One of the major skin concerns for Australians is pigmentation. Treatment of skin pigmentation is not something to consider just in summer, as there are various causes of pigmentation, so we need to be mindful of it all year round.
What Is Pigmentation?
If you look closely at the skin of a child, you will notice how beautiful their skin is -the tone and colour are even. As we get older and are exposed to various lifestyle and environmental factors, our skin tone changes. We may start to notice areas of darker colour and age spots appearing.
What is skin pigmentation?
We mostly enter this world with beautiful, unblemished skin, but as we get older and are exposed to various lifestyle and environmental factors (hello sunshine!), our skin tone changes and pigmentation starts to occur. It may look like freckles or darker patches and it is usually noticeable on your face and the back of your hands.
What causes pigmentation?
Everyone starts to notice areas of darker colour and age spots appearing as they get older. There are several causes of skin pigmentation, including:
UV Exposure
The most significant contributor to skin pigmentation is UV light. Melanin, a natural pigment found in your skin, creates the colour in your skin and protects it from UV exposure.
Prolonged exposure to the sun stimulates melanin production, leading to the development of freckles and dark areas over time.
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, menopause and birth control pills can alter oestrogen and progesterone levels in the body. These hormones can stimulate melanin production, leading to pigmentation issues.
Illness And Medications
Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and digestive problems can also cause pigmentation. Certain medications, including birth control pills, can stimulate melanin production.
Inflammation
Inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis can trigger melanin growth, resulting in pigmentation.
Genetics
Some cultural backgrounds are more prone to pigmentation due to genetic factors.
Mature Skin
As we age, melanin production can become unstable, causing the skin to appear patchy, with lightened and darkened areas.
How to treat pigmentation
While there are chemical peels available to treat pigmentation, they can be damaging to the skin’s acid mantle (the pH value) and may lead to long-term harm.
There is no quick fix for pigmentation; it requires a consistent routine over time. However, several practices can help reduce its effects.
Lifestyle Detox
Reducing free radicals in your life and diet, including alcohol, coffee, sugar and processed foods, can make a difference.
Foods
Ensure you have plenty of antioxidants in your diet to combat free radicals. Sources include goji berries, cranberries, elderberries, blueberries, matcha green tea and dark chocolate. Carotenoid-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and capsicum are beneficial for skin health as they can be converted to retinol (vitamin A).
Protect
Wear sun protection when outdoors, including sunscreen, long sleeves and a sunhat, to avoid overexposure.
Skincare
Natural skincare products with active plant extracts can support the process of reducing and protecting against pigmentation.
Pigmentation Treatment: Try Acai Berry Active Antioxidant Serum
This antioxidant face serum is a powerful blend of plant actives, including Vitamins A, C, and E, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory phytosterols. These ingredients help protect skin cells from free radical damage, which can cause inflammation and increase the occurrence of age spots and pigmentation. Incorporating this serum into your routine can provide effective, natural treatment for skin pigmentation.
Olive Skin Serum
The olive squalene in Botani’s all-natural serum behaves similarly to retinol, helping to diminish the signs of ageing. It acts as a free radical scavenger, boosts healing and oxygenates skin cells.
2 in 1 Exfoliating Mask and Scrub
Featuring rice flour, an ancient Asian beauty secret, and native Australian Quandong Extract, this mask and scrub works as a natural AHA to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, offering brightening and anti-ageing benefits.
Discover the best skin pigmentation treatment from Botani
Want to reduce skin pigmentation naturally? Botani’s range is packed with antioxidants and uses vegan ingredients to help you feel better about your skincare.
Shop our range or contact us for advice today.
