8 best products for pigmentation

Living in Australia, hyperpigmentation is a skin concern a huge amount of women are faced with. When a largely outdoor lifestyle is the norm, it is important to understand the effects of sun exposure, how to protect your skin properly and what you can do to rectify the damage you may already have. We caught up with Ella Baché National Training Manager, Gina Cook to learn exactly what pigmentation and hyperpigmentation is and what ingredients and products we should be using to treat it.

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What is pigmentation?

“Pigmentation is [actually the] colour produced by melanin in our skin cells, it’s when we have hyperpigmentation that causes us concern, such as discolouration and patches of irregular coloured skin,” explains Cook.

How do I prevent it from occurring?

As hyperpigmentation comes from exposure to the sun “the most effective way to avoid [it], is to wear a zinc-based sunscreen every day (bh recommends: Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50) and avoid sun exposure. This will limit the over stimulation of melanin” and as a result hyperpigmentation, says Cook.

“Be aware of incidental and intentional sun exposure though,” she explains. “For example, during the peak of summer the sun is at its strongest and 20 minutes in the sun, even if it’s just a trip to the shops...you are putting your skin at risk.”

What are the best ingredients to treat it?

While we’ve sung the praises of vitamin C in the past, it is actually the best ingredient to treat hyperpigmentation. “[It’s] a miracle ingredient. Not only does it help minimise, treat and prevent pigmentation and hyperpigmentation, it works to brighten and lighten the skin, as well as having amazing abilities as an antioxidant,” says Cook. But what does an antioxidant do, you might ask. “Antioxidants help to fight pollution, which makes the skin more susceptible to a dull, lacklustre appearance, as well as contribute to the onset of fine lines and pigmentation.”

Are there any ingredients to avoid?

“Some products with certain forms of alcohol or chemicals will stimulate pigmentation or discolouration,” says Cook, “especially when exposed to the sun. It’s important that the use of these stronger products, such as retinol, are only used in the evening and followed by sun protection the next day. Any products that are harsh on the skin will cause skin trauma and this can in turn cause the skin to become discoloured,” she says.

So, what products should I be using?

For best results, Cook recommends considering an in-salon treatment such as a microdermabrasion followed by LED or IPL Brightening Series (such as is available at Ella Baché salons). But for products you can use at home: