical conditions (eczema, dermatitis). This results in irregular dark patches on the skin, especially on the face, neck, cheeks and hands.

Melanin transfer: Hyperpigmentation of the skin depends on the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to the upper layer of the skin surface. The excess melanin produced is sometimes unevenly distributed, resulting in dark brown to grey spots or patches.

Skin cell turnover: Skin cell turnover refers to the continuous process in which dead skin cells are shed and replaced by new cells. Acne and ageing can slow cell turnover, causing dark patches on the skin. Older skin cells can also produce more melanin, due to which some areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding areas.

                                                                         

Busting myths surrounding other ingredients

Many commonly used products cannot address three root causes of hyperpigmentation, namely melanin production, melanin transfer and skin cell turnover.

Using ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids, e.g., mandelic acid), and procedures such as chemical or laser peels and microdermabrasion may have significant disadvantages. 

Besides being incomplete and superficial remedies, they draw moisture from deeper layers of the skin to hydrate the skin surface, thus dehydrating the skin from within. These ingredients and processes may result in rashes, burning sensations, irritation, dry skin and erythema (skin redness). 

An efficient formulation for smooth and radiant skin

The best solution for pigmentation is using a unique formulation of active ingredients that target these skin-related problems. The technologically-driven combination of hexylresorcinol (HR) + niacinamide (VB3) + retinyl propionate (RPC) with a retinol booster is the comprehensive solution you need to improve pigmented skin more holistically than any other ingredient. This solution strengthens the skin barrier and gives a brighter complexion in 4 weeks.

The combination of 3.7% hexylresorcinol + niacinamide + retinyl propionate with a retinol booster is clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation in 4 weeks and render an even skin tone within 8 weeks. 

Hexylresorcinol acts as a skin brightening and toning agent, helping regulate melanogenesis and promote an even skin tone. Retinol propionate, a vitamin A derivative, enhances epidermal turnover. It restores the skin glow and minimises the appearance of dark spots and signs of ageing. They work together with niacinamide, which soothes inflammation and prevents melanin transfer to the skin surface. This three-fold solution helps restore healthy skin. 

Most skin products cannot address all causes of hyperpigmentation. Slathering multiple serums and moisturisers or trying therapies to get spotless skin may not benefit you in the long run, as they do not reduce hyperpigmentation at its root. Instead, they may end up damaging your skin’s barrier. On the other hand, the clinically proven and high-science HR+VB3+RPC technology visibly lightens skin blemishes, hydrates and helps even out the skin complexion in 4–8 weeks.