Learn more about pigmentation spots

What are pigmentation spots?

Pigmentation spots are small patches, typically on the face and hands, where the skin has overproduced its natural pigment, melanin. Pigmentation spots appear as dark areas because the pigment is not evenly distributed and instead clumps together.

Pigmentation spots are benign patches and are also called hyperpigmentation, hormonal spots, liver spots and pigmentation changes, because they can have different causes.

What causes pigmentation spots?

Pigmentation spots are very common, but when, how many and how you develop them varies. Pigmentation spots can be linked to:

• Hormonal changes: During periods such as pregnancy, hormonal contraception and menopause, hormones in your body can cause an imbalance in the skin’s pigment and create a more uneven skin tone.
• Ageing: Over time, your skin can lose some of its natural abilities, such as producing collagen and melanin evenly across the skin - which for many people means more pigmentation spots.
• Sun exposure: If you love the sun and are not protected by enough sun protection, the sun’s UV rays can cause sun damage and changes to cells and pigment, which can appear as dark patches on the skin.

How to get rid of pigmentation spots

Although pigmentation spots are completely natural, we understand if you want to reduce them and create a more even and smooth surface. At ECOOKING, we specialise in creating targeted products that offer a caring, helping hand when your skin changes. 

We have several family members that can give you brighter, renewed skin and lead the fight against pigmentation spots. We have both Pigmentation Cream SPF 30 and Pigmentation Serum, which actively combat hyperpigmentation by protecting, evening out and regenerating the skin. If you want to open your pores so the active ingredients can penetrate freely and work their magic, you can use a Derma Roller.

Our Peeling Mask is also an effective mask with active ingredients that exfoliate away dead skin cells and stimulate cell production. The peeling mask improves lines and wrinkles while giving your skin a more even and fresher appearance. Leave the mask on for 4–6 minutes and use it 1-3 times a week. After 3 weeks you will see noticeable results.

TIP: The colder months are a perfect time to treat your pigmentation spots, because the sun plays a smaller role in disrupting the process.

Active ingredients that help with pigmentation spots

There are several active ingredients that smooth the skin’s texture and even out skin tone. These ingredients can reduce pigmentation spots by regenerating skin cells. 

These active ingredients can reduce pigmentation spots:

Niacinamide:
Also known as vitamin B3. Niacinamide is one of the best-known active ingredients that minimises enlarged pores and reduces pigmentation spots. Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that reduce the skin’s natural pigment.

Rainbow algae extract:
The extract activates the breakdown of pigment in skin cells. It helps both to reduce pigment that has accumulated in the skin as patches - and to prevent pigmentation changes.

Vitamin C:
A powerful antioxidant that reduces pigmentation changes and fine lines in the skin. Vitamin C also stimulates the formation of collagen in the skin and gives you an even, smooth complexion without patches of pigment - but with plenty of glow.

Vitamin A:
Strengthens skin elasticity and stimulates cell renewal. The vitamin prevents early signs of ageing, such as pigmentation changes and fine lines. Vitamin A also helps fight spots and pigmentation spots, giving your skin an even tone.

See our Pigment Trio if you are looking for a complete kit to reduce your pigmentation spots.

What are active ingredients?

Active ingredients are substances that work towards a targeted effect on the skin. They can, for example, help moisturise, protect or treat skin concerns such as acne and wrinkles. Active ingredients stimulate the skin’s natural processes and help repair cells.

Active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin, giving you a visible and noticeable difference. They work with other ingredients that help them be absorbed. How well they work depends on their concentration in the cream and your skin type. That is why it is important to choose a cream that suits your skin’s needs. 

Find the right products for your skin type

How do I prevent pigmentation spots?

To avoid developing pigmentation spots over time, it is especially important to pay attention to the sun, dehydration and vitamin deficiency. The sun is one of the biggest factors in pigment build-up in the skin, and with plenty of protection, moisture and active ingredients, you can keep your skin in balance.

So what can you do to prevent pigmentation spots? 

Always apply SPF 30 sunscreen to your whole body and preferably SPF 50 sunscreen to your face. On exposed areas, you can use a high-SPF sun stick for extra protection on your forehead, shoulders and hands. 

As well as using sunscreen, you can also use peeling treatments and an active serum to help your skin produce pigment naturally. AHA & BHA Cream is our most active peeling treatment, which evens out skin tone and delivers results in 2 minutes. Vitamin A Serum contains Retinol, which boosts cell renewal and reduces pigmentation spots.

WORTH KNOWING: Pigmentation spots are natural, but pay attention to whether they change over time. If you change colour, grow or if the edges are irregular, have your doctor take a look.

How do I cover pigmentation spots and scars on the skin?

With the right products containing active ingredients, you can reduce pigmentation changes over time. If you want to cover your pigmentation spots for a more even skin tone in the meantime, you can use our family members of beauty products. 

Well-cared-for and well-moisturised skin is the best starting point for glowing makeup. You can therefore start with a moisturising face cream and a primer to even out your base and prepare your skin for the products that follow.

To conceal pigmentation spots, sun damage or scars on the skin, you can use either a matte foundation or a concealer with a yellow or orange undertone and a high pigment content. The high pigment content allows the spots to be covered. Use a foundation brush to apply your product and finish with a little mineral powder on top.

Also read: How to cover redness effectively