MY PRESCRIPTION TO FADE PIGMENTATION

Being one half Filipino and one half Australian (with a dash of English, Irish and German thrown somewhere into the mix), my issue with dark spots is one born from genetics.

Yes, for me, skin pigmentation is a Real Life Issue.

Don’t get me wrong. I have good skin (I really look after it – inside and out) but, for me, treating pigmentation is an ongoing battle. Whether it be dark, purple-like scaring from a blemish gone bad, a freckle that’s surfaced after 10 minutes in direct sunlight or simply my hormones taking a turn; pigmentation is my skin’s one downfall.

So, what exactly is pigmentation?

First of all, there are four different types:

Sun spots, or solar keratoses, are skin lesions that develop as a result of exposure to the sun’s UV rays. And, skin doesn’t necessarily have to burn to become damaged either. While most sun spots appear in a field or cloud of damaged skin cells, there are also sun spots of the invisible kind, that are found underneath the skin. These invisible sun spots are estimated to be 10 times more frequent than visible sun spots – some even develop during our childhood but don’t become visible on the surface until adulthood.

Freckles are believed to be an inherited skin characteristic, due to overactive melanocytes. They generally become less noticeable with age and usually appear during sun exposure but can also fade in winter.

Melasma, which are random spots usually found on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip, are hormone-related, often emerging during pregnancy. This type of pigmentation is best treated by a dermatologist.

And finally, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (which is what I often fall victim to). A PIH spot looks a little like a scar but is actually the pigment that is produced when skin – usually Asian or darker –  is inflamed by an injury or a swollen pimple.

Fortunately, most types of pigmentation are treatable.

It’s no secret I’m a huge advocate for what truly works, which is why my loyalty for the past 8 years or so to prestige skincare brand SK-II is well known. But lately, I decided to switch it up from my go-tos to tackle a dark grey-looking cloud that has been growing on my left cheek.

I decided to take a break from my regular morning and night skincare routine of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence followed by SK-II Stempower Essence, SK-II Stempower Eye Cream and SK-II Stempower Face Cream to something a little, well, hardcore.

Prescribed for me by SK-II Training Manager, Diana Russon, three weeks ago I began applying SK-II Whitening Power Spots Specialist (a serum – the workhorse and hero of any skincare routine) followed by SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Brightener (a morning and night face cream) and SK-II Whitening Power Spots Specialist Concentrate (an intense 28-day course leave-on skin treatment which really targets pigmentation and is best applied before bed). And of course, I have kept using my ol’ faithful SK-II Facial Treatment Essence after cleansing and before my serum.

Within 14 days of use – and two 10 minute IPL sessions at Mosman’s Clean, Clear and Correct later – I began to notice my pigmentation fade.

The purple-like tone of my complexion has noticeably subsided and my skin has since started to feel more even and glowy again. Now by all means, my pigmentation hasn’t disappeared entirely – it’s certainly still there – but there’s definitely a visible difference.

Given that our skin operates on a 28 day cell turnover cycle, I’m committing to this prescription of products for the next three months (at least!) before I check back in with you for an update.

Tell me, do you have dark spots or pigmentation?

Have you tried SK-II’s Whitening Source range?

What do you recommend to treat pigmentation?

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Comments

Thia Windsor

I haven't have the privileged as it is not cheap in Malaysia. But I am very encouraged with your testimonial. Shall work to save up my money : )

Mariana DeCarli

I have the same problem (melasma) and would like to know if SK-ii really solves this issue (at least, if the skin get better). Beyond this, what are the products and routine to follow? Tks!

Kathryn

My mom has melasma and has been to several dermatologists to get it treated. Obviously it worker, but only worked momentarily... I really want to get her something that will treat this skin pigmentation so she will finally embrace her skin even more (as in she treasures her skin but she's slightly disheartened by her melasma).. So I was wondering what your true opinion on what skin treatment (that actually was extremely successful) helps with melasma.

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