Hyperpigmentation - pharmacist's advice on how to resolutely fight against dark spots

Written by: Mr ph.spec Đulija Hadžibeti, Tea Medica

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Photo: Tea Medica
Photo: Tea Medica
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

The skin, our largest organ, carries with it the story of our health, genetics and lifestyle. However, sometimes that story can become clouded by dark patches of hyperpigmentation. What is behind this problem and how can we face it?

Hyperpigmentation manifests itself as dark areas of the skin of different shapes and sizes, in the plane of the skin, whose color can range from light brown to dark. Hyperpigmentation occurs due to excessive production of melanin - the pigment that gives the natural color to our skin, hair and eyes - on certain parts of the skin. Overproduction of melanin can be influenced by many factors, but the main ones can be related to exposure to sunlight, genetic factors, age, hormonal influences, injuries or inflammation of the skin, use of photosensitizing drugs or some chronic diseases.

Tea Medica
photo: Tea Medica

The sun plays a key role in this process, as overexposure to UV rays can stimulate the overproduction of melanin, creating pigment spots or lentigo. In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives can contribute to the appearance of melasma, better known as the "pregnancy mask". It occurs as a result of hormonal influences, such as pregnancy and birth control pills, and causes irregularly shaped dark spots on the face or hands that can be very large. It is thought to occur when the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulate the overproduction of melanin when the skin is exposed to the sun's rays. This type of pigmentation appears suddenly, but diminishes or disappears completely after hormones return to normal. Residual pigmentation, however, may last several months to several years.

These dark, irregular patches of skin can be extremely large and appear on the face or hands, leaving permanent scars. The risk of hyperpigmentation increases with cell aging and generally affects areas that are most exposed to the sun over time (face, neck, hands.). The sun and age are the main causes of pigmentation spots.

However, hyperpigmentation is not only an aesthetic problem. It can be a symptom of more serious health conditions such as autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders or vitamin deficiency. Also, certain drugs or therapies can have unwanted effects on skin pigmentation.

In the fight against hyperpigmentation, prevention plays a key role. Limiting exposure to the sun and using creams with a protective factor can significantly reduce the risk of new dark spots.

When it comes to the treatment of already formed spots, BABĒ offers the innovative Depigment+ product line, which combines science and technology to provide an effective solution without the known side effects. These products, formulated with active ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C and tranexamic acid, target the three biological phases that cause hyperpigmentation: inflammation, melanin production and elimination of dark spots.

The BABĒ Depigment+ line offers a variety of products, including Lotion Glow for daily use, Control fluid to hydrate and brighten the skin, and Intensive Serum to correct blemishes and renew the skin.

The new Depigment+ range from BABĒ stands out as one of the most technologically advanced options for the prevention and treatment of all types of spots on different phototypes and skin types. It is a range that has been developed with the intention of fighting hyperpigmentation in a comprehensive way, offering science combined with textures that offer a pleasant application experience, to provide visible results and more even skin. It acts on spots that are visible and prevents the appearance of those that are hidden under the most superficial layer of the skin. Among the active ingredients found in the Depigment+ line are: niacinamide, vitamin C, encapsulated tranexamic acid, azeloglycine and arbutin. A powerful combination of cutting-edge active ingredients known for their depigmentation properties and ability to lighten and even out skin tone.

The line is composed of three products that work synergistically to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation.

LOTION GLOW, is a face lotion for everyday use. Brightens and renews the skin, at the same time evens out the complexion. This pleasant texture is used immediately after cleansing the face. Its formula contains vitamin C 2% which gives the skin shine, gluconolactone 5% which hydrates, niacinamide 3% which evens out the complexion and strengthens the protective function. In addition, Lotion Glow provides hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid and takes care of the skin's microbiome due to its prebiotic content.

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photo: Tea Medica

Gluconolactone belongs to a group of acids known as PHAs, polyhydroxy acids. Like other acids, gluconolactone has the ability to remove dead cells from the outer layer of the skin, resulting in a smoother, brighter complexion. Hydroxyl groups also make it a humectant, an ingredient that attracts water to the skin. And this means that gluconolactone acts not only as an exfoliant, but also as a moisturizer, making it much gentler than other acids.

Niacinamide helps in the production of keratin, a protein that keeps the skin firm and healthy, making it more resistant to external stress. In lower concentrations, 1 to 2%, it increases hydration, and at a concentration of 3%-5%, it helps to whiten spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It can be said that it is an excellent ingredient for the care of all skin types: for oily skin because it reduces sebum secretion, for sensitive skin because it reduces inflammation and redness, for dehydrated skin because it affects the creation of ceramides, which keeps the skin moist. It reduces the visibility of spots by preventing the transfer of pigments to the surface cells of the skin. This prevents the binding of melanin, and reduces the visibility of spots.

CONTROL FLUID is a light hydrating liquid for daily use that brightens, evens out and renews the skin. It contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, which provides hydrated and vital facial skin.

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photo: Tea Medica

Azeloglycin 3% is an improved form of azelaic acid. It prevents the synthesis of melanin through the inhibition of tyrosinase, ensuring an even skin tone. Reduces the hyperactivity of melanocytes. Moisturizes and softens the skin.

Hexylresorcinol is a derivative of resorcinol. It acts on already formed spots, ensuring uniformity of tone. It also acts as an antioxidant.

INTENSIVE SERUM is a high-potency serum that corrects hyperpigmentation and restores the skin. It is applied in the evening, it has a preventive effect on the predisposition to the appearance of spots, and at the same time, it brightens and corrects spots that are already visible and those that are hidden in the dermis and migrate to the epidermis.

Tea Medica
photo: Tea Medica

Tranexamic acid and niacinamide 5% are depigmenting active ingredients for all skin types. Tranexamic acid eliminates pigmentation, brightens the skin and reduces melasma, hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Accelerates the recovery of barrier function.

In addition to the listed active ingredients, this premium serum also contains lactic acid, alpha arbutin, retinol, resorcinol, carnosine and other ingredients that work on collagen synthesis, reducing wrinkles, improving the appearance of dry and scaly skin, and reducing skin inflammation and irritation.

This technology effectively and permanently acts on the 3 biological phases that cause hyperpigmentation, while ensuring good tolerance:

  • Inflammation: Glyconolactone reduces inflammation, which causes overproduction of melanin;
  • Production: azeloglycine and niacinamide limit melanin production;
  • Elimination: hexylresorcinol and arbutin enhance cell renewal by removing cells filled with melanin.
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photo: Tea Medica

Where does the story of Laboratorios BABÉ dermocosmetics begin?

Besides the effective products, the story behind the BABĒ Laboratory is also interesting. This Spanish brand of dermocosmetics, founded in 1994, produces quality and affordable products thanks to its focus on excellence and efficiency. Their Depigment+ line represents the pinnacle of their work, providing a solution for all those struggling with hyperpigmentation.

Tea Medica
photo: Tea Medica

In essence, hyperpigmentation is a complex problem that requires a holistic approach. With the right treatment and prevention, we can restore the glow of our skin and free it from the burden of dark spots.

The preparations are available in all Tea Medica and other better equipped pharmacies.

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photo: Tea Medica