Unlocking the Truth Behind Pigmentation & How to Treat It
Posted by Estela Cockrell Aug 5th 2020
The Truth on Pigmentation, Unlocked!
Imagine twenty years ago when you were out in the sun with friends/family and you were workin' on that tan with your then "trusted" toxic suntan oil, chemical-based sunscreen or even worse...baby oil! (1998 was a different time so we'll forgive you now that you know better!) You were loving that almost red, tan and freckles you got at the time! But what do you have to show today for that tan (or crispy burn, OUCH) you got back in 1998?? Unfortunately, Pigmentation!
Pigmentation is caused by sun exposure and is specifically caused by UVA rays that penetrate deep into your skin causing aging, uneven skin tone, and brown patches on the face, hands, and shoulder areas. The results of pigmentation can take anywhere from 10-20 years to fully develop; meaning that you need to plan ahead to prevent future pigmentation and lucky for you, we are here to help for any pigmentation that arises along the way! + Added Bonus: These non-toxic products work even better than the toxin-filled ones (that are giving you fine lines & wrinkles, BTW)!
Don't Worry, We've Got You Covered!
Many serums & creams claiming to cure pigmentation often contain toxic ingredients that can ultimately do WAY more harm than good! This is exactly why we are here to keep you fully informed, safe, and best of all, to find you the best products for your skin type to keep you glowing year round! (YAY!)
Our Friend & Fellow Skin Expert, Cat Tatman from Intelligent Elixir sheds some light on the topic of Hyperpigmentation
"Simply put, it’s dark, discolored skin caused by an excess of melanin. Melanin gives our skin and hair color and protects the skin and skin cells from sunlight, as it has the ability to absorb UV radiation."
However, Pigmentation is not quite that simple, there are types 4 types of Hyperpigmentation but don't fret! At S2P, we've curated safe, simple recommendations on how to treat each.
Melasma
This type can be developed during pregnancy. It’s often referred to as a ‘pregnancy mask’ and is caused by hormonal increases, including pregnancy and oral contraceptives. It typically appears as flat, large brown patches on cheeks, forehead, upper lip and jawline.
Sun Spots
Also, referred to as age spots or liver spots are a result of UV exposure. They appear on face, chest, and hands as flat, light to dark brown spots.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is caused by acne, injury or trauma to the skin and appears as flat, pink, red or brown spots on the skin.
Freckles
This is the most common type of hyperpigmentation and a result of sun exposure. Those with a more fair complexion may be more susceptible to the appearance of freckles.
Best Products to Treat Hyperpigmentation include:
- Supermood YOUTH GLOW Babyface Mask - based in fruit extracts; recommended for melasma, sunspots, and PIH, and anti-aging
- Switch2Pure Bright + Shine Gel Cleanser - Based with gentle, yet powerful, ingredients like aloe, watermelon fruit, and lentil fruit extracts; recommended for overall pigmentation reduction
- Exfoliating Manuka Honey Mask - lathers on as a scrub then you leave on for a hydrating, restorative mask; recommended for sun spots, freckles, and tired skin
- Glow Bar - Formulated with the purest of organic ingredients to leave your skin radiant from head to toe; recommended to reduce the overall appearance of pigmentation.
- Serums & Oils with natural skin lightening ingredients - recommended for all
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before any treatments.
Preventing Future Pigmentation, the right (non-toxic) way!
You should also always wear an all-natural sunscreen to help prevent UV damage! Even when you wear sunscreen, if you are spending time in the sun, the UV rays will enhance the appearance of the dark spots. If possible, limit your time in the sun and avoid direct sun on your face to keep your glow in tip-top shape!
We know you're going to spend some time in the sun so we picked out the best (all-natural, Duh!) vitamin-packed, SPF containing products to ward off future pigmentation!
- Suntegrity Body Mineral Sunscreen - Antioxidant Packed, Mineral-Based Sunscreen with a light citrus scent & non-greasy formula
- Suntegrity Rebound Serum - Organic Oils & Botanical Blends restore sun-damaged skin and protect against future damage
- Suntegrity Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer - This 3-in-1 Formula is a facial moisturizer, sunscreen and also primes skin for makeup. It contains Hyaluronic acid, Green Tea, Pomegranate, and many other Natural Ingredients that promote and restore youthful, glowing skin!
- Suntegrity 5-1 Tinted SPF Moisturizer - Based in Ingredients like Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Red Algae, and Hyaluronic Acid, this 5-1 product includes ingredients that treat, hydrate, protect, prime and cover the skin! Hello GLOW!
Now Get Glowing! (Safely, of course!)
Just because you are wanting to get that summer glow year-round doesn't mean you have to subject yourself to harmful skin pigmentation and UV rays! Check out our Sun + Tan section to find safe alternatives that get you safely glowing year-round!
So hopefully by now, you've said BYE to those days of drenching yourself in Olive Oil just for a summer of tan skin (& a whole lotta skin damage, UH-OH!) because we're now in the days of All Natural Goodies, Kale Salads & Rosè and trust us when we say, we aren't looking back!
Stay tuned on IG @switch.2pure for the latest specials, pro tips and events!
