Pigmentation
Pigmentation (also referred to as hyperpigmentation) occurs when areas of the skin darken due to an increase in melanin. It’s a very common skin concern, especially here in Australia, and it only worsens with age. Pigmentation can occur anywhere on your skin but can be very frustrating when visible on your face and neck.
The good news is, there’s a variety of treatments that can help to address skin pigmentation.
We know that it can be difficult to manage skin concerns like pigmentation, so we developed the AMPERNA® range for people like you.
All of AMPERNA®’s products have been tested on real people with real skin concerns, including pigmentation.
Products for Pigmentation Prone Skin
Let customers speak for us
OMG this stuff is serious magic for PD! I have been a PD sufferer for over 10yrs on and off with my bouts of flare ups. I have tried EVERYTHING under the sun and done all of the deep dives into how to cure my PD, knowing for me a lot of it is gut related and diet etc. However, still finding nothing to help soothe the flare ups whilst I conquer the gut stuff. I'd always been on the fence about Amperna not really trusting that any skin care could help. But I finally purchased the duo pack after deciding to try this rather than a sulfar soap as a last resort. And WOW WOW WOW!! Literally after one day of applying morning and night I saw immediate results! All of the tingling and itchiness ceased and the ever growing red little bumps also ceased immediately. I literally couldn't believe it. After a week, it had completely cleared all the little bumps and within two weeks the redness around my nose and mouth was barely visible. I cannot scream enough how amazing these products are for anyone suffering with PD! I cannot wait until my skin is ready to indulge in all of the Amperna products. I am converted for life and so thankful Amperna exists. Bloody gamechanger! Can't believe I sat on the fence this long!
An absolute game changer for my POD. I use both at night if I get a flare up, and it works really well to keep flare ups at bay
I’ve only been using the Soothing Duo for a couple of days but I already notice a difference in my rosacea prone skin. My barrier is improved and overall redness is reduced. Will definitely be purchasing more products from the range. Happy to have found such lovely soothing natural products!
I suffer from PD with intermittent flares when the weather changes and sometimes exfoliating with other products is not possible. This lotion is amazing and has helped keep my skin clear as well as improved texture over the last six months of use!
I have suffered from PD intermittently over the last few years to varying degrees and have tried so many different things. Some seem to work for a little bit but ultimately the fix never seems to last. Typically weather change will bring this on for me and come summer time I don’t want to be wearing much on my face so it is difficult when I flare during this time. Amperna has helped so much, just after a week of use I noticed a difference in my skin and since then I have had minimal to no flares. Photos on top are before and photos to the bottom are after just one week of using the Amperna cleanser as well as the resurfacing lotion. I plan to buy more products to add to my stock!
I am in love with this product and how amazing it has transformed my skin. I have not had any flare ups since starting the soothing duo 7 months ago!! Thank you
Honestly, Amperna is the best out there, and I am so lucky to have essentially stumbled upon Kiri and her brand a few years ago. I have been using all Amperna skin care since 2020 and have been so happy with the results and the day to day efficiency of her products. This cleanser is gentle, doesn't have a strong fragrance, and doesn't dry out my skin. I 'lather' the cleanser on my face for 60 seconds and then rinse off and find it doesn't leave my face feeling tight at all but refreshed.
My skin glows up everytime I use this product everyday in the morning. The best SPF I’ve ever used!!!
I have been struggling with acne, rosacea and periodical dermatitis over the past few years. I have found nothing that addresses all 3 skin concerns without flaring another issue. This product is so gentle and soothing. Have been using it with the Hydrate for the past month or so and my skin has never looked or felt better. Almost completely gone! So thankful to have found this line.
‘I suffered from hyperpigmentation when I was pregnant with my first son. I noticed darker patches of skin show up around the sides of my forehead and around my jaw line and neck. It was really hard to cover with makeup and took ages to finally fade.’
Amy, 41
Continued use of our AMPERNA® 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and uneven skin tone including post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. So we suggest starting with our 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion before moving on.
When using glycolic acid and other AHAs, always wear sunscreen and appropriate sun protection. Chemical exfoliants can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Our two new retinols (the Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT serum and the Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol RX serum) will be the next step in your resurfacing journey. They both contain niacinamide, liquorice root extract and zinc & copper gluconates to help calm redness and help improve the skin’s texture.
They can help refine skin texture and help even out skin tone. Retinols help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by helping to increase the production of collagen. They also help stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which in turn helps to improve skin colour.
Retinols can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Always wear sunscreen and appropriate sun protection while using this product.
Introducing retinols into your skincare routine slowly is important to prevent irritation and sensitivity.
As you know it is important to wear an SPF. Applying sunscreen will help protect your skin when you are out in the sun.
Our Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF15 is the first probiotic SPF moisturiser to market, full of great active skin loving ingredients, that has been specially formulated for even the most sensitive skins.
AMPERNA® Pigmentation Reviews
Courtney Bowie, NSW
I’ve certainly noticed that the progress of the pigmentation has halted – whereas earlier it seemed to be getting worse. I feel like it’s now under control and slowly fading away without any invasive treatments.
WHAT CAUSES PIGMENTATION?
Your skin gets its colour from a naturally occurring pigment called melanin. When your body makes too much melanin, your skin appears darker. There are various reasons why your body produces excess melanin – it’s good to understand the causes so that you can find the best ways to prevent or manage pigmentation flare-ups. The reason for pigmentation on your face could be caused by one of the following:
Sun exposure
Exposure to the sun is one of the biggest causes of pigmentation. When the skin is burnt or damaged by the sun, our body triggers an excess production of melanin in an attempt to protect itself from UV radiation. Unfortunately, this additional melanin often appears in patchy clusters on the face.
