Anti-pigmentation products - what are they, how do they work and why do you need them?

By Dr Dirk Kremer.

When people think of skin concerns, they instantly think about wrinkles, but, as more and more people desire perfect looking skin, it has become more common for people to worry about pigmentation patches on their skin, which can make the skin look aged and blotchy.

Pigmentation is a skin condition which causes parts of the skin to appear darker or lighter than other areas, with darker, brown patches called hyper-pigmentation. Pigmentation is commonly caused by increased levels of melanin, the pigment in skin which produces colour, and is usually the result of sun damage, hormonal changes, inflammation or injury. Pigmentation can also be caused by Melasma, which is caused by changes in your hormone levels during pregnancy, or while on the contraceptive pill. These patches may fade over time, but in most cases, some form of anti-pigmentation treatment is needed to get rid of them completely.

What are anti-pigmentation products?

There are many anti-pigmentation procedures available on the market today, such as chemical peels, micro dermabrasion, laser treatments, intense pulsed light treatments and creams which are rubbed onto the skin on a daily basis. The anti-pigmentation skin creams are designed to remove pigmentation patches on the skin while also lightening skin, blocking melanin production, blocking tyrosinase activity and disrupting melanin transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. Most anti-pigmentation skin care creams also hydrate and moisturise the skin at the same time.

How do anti-pigmentation products work?

Anti-pigmentation creams work by combining hydroquinone with retinol to help the skin shed the damaged, pigmented cells over a period of weeks and months. They don’t deliver instant results, but if you apply them every day, you should start to see results within weeks. Here at SkinDoc formula, I offer my IlluminOx product which lightens the skin by blocking melanin synthesis and subsequently reducing unwanted pigmentation.

IlluminOx manipulates the level of melanin the body produces by converting tyrosine (a natural amino acid) into melanin through oxidisation. Tyrosinase is a wonderful acid as it catalyses the body’s natural production of melanin in Melanocytes through melanogenesis. IlluminOx also benefits from Rumex extract, which helps stop the melanin process, and Nonapeptide-1 (a biometric peptide) which impedes the body’s melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Finally, IlluminOx has the added benefit of Alpha Arbutin, a powerful ingredient which is incredibly good at lightening the skin as an agent on its own. Using all of the ingredients above, IlluminOx is the perfect anti-pigmentation product to add to your daily skin care routine. Apply every morning and evening for the best results.

Why should you use anti-pigmentation products?

Pigmentation on the skin can lead to dark spots and an uneven skin surface, it can also lead to a number of other issues such as anxiety and depression and a lack of self-confidence in someone who is unhappy with their appearance. By using an anti-pigmentation product in your daily skin care routine, you’re helping to remove the dark spots and uneven skin surface, while also lightening your skin and adding much needed hydration to the skin, as water is vital for healthy, glowing skin!

IlluminOx is just one of many skincare products I have developed and offer here at SkinDoc formula. To find out more about the entire range, please browse through the shop and get in touch if you have any questions.