Hyperpigmentation is uneven skin pigmentation caused by triggers such as UV radiation from sun exposure, ageing, hormonal influences, genetics or skin trauma that stimulate excessive melanin (pigment) production. The most common forms of hyperpigmentation include freckles, sunspots, post-injury pigmentation and melasma.
Doctor’s certificate for a Skin Cancer Check must be provided prior to pigmentation treatments.
Small, flat, pigmented spots commonly found on the face, arms and other sun-exposed areas, which typically fade slightly during winter.
Causes: UV radiation & genetics
Flat, pigmented spots, usually bigger than freckles, common in adults 40+ on the face, arms, hands and other sun-exposed areas.
Causes: Cumulative UV radiation & natural skin ageing process
Skin darkening that develops in areas of skin trauma, including pimples, skin picking, cuts, burns, ingrown hairs, eczema or psoriasis.
Causes: Skin trauma or injury with prolonged skin inflammation
Complex and chronic skin condition causing often symmetrical brown or grey-brown pigmented patches, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin.
Causes: UV radiation, hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and visible and infrared light.
Melasma occurs in three forms depending on the depth of pigment within the skin: – epidermal melasma, where excess melanin is confined to the upper skin layers and typically appears as well-defined brown patches; dermal melasma, where pigment is deposited deeper within the dermis and presents as less defined, grey-brown patches; and mixed melasma, the most common form, involving both epidermal and dermal pigment. The depth of melasma directly influences how it responds to treatment – epidermal melasma generally responds better and faster, while dermal and mixed melasma require more treatments and a carefully tailored approach to achieve results and minimise the risk of pigment relapse.
| INGREDIENT & ACTION | Inhibits Melanin Production | Blocks Melanin Transfer | Increases Cell Turnover | Antioxidant Protection | Reduces Skin Inflammation | Strengthens Skin Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, Retinoic Acid)* | ++ | ++ | +++ | + | ++ | + |
| Niacinamide | ++ | +++ | + | ++ | +++ | +++ |
| L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) | +++ | – | – | +++ | ++ | – |
| Tranexamic Acid | ++ | – | – | + | +++ | – |
| Resorcinol Derivatives (Hexylresorcinol & 4-Butylresorcinol) | +++ | – | – | + | ++ | – |
| Lactic & Mandelic Acid (AHAs) | + | – | +++ | ++ | + | ++ |
| Kojic Acid | +++ | – | – | + | + | – |
| Hydroquinone** (prescription) | +++ | – | – | – | – | – |
| Grading: +++ Strong action ++ Moderate action + Mild action – Not applicable *Topical retinoids range in strength and delivery system — retinoic acid, a prescription retinoid, delivers faster results but carries a higher irritation potential. **Hydroquinone is prescription-only in Australia and other countries and long-term use carries risks of pigment relapse. |
| INGREDIENT & ACTION | Inhibits Melanin Production | Blocks Melanin Transfer | Increases Cell Turnover | Antioxidant Protection | Reduces Skin Inflammation | Strengthens Skin Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glabridin (from Liquorice Root Extract) | +++ | – | – | +++ | +++ | – |
| Resveratrol | ++ | – | – | +++ | +++ | – |
| Silymarin (Milk Thistle) | ++ | – | – | +++ | ++ | – |
| Bakuchiol | ++ | ++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | ++ |
| Gluconolactone & Lactobionic Acid (PHAs) | – | – | ++ | +++ | + | ++ |
| Alpha-Arbutin | +++ | – | – | + | – | – |
| Cysteamine | +++ | – | – | +++ | + | – |
| Grading: +++ Strong action ++ Moderate action + Mild action – Not applicable |
