Attacking Skin Pigmentation Head On

Whether breakouts are leaving you dotted with scars, scatters of dark patches or brown spots are appearing by themselves, or you’re finding whole areas of your body darkening, unwanted pigmentation can be frustrating or even distressing. While experiencing hyperpigmentation is normal, and common, it’s ok to want it gone. Local skincare brand SKIN functional, today announces the release of their new powerful pigmentation elixir that has all the active ingredients you need to help target these unwanted areas on your skin.

Kevin Khosa, Customer Service Manager at SKIN functional said: “Pigmentation, also known as hyperpigmentation, occurs due to an increase in the number of pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes, or the pigmented substance they produce called melanin. We formulate products that have reproducible results® and have optimal concentrations® that ensure the skin functions at its best. The new 5% Tranexamic Acid + 1% Hexylresorcinol Melanoclear elixir is a highly effective and potent skin treatment for epidermal hyperpigmentation and skin discolouration. This product is clinically proven to show a 20 percent reduction in age spots in 4 weeks and has significant antioxidant protection.

Types of pigmentation

Melasma is the most common form of facial pigmentation, and you’re likely to get it between the ages of 20 and 40. Ninety per cent of sufferers are female and, in most cases, melasma is thought to be triggered by pregnancy, hormonal medication e.g. the contraceptive pill and medical conditions that cause altered hormone levels.

Then there’s post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is common across the face and body and normally follows post injury or inflammation of the skin, for example following a flare-up of acne or eczema. Whilst often considered a temporary phenomenon, it can be more intense and longer lasting.

Freckles is another form of hyperpigmentation and is something quite different. Freckles are more common in fair-skinned individuals and are thought to be an inherited characteristic. They get darker in the sun and fade again during winter months, unlike brown spots or dark spots, which arise in middle age due to sun damage and persist in the absence of ongoing UV stimulation.

Powerful Ingredients for Pigmentation

Kojic Acid is a spot-fading and skin brightening ingredient. It naturally inhibits the production of melanin in the skin: The pathway that leads to excess melanin or pigment (in other words, a dark spot) is complex, but at the heart of the matter is an enzyme known as tyrosinase. Kojic acid blocks the UV activation of tyrosinase, thereby limiting melanin production. This means it can help lighten existing sunspots and photodamage, fade the dark marks left from acne scarring or after a pimple, and even improve melasma. It also acts as an antioxidant and makes a good general anti-ageing ingredient.

Tranexamic Acid is a lesser-known skin care ingredient that may help with discoloration and other skin concerns. It’s safe for most skin types. When applied topically, it can alter the way cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin colour. Basically, it interrupts pathways in the skin that might otherwise lead to an uneven skin tone, while protecting the skin barrier, reduces dark spots and sun damage.

Hexylresorcinol is known to function as a skin-brightening agent. It also possesses antioxidants, as well as astringent properties, that can contribute towards a more even tone complexion. By providing antioxidant protection, hexylresorcinol can help neutralise free radicals present in the environment.

“The new Melanoclear Elixir contains all three of these powerful active ingredients and therefore has shown to produce massive results with consistent use. In testing this product showed to be 2 – 4 times more effective than hydroquinone, it inhibits 8 pathways of melanin synthesis, the most a product can inhibit and has significant reduction in pro-inflammatory biomarker NK-kB and antioxidant protection,” concluded Khosa.