Pesky Pigmentation

There are numerous causes for hyperpigmentation: post inflammatory (you may remember my Netlifx and pick phase), sun exposure, hormonal, genetics and trauma... whatever the cause you may find that not all treatments work for you. 

Diagnosis | First and foremost I would recommend going to see an expert to help work out what the cause and best potential treatments are for you. As a makeup artist, I can help teach you how to conceal the marks (if that is what you want to do) but I cannot help with the diagnosis. An expert will help you understand whether it is dermal or epidermal and what level of treatment will be required.

Prevention | Though you cannot change your genetics, you can take simple steps that can help prevent and combat the pesky marks. One of the simplest forms of prevention is to wear sunscreen daily (I use factor 50+).

Skincare | For at home treatment, look out for skincare which contains ingredients such as: 

Vitamin C
Niacinamide
Azelaic Acid
Kojic Acid
Retinol / Tretinoin

Don't forget with any skincare improvements take time. So don't fret if you don't see results day one. 

Conceal | If you are conscious of the marks and wish to conceal them take a less is more approach, strategically camouflaging them. I have a tapered brush head and fine point brush head in my personal makeup bag specifically for concealing my own pesky marks as they appear. 

For marks close to the eye use a fluid concealer and for other areas of the face use a cream concealer. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and Armani Luminous Silk Concealer are all personal favourites. Using a light hand, apply using a brush only to the blemished area, before tapping in with your fingers. The formula should melt into your skin, if the blemish is still visible you can build up coverage as required.  

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Click for more information on sun safety
Click for more information on strategic camoflague