We’re proud that SA was one of the first countries to launch our new Pigmentbio range which treats hyperpigmentation – a skin issue that affects South Africans of all ages and skin tones. It’s one of our top skin concerns.

So, what is hyperpigmentation and how can we treat it?

We asked Dr. Jonathan Smith – President of the Dermatology Society of South Africa – our guest speaker at the Pigmentbio launch to give us his top tips to keep your complexion even and radiant.

Firstly, what is pigmentation?

The skin has a natural colour that is independent of sun exposure: this is its pigmentation.

This colour depends on skin cells called melanocytes, which are unique in that they produce pigments known as melanin. This melanin offers natural protection against the ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun.

Pigmentation problems are linked to poor melanin functioning, which causes either hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or depigmentation (lighter spots) on the skin. The latter is usually related to a condition such as vitiligo or albinism, which requires medical care.

While our Pigmentbio range is formulated to even out existing spots and help you to regain your natural, even complexion, there are steps you can take to prevent spots forming or worsening. We asked Dr. Jonathan Smith what he recommends, and he says:

1. ALWAYS protect exposed skin areas from light by using a medically proven broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, EVERY DAY!
2. People whose knuckles are more pigmented than the skin between the knuckles are more likely to develop dark patches after inflammation from any cause; be it trauma, insect bites, infection, etc.
3. When female hormone (oestrogen and progestogen) levels are high, for example during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives, melasma (darker pigmentation) commonly occurs. As sun exposure stimulates more pigmentation, it makes sense to take medication containing these hormones in the evening so that they reach their highest levels in the skin at night, to decrease the chance that they may be contributory factors.
4. Melasma is a chronic condition and tends to relapse when treatment is interrupted. Treatment should therefore be continuous until the condition lessens, usually only after menopause.
5. Any new pigmented lesion (mark) or change in an existing pigmented lesion should be referred to a dermatologist for dermatoscopic examination to exclude malignant melanoma, as early diagnosis and treatment gives the best prognosis.

Do you struggle with an uneven skin tone and dark spots?

Be sure to take a look at our new Pigmentbio range that includes the Pigmentbio Foaming Cream and H2O cleansers, the Pigmentbio Daily Care SPF 50+ for the day and Night Renewer for the evenings, and the Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas to treat hyperpigmentation on the body.

This article has been provided courtesy of Bioderma