If pesky pigmentation and dark spots are getting you down, there are some intensive, efficacious professional treatments available to you. From thermal-based treatments such as laser and IPL that heat the skin to cause injury and then repair, to LED therapy that uses different light wavelengths to stimulate the skin’s own anti-ageing systems. Whatever course of treatment you decide to opt for, you’ll need to adapt your skincare regime to suit it. Caused by an over production of melanin, pigmentation is characterised by dark spots on your hands, neck and face. For this reason it’s important to protect your skin on a daily basis with an SPF, at the same time as boosting the effects of your treatments by using products designed to regulate your melanin production. Here’s our top five…
By Georgia Day
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1 Aveda - Daily Light Guard SPF 30, £34
Best for: daily protection
Given that exposure to UV is the biggest and most constant factor in causing pigmentation (cloudy days require as much protection as bright sunshine), diligent daily application of a good sunscreen is the best way to prevent dark spots from forming in the first place. We love this 100% mineral version, which uses Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays and plant extracts (Rosemary extract and Organic Ginger) to strengthen the skin’s defence barrier further. It's also particularly soothing and calming for any post-treatment sensitivity.
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2 Elemis - White Brightening Dark Spot Corrector, £35
Best for: targeted discolouration
Apply this genius pen to your basket, now. Ideal for anyone having targeted treatments on small areas of pigmentation, the brush applicator is saturated in a potent brightening formula that contains Garden Cress to reduce the intensity of dark spots and Encapsulated Vitamin C to brighten, as well as a Bio-Mimetic Peptide and Pea Extract, which prevents the future formation of pigmentation. The precision nib means you can pinpoint exactly where you need it to work, so over time skin becomes more even and has consistent clarity. A great top up between treatments.
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3 SkinCeuticals - Advanced Pigment Corrector, £89
Best for: stubborn pigmentation
Save this potent pigmentation-booster until the end of your course of treamtents. SkinCeuticals have created a powerful formulation that tackles and redistributes pigmentation, using Salicylic Acid to slough away surface pigmentation and Ellagic Acid to prevent the skin’s pigment-making cells from over-producing melanin in the future. It's a great way to make sure the results of your treamtents last as long as possible and it also contains Yeast Extract to protects your skin’s fibroblasts, which produce essential skin-plumping collagen.
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4 Clarins - Super Restoring Replenishing Comfort Mask, £56
Best for: calming skin after laser or light treamtents
This deeply soothing mask takes a two-pronged approach to boosting the efficacy of pigmentation treatments: loaded with Vitamin C rich-Parsley to regulate melanin production and lighten dark spots, it also contains Ivy and Persimmon extracts which work at stimulating collagen renewal and increasing skin density, so that vulnerable skin feels supple and cushioned. The nourishing Mango Oil and Shea Butter make it ideal to soothe any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation experienced after laser treatments too. Apply it overnight for best results.
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5 La Roche Posay - SPF 50, £16.50
Best for: post laser skin
Strict sun protection after a thermal treatment is crucial. Step out with anything less than at least SPF35 and you run the risk of poor healing, inflammation or permanent discolouration from treatment-induced hyperpigmentation. This beauty editor favourite offers very high protection for even very sensitive skin plus it contains the brand’s signature PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening Factor), which helps prevent the formation of sun-induced pigmentation while you wear it.