Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Skin pigmentation or, more accurately, hyperpigmentation (increases of pigmentation beyond the physiological norm) ranks as one of the most common dermatological concerns.
Pigmentation causes can be divided into genetic causes (more often seen in ethnic or racial skin) and acquired causes (seen in all skin types and ethnicities). Common causes of acquired pigmentation include melasma, age spots and sun-induced pigmentation. A simple skincare routine can markedly improve most types of pigmentation — whatever the cause.
Understand how to use sunscreens properly
Everyone should own two types of sunscreens — a daily and an activity sunscreen — as these are formulated differently. Daily sunscreens are more cosmetically elegant, meaning they are designed to go underneath makeup and provide a high level of sun protection. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that matches your skin tone. Cosmetically elegant brands include SkinCeuticals, Melan 130, Elta, La Roche Posay and Avene.
Activity sunscreens are waterproof with protective agents such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. While not as elegant as daily sunscreen, they offer better protection as they stick to the skin’s surface. This means longer-lasting protection, especially during outdoor physical activity.
Everyone should own two types of sunscreens — a daily and an activity sunscreen — as these are formulated differently.
Products with pigment correctors
From there, you can add specific pigment correctors found in skincare products. These ingredients include niacinamide, tranexamic acid, ascorbic acid, azelaic acid and arbutin. Most pigment-correcting formulations will have a mixture of the listed ingredients.
Focused laser treatments
Office-based treatments can accelerate pigment clearances, thus improving skin luminosity and reducing dull and sallow complexions. A revelation over the past five years has been the picosecond laser. This laser provides concentrated light energy, delivered in super short pulses (over picoseconds) to safely and efficiently shatter pigment in the upper and lower areas of the skin. A series of three to five sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart can significantly remove pigment in all skin types.
