Your Essential Guide to Pigmentation and Melasma
At Equipoise our goal is to make you feel the most comfortable in your own skin. Pigmentation and melasma are two skin concerns that we are often asked about. Although pigmentation can give you character and is part of what makes us all individual and unique, it can also be a cause of insecurity for some. We’ve broken down a guide to pigmentation and melasma, and the best at-home products and in-clinic treatments to address them.
What is Pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation is the colour of your skin due to melanin – a natural pigment that gives colour to your hair, skin and eyes. Melanin can be evenly distributed through the skin, or it can be concentrated in certain areas. Skin discolouration can occur in the form of age spots, patches and areas of pigmentation and melasma. A number of factors can influence this, including genes and skin damage from sun exposure.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition which results in brown or blue-gray patches or spots. The patches of discolouration typically occur on the face but can also occur on the neck and forearms. It is not yet clear what causes melasma in individuals.
The Best Products for Treatment of Pigmentation and Melasma
We have a wide range of products that can help pigmentation and melasma. Here are our favourites by brand.
Skin Moderne
Skin Moderne is a lovely range that brings the latest in preventative ageing and overall skin wellness.
C Fusion – a vitamin C serum that boosts collagen and lightens skin
Luminous Serum – a potent brightening serum
Bio Retinol – a plant-based alternative to retinoids that reduces the appearance of ageing and pigmentation
AHA/BHA – a potent night time product that lightens and brightens
Ultraceuticals
Another great range which uses high levels of active ingredients in tested formulations to provide effective products to address skin concerns.
Ultra Dual Microfoliant – a dual action exfoliator containing micro-fine vitamin C improving skintone and discolouration
Brightening Foaming Cleanser – thoroughly cleanses and improves the appearance of pigmentation
Brightening Serum – a powerful serum that addresses surface discolouration and skin blotchiness
New Ultra Brightening Moisturiser Cream – a nourishing moisturiser that enhances brightness, clarity and luminosity
Ultra C Firming – a range of products that help to reverse the signs of ageing
Ultra A Skin Perfecting – a range of potent products that plump the skin and reduce sun damage
Even Skintone Smoothing Serum – a liquid exfoliator that brightens skintone
DermaQuest
A range of innovative products with advanced delivery systems.
Mini Pumpkin Mask – a rejuvenating and brightening mask with anti-inflammatory benefits
Even Skin Facial Cleanser – an illuminating cleanser that evens skin tone while delivering nutrients to the skin
Even Skin Vitabrite – packed with illuminating botanical and anti-ageing peptides to address age spots and pigmentation
Even Skin Serum C3 – contains oil soluble vitamin C which boosts collagen production and improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation
A2 Serum – refines skin texture and tone and prepares skin for peels
Esthemax
Natural based products with high functionality.
Esthemax HydroJelly Brightening Complex Mask – a jelly-like mask with a brightening complex
The Best Treatments for Tackling Pigmentation and Melasma
As well as at-home skincare, we have some lovely in-clinic treatments. Peels are a great tool for reducing pigmentation and melasma and revealing healthier and clearer skin. Here’s an overview to help you get an idea of what might suit you:
Ultraceuticals
Brightening Accelerator Mask – brightens dull, blotchy and uneven skin
Lactic Peel – a natural acid that dissolves the bond holding dead skin cells to the skin’s surface and treats signs of pigmentation.
Order your Ultraceuticals products here.
DermaQuest
Our DermaQuest range offers a number of skin peels and resurfacer treatments.
EvenSkin Peel and Mango Brite Peel – provides a smoother appearance and gives a radiant glow
Power Pumpkin Resurfacer – exfoliates while fuelling the skin with vitamins and minerals
C Fusion Peel – increases cellular turnover to repair UV damage and hydrate
Power Peptide Resurfacer – accelerates the shedding of dead skin cells and gives an instant skin lift
Glycolic Acid Peel – a deeply exfoliating and restorative peel
Order your DermaQuest products here.
MeLine
A fantastic treatment for melasma and pigmentation. Topical skincare is used in the lead-up to clinic treatments, where a number of steps are then taken to boost cell turnover and reduce hyper-pigmentation.
LED
LED is a great treatment for healthy, glowing skin. Our FlexLux machine is a multiple light therapy device which can be customised to treat multiple skin concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, acne, rosacea, eczema, scarring, inflammation and pigmentation.
Dermapen4
This treatment involves a non-invasive skin-needling that reduces wrinkles and fine lines while minimising scarring, shrinking pores, and repairing sun-damaged and ageing skin.
Dermaplaning
This treatment is a deep exfoliation of the skin. During the treatment, a surgical blade is carefully worked over the face. This removes dead skin cells and fine hair for skin rejuvenation. It’s a treatment with many benefits – there is no downtime, and the treatment can be used alongside chemical peels. It’s also great for removing fair hair that cannot be treated with IPL.
There are many options for addressing pigmentation and melasma. Feel free to book in a free consultation to find out what might work for you and your individual needs.
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If you liked this blog, head over to our Blog page to read more of our helpful skincare guides! If you live in Auckland and are new to the world of facials, get in contact with us or make a facial appointment here.
We offer free no-obligation skincare consultations which involve an in-depth assessment of your skin and a recommended prescription of products and treatments.
Alternatively, head over to our online store for some skincare retail therapy (we have some beautiful gift ideas too)!