What is pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to the colouring of the skin, such as small areas of discolouration and darkening. But no, not your cute freckles, pigmentation are larger, uneven dark patches that peskily persist on your face, neck, shoulders and hands.

Pigmentation occurs due to an increase in the number of pigment-producing cells in the skin, or the pigmented substance they produce: melanin. Melasma is the most common form of facial pigmentation.

It has been argued that pigmentation is almost exclusively caused by the sun. But, whilst indeed over-exposure to the sun's skin-wrecking UVA rays can cause almost irrevocable damage, melasma is thought to also be triggered by pregnancy, hormonal medication (for example the dreaded contraceptive pill) and medical conditions that cause altered hormone levels and endocrine defects.

So how can pigmentation be treated?

While intelligent and mindful sun exposure helps with a hefty SPF if you're soaking up sunbeams for a long time, we also recommend miracle product Oskia BrightLight Serum - An intensive daily correcting serum clinically proven to combat hyper-pigmentation, fade dark spots and repair sun damage, formulated with a unique encapsulated blend of bio-available actives and nutrients encased in a Sodium Hyaluronate base (low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid) that act deep down to even out skin tone and ensure a visibly brighter, illuminated complexion. This product targets melanin production in 5 scientific ways: 

Melanocytes, melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis, naturally move upwards. BrightLight slows down this process of ‘melanin transfer’.

It breaks down the process of melanin production in melanocytes. It does this by inhibiting both tyrosinase and a-MSH – the enzyme and peptide-hormone responsible for melanin production. a-MSH is triggered by hormones, while tyrosinase is trigged by both hormones and UV (both artificial and natural).

Melanin that is already present on the skin is exfoliated away thanks to the inclusion of pumpkin & papaya enzymes and passionfruit & grape AHAs.

Reduces free-radical and inflammatory induced pigmentation (caused by acne and scaring).

Binds copper to prevents its use in melanin production.