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.
Let customers speak for us
After many years of trying products and reacting to things, I've finally found a skincare line that works for my skin. Amperna has restored my skin barrier after years of ups & downs, painful skin flaring, redness and rosacea. It is finally settled and balanced on a day to day basis & I couldn't be happier. I hope it is made forever!
I’ve been suffering from PD since 2019. I didn’t know the flare-up’s on my face were PD until I discovered an article that then led me to Amperna. With Kiri’s advice plus using this duo, I hardly have any flare-ups. If I do, they are so mild (and seem to be hormonal-related) and I’m really the only one that notices. I finally have confidence again and feel much more secure in presenting my face to the world! I actually get compliments all the time on my complexion now, which still shocks me. Having PD is a journey and there is no quick fix; but with the right care for your body and with this duo, you should start to see your skin heal and transform.
Finally a moisturiser that suits my skin prone to perioral dermatitis! Lovely mild scent, absorbs quickly, has reduced pimples and keeps my flares at bay. Magic!
I have been using Amperna since 2021 and have recommended so many of my friends and family to the products as they are life changing. I use most of the Amperna products now but the soothing emulsion is my favourite. It calms my red skin and has helped clear and keep away my PD when I had tried everything on the market. I use this cream at least 3 times a day. Cannot recommend this product enough it is life changing and a miracle cream!
I found Amperna after I used an at home derma roller and ended up with a bacterial infection all over my face + one of the worst eczema outbreaks I’ve ever experienced.
I reached out to Amperna chat and they recommended these two products for me and I am so glad I took a chance. My previous skin care had harsh essential oils that I wasn’t connecting to my eczema flairs.
Since using these two products I haven’t had an eczema flair up on my eye lids and I’ve also noticed that fine lines and wrinkles have improved a ton as well!!
I couldn’t recommend this product more!
I've spent so much money on every type of cleanser out there - and this is the ONLY one that doesn't cause me skin to flare up or break out, doesn't dry it out so I can use it every day. Love it so much, I buy multiple every time I run out. If you have sensitive skin - give this a try. It's the bomb - and totally simplified my skincare routine which I love.
Rescue is my favourite product. I have been using the full range now for almost 4 years. Over that time Amperna has helped banish my PD, reduce pigmentation and smooth out my complexion. Rescue is the must have, it is so soothing and works fast and keeps working. Amperna has changed my life. You are the best Kiri!
Love this wash. I have a bottle for both me and my eczema prone 2yo and 5yo.
I have been using amperna for a couple of years now and am confident enough to use it on my babies
I bought this after having it recommended to me by a friend. I have random flair ups with Perioral Dermatitis and it can become so frustrating trying to treat! I started using this when I wasn’t currently having a flare up just to see how my skin reacted. Well, my skin loves it!! I have seen great changes in my skin overall since starting use. I plan to keep this duo as a normal staple in my routine! Thank you!
I’ve literally thrown so much money at so many different options that all swear they help your skin. But didn’t.
Amperna has given me confidence back and it’s been so lovely to have a super simple skincare regime that works for my perioral dermatitis! My skin is softer and my texture is better too, I highly recommend it!!
‘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.