Nutrition Edit

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Pigmentation is one of the most common, and often most stubborn, skin concerns. Whether you’re noticing sunspots, age spots, post-blemish marks or a generally uneven-looking complexion, understanding why pigmentation develops is the first step towards supporting your skin. 

While pigmentation appears on the surface, the process begins much deeper within the skin. From protecting your skin from UV exposure to supporting it with the right nutrients, a consistent inside-and-out approach can help you care for your complexion over time. 

What is pigmentation? 

Pigmentation refers to the natural colouring of your skin, hair and eyes. It is determined largely by a pigment called melanin, which is produced by specialised cells called melanocytes in the skin. 

Melanin plays an important protective role, helping to absorb and disperse UV radiation. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, melanocytes produce more melanin as part of this natural defence mechanism. 

The problem arises when melanin production or distribution becomes uneven. 

When excess melanin accumulates in certain areas, it can result in hyperpigmentation, often seen as dark spots, sunspots, age spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) or uneven skin tone. 

Several factors can influence this process, including UV exposure, oxidative stress, hormonal changes, inflammation, ageing and genetics. 

Why does pigmentation appear? 

Sun exposure is one of the biggest triggers. UV radiation stimulates melanin production, while cumulative sun exposure can disrupt the way melanin is produced and distributed, resulting in darker areas of skin. 

Oxidative stress can also play a role. Free radicals generated by factors such as UV exposure, pollution and lifestyle can contribute to oxidative stress, which may influence melanocyte activity and melanin production. 

Hormonal changes, including those experienced during pregnancy or when taking certain hormonal contraceptives, can also trigger pigmentation. Melasma, sometimes known as the "pregnancy mask", is one example. 

Inflammation and skin trauma can leave pigmentation behind, particularly after spots have been picked or squeezed. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and can take considerable time to fade. 

And finally, age and genetics can influence how your skin responds. As skin ages, changes to cellular function and cumulative environmental exposure can affect the production and distribution of melanin. 

Why is pigmentation so hard to solve? 

If you have pigmentation, you may already know that it rarely disappears overnight. 

The reason is that pigmentation isn't caused by one single factor. UV exposure, oxidative stress, inflammation, hormones, ageing and genetics can all influence melanin production, sometimes at the same time. 

And even when the original trigger has passed, existing pigmentation can remain visible for months. Some pigmentation will naturally fade as the skin renews itself, while more stubborn marks can persist for much longer. 

This is why consistency is key. Continuing to expose your skin to UV without protection, picking blemishes or frequently changing your routine can make it harder to support a more even-looking complexion. 

Rather than looking for a single solution, a more considered approach combines daily protection, topical skincare, targeted nutrition and, where appropriate, professional treatments. 

5 habits to support pigmentation 

1. Protect your skin from the sun every day

When it comes to pigmentation, prevention really is better than cure. 

UV exposure can stimulate melanin production and make existing pigmentation more noticeable. Make broad-spectrum SPF part of your daily routine, even on overcast days, and reapply when spending extended periods outdoors. 

A hat, sunglasses and seeking shade during the strongest sunlight can provide additional protection. 

2. Support your skin with targeted nutrition

Your skin needs a range of nutrients to support its normal function, including nutrients involved in pigmentation and protection from oxidative stress. 

Copper, for example, contributes to normal skin pigmentation, while vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal skin function and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.* 

Other ingredients, including L-cysteine, liquorice extract and grapeseed extract, are also being researched for their role in supporting the processes involved in pigmentation and skin protection. 

For a more targeted approach, Skin Even IQ combines a considered blend of vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts in one daily system, designed to support a more even-looking skin tone from within. 

3. Eat a colourful variety of plants

Your diet is another opportunity to give your skin antioxidant support. 

Aim to eat a wide variety of colourful fruit and vegetables throughout the week. Tomatoes, watermelon and apricots provide lycopene, while leafy greens, broccoli and peppers provide nutrients such as lutein and vitamin C. 

Think variety rather than perfection: the more colours on your plate, the broader the range of plant compounds you are providing your body with. 

4. Don't pick, squeeze or traumatise your skin

That tempting spot can leave more than a temporary mark. 

Picking and squeezing blemishes can trigger inflammation and skin trauma, which may lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For pigmentation-prone skin, allowing blemishes to heal without interference is an important part of your routine. 

If you're experiencing persistent breakouts or pigmentation, a skincare professional can help you find an appropriate approach. 

5. Be consistent, and consider professional support

Pigmentation takes time to change, so patience matters. 

Rather than constantly switching between products, give your routine time to work. A consistent approach combining daily SPF, topical skincare and nutritional support can help you care for your skin over the longer term. 

For persistent or stubborn pigmentation, consider booking a consultation with a qualified skincare professional. They can assess your skin, discuss your lifestyle and existing routine, and recommend appropriate treatments or topical products. 

A more complete approach to pigmentation 

Pigmentation may be visible at the surface, but the processes behind it are complex. That's why we believe in taking an inside-and-out approach, combining targeted nutritional support with daily protection and topical skincare. 

There is no overnight fix for pigmentation. But with consistency, patience and the right habits, you can give your skin the support it needs to maintain a brighter, more even-looking complexion. 

Discover Skin Even IQ, our expert-formulated supplement system designed to support a more even-looking skin tone from within. 

*Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for normal skin function and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.