Hormones
Changes to hormones are thought to be a trigger for pigmentation, although the link is still not fully understood (Source: Dermalinstitute). Many women find that their first experience with hyperpigmentation (known specifically as Chloasma in this case) comes about when they are pregnant, using hormonal contraceptives or on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This type of hyperpigmentation can occur in as many 15% of pregnant women and 25% of women who take oral contraceptives.
Medication
A variety of medications can cause pigmentation. According to DermNet, it can be the cause of between 10-20% of all cases!
The main drugs known to trigger pigmentation include:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Phenytoin
Antimalarials
Amiodarone
Antipsychotic drugs
Cytotoxic drugs
Tetracyclines
The reasons for the medication-induced pigmentation vary. Some medications react with melanin while others induce an accumulation of melanin.
Hyperpigmentation on your neck can often be caused by medication. It may resolve once the course of medication has been completed however it could be permanent and require treatment to help remove it.
Find out more about how medications can cause pigmentation on the DermNet New Zealand website.
Acne and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Acne is another recognised pigmentation trigger, especially for those with naturally darker skin tones.
A recent study by international dermatologists in Asia found that in a group of patients who were consulting a dermatologist due to acne, 58% also had PIH. (Source: NCBI) Their patients wanted the best acne hyperpigmentation treatment they could find.
According to the Australian College of Dermatologists, there are two main causes of PIH:
Inflammation including acne, eczema, lichen planus (a skin rash triggered by the immune system) and some allergic reactions. Trauma including surgery and the incorrect use of microdermabrasion, lasers or chemical peels.
Furthermore, the condition can be deeper and more difficult to treat because severe inflammation or trauma can 'disrupt the bottom layer of the epidermis (first layer of the skin) causing the pigment to leak into and become trapped in the dermis (second layer of the skin).' (Source: Australian College of Dermatologists).
They note that UV light exposure and some medications can make the condition worse.
TYPES OF SKIN PIGMENTATION
Changes to skin pigmentation can affect people of any race or skin colour. There are a variety of different types of pigmentation disorders, characterised by their appearance or how they are triggered.
Melasma
Melasma shows up on the face as brown, tan or blue-grey spots. It’s most likely to appear in the centre of the face, cheekbone or jaw line.
For some people it’s caused by sun exposure, for others it’s due to genetics or hormonal changes. The best way to prevent or minimise the appearance of melasma is to avoid the sun or ensure that you protect yourself from the sun as much as possible.
Aside from regular application of sunscreen, there are some medications such as 4% hydroquinone and other fading creams that can be applied (Source: Medicinenet.com).
Chloasma
When melasma appears during pregnancy, it’s referred to as Chloasma. Also known as 'the mask of pregnancy', some people believe it to be caused by the presence of increased levels of progesterone, however, the exact cause is yet to be confirmed.
Women with light brown skin colouration living in regions with intense sun exposure are more likely to develop these patches. The patches usually fade over a period of several months after giving birth, though they may last for several years for some women. (Source: Pregnancy Birth & Baby).
As with melasma, the only 'prevention' is to ensure that you protect yourself from UV exposure both during and after pregnancy – dark patches can continue to appear after birth due to changes in hormonal levels.
Speak to your doctor about creams that may help to reduce or fade the spots over time.
Age spots or Sun spots
Age spots or sun spots are also known as liver spots. They most often appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms and are usually tan, brown or black in colour. They will generally appear on the areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over a long period of time.
While they are most common in people over 50, younger people can get them if they spend a lot of time in the sun.
Age spots are usually harmless and don’t require medical care. If you notice that an age spot has darkened or changed in size or appearance, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a GP or skin specialist.
Ephelides (freckles)
You probably know what freckles look like, but do you know what causes them?
Freckles are triggered by exposure to the sun and are more common in fair skinned or red haired people. While some people’s freckles are always in abundance, others find that they almost completely fade in winter and return in summer.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATMENTS FOR SKIN PIGMENTATION?
There are three types of skincare treatments that can help to fade pigmentation marks.
These include:
- Physical exfoliants which can help to speed up the renewal of the top layer of skin
- Chemical exfoliants that can penetrate more deeply into the skin
- Actives that can help to brighten the skin (Source:www.adorebeauty.com.au)
Physical exfoliants
Your skin naturally renews itself by shedding its upper layers (epidermis) over time.
Pigmentation spots contained in this upper layer of skin will usually fade with time. However, the amount of time required will depend on the type of pigmentation you have and its severity. Physical exfoliants can help to speed up the skin’s natural rate of exfoliation (but can’t reach the deeper layers of skin).
One example of a physical exfoliant is the Clarisonic Smart Profile Cleaning System.
Chemical exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants work by penetrating deep into the skin’s layers over time.
AMPERNA®’s 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion is a great exfoliant that contains 10% glycolic acid and antioxidants that can help to slough off the top layer of damaged skin and improve the skin’s texture. Our 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion has been formulated for even the most sensitive skins and we've had great feedback on this product. Some of our customers are calling it the 'best cream for pigmentation'.
Other ingredients that can work as chemical exfoliants include salicylic acid, lactic acid and fruit acids.
Serums containing brightening actives
Vitamin C can be highly effective at brightening the skin, making it a great treatment for pigmentation. Also known as Ascorbic Acid, it has antioxidant properties that can help to boost the skin’s defence against UV damage.
Products like our AMPERNA® Pro+ Vitamin C Hyaluronic Serum - are great for people with pigmentation prone skin.
Find out why more about the benefits of Vitamin C and why it was the most searched for beauty product of 2017 in this article by the UK Daily Telegraph.
