5 things to keep your pigment from coming back with a vengeance

Claire, Melasma Before and After

Pigment is super annoying. 

Melasma, sun spots, age spots, post breakout pigment - whatever you want to call it, we're not changing our management.  I want you to understand this too: 

Pigment, particularly melasma, isn't cured - it's managed. 

Why? Well because we can't get rid of the melanocytes that cause it.  They are Ken. Ken's job is pigment.  Ken isn't always good at his job, and we have to help him.  So here are 5 things you can do to help MANAGE your pigment, as we head into spring, spring break and finally summer!  Small consistent steps = big changes.  

1) Seriously, wear SPF every day.  It may seem so silly and redundant but I promise limiting that day in, day out, low grade sun exposure WILL. HELP.  Pick an SPF that you don't mind putting on and do it first thing.  Is it tinted? Untinted? Ken doesn't care, he responds to both. 

2) Consistency with Vitamin C and other anti oxidants - These anti oxidants help increase the protection from the sun, and help Ken understand his job a little better. 

3) Add a brightener to your routine - Like ZO Brightalive, SkinBetter Even Tone or Hydrinity's Vivid.  These skin brightening formulations have different ingredients than your traditional pigment cream (hydroquinone) and are safe to use twice a day year round. Are they as strong? NO. They're not meant to be! They're meant to be sustainable. 

4) Weekly at home Peel - honestly this is an easy year round thing to do whether you struggle with pigment or not! My absolute best of the best favorite weekly product is Zo's Enzymatic Peel.  Glycolic and Lactic acid, papain and bromelain - all skin brightening, take off that first layer of deal skin.  A group of our injectors all does this every Sunday PM because its that great! 

5) Tint your car windows - aggressive? Maybe... but if you're in your car a lot and spending money on your skin WHY NOT? Look at this STUNNING image of a truck driver comparing the left side (sun facing) to the right.  WILD.  I'm not going to tell you to wear driving gloves but if you're bothering to get procedures... I would consider it! 

Bonus: 
Hats.  But surely I don't have to tell you guys do I!?