What is Hormonal Pigmentation?

by Olivia Windsor January 26, 2022

What is Hormonal Pigmentation?

Hormonal pigmentation or Melasma as it is often called, is a type of hyperpigmentation which can be a very stubborn and frustrating skin concern that can develop during hormonal changes in life. Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term to describe an area of skin which develops more melanin, resulting in patchy, discoloured skin that often looks like a misshapen freckle or small birthmark. It is a relatively common skin condition however one that can cause a lot of distress. Hormonal pigmentation on the face often shows up on the forehead, upper cheeks, around the eyes and around the mouth.

What causes Hormonal Pigmentation?

It can seemingly pop up out of nowhere but it is often caused by a fluctuation of hormones such as during pregnancy, menopause or from the contraceptive pill. Also when taking certain medications or just a genetic predisposition! It will sometimes disappear on its own, for example after pregnancy, but it can also be very stubborn and both men and women find it can be difficult to get rid of.

Other types of hyperpigmentation:

There are several different types of hyperpigmentation other than hormonal, with the same resulting dark patches or spots.

Acne Pigmentation

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is formed after a skin injury or inflammation, for example pigmentation from acne or blemishes, scars, cuts or burns. These are the easiest to fade, but in saying that, they still can take months to fully disappear. Still battling blemishes? Read about how we deal with spots and acne with this effective skincare kit.

Sun Pigmentation

Sunspots are, you guessed it, caused by sun exposure. These often occur on areas of the skin that see a lot of sun like shoulders, hands, forehead and cheeks and this is the most common type of hyperpigmentation.

5 best Hormonal Pigmentation products in Australia 2023.

La Clinica’s range of pigmentation-fighting and complexion-brightening products are specially formulated to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. Carefully chosen ingredients with proven clinical data will help you on the way to a more even complexion and clarified skin.

The Brightening Serum - Level 2

Our newest, most potent treatment is the Brightening Serum Level 2 with Alpha-Arbutin, a relatively new player in the readily-available skincare game. Alpha-Arbutin is an antioxidant backed by research to fade discolouration and even out skin tone. It inhibits the formation of melanin on the skin by blocking tyrosinase, the enzyme that produces dark spots. . Boosted with Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Mulberry & Licorice Root Extracts for extra brightening power, this level 2 serum really packs a punch.

Features of the Brightening Serum Level 2

Contains powerful, pigmentation-fighting Alpha-Arbutin
Also includes Vit C, Niacinamide, Mulberry & Licorice Root Extracts
A silky, light, everyday serum
A favourite product of skincare scientist and influencer Hannah English

The Brightening Serum - Level 1

Our Level 1 Serum still includes the brightening ingredients of Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Mulberry & Licorice Root Extracts to give you an even complexion. But does not include Alpha-Arbutin, meaning this one is safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Handy for the pesky pregnancy hormonal pigmentation that often occurs during this time thanks to hormonal fluctuations.

Features of the Brightening Serum Level 1

Safe during pregnancy
Contains Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Mulberry & Licorice Root Extracts
Easily tolerated by most skin types

The Brightening Moisture Cream

Brightening Brightening Moisture Cream 50mL

The Brightening Moisture Cream contains a powerful dosage of Sabiwhite, an antioxidant that works to slow down melanogenesis, which is the production of the melanin pigments. It helps to lighten discoloration, provides UVB and antioxidant protection and is also anti-inflammatory. It also helps to even out skin tone, texture and give the skin luminosity.

Features of the Brightening Moisture Cream

Contains Sabiwhite
Lightweight and easily absorbed
Perfect for daily use

Vitamin C Serum for pigmentation

Our Vitamin C Ultra Serum helps to brighten skin’s appearance. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C not only helps reduce the appearance of hormonal pigmentation or pigmentation from acne, but also helps fight against external stressors such as UV rays and free radicals that can swindle your skin out of its natural radiance.

Features of the Vitamin C Ultra Serum

Contains 3 types of Vitamin C
Also contains Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid
Easily tolerated by all skin types
Also protects against environmental stressors

Retinol for pigmentation

Want to fight the signs of ageing at the same time as hormonal pigmentation? Retinol may be the product of choice for you. New to the world of retinol? Read our guide on How to get retinol to work for your skin and The perfect time to start using retinol. Just remember to only use it at night and it won’t do a thing if you’re not using SPF50+ Sunscreen Lotion every day.

Features of retinol

Turns over skin cells
Encourages collagen production
Smooths discolouration
Evens out skin tone

How to prevent pigmentation in 2022

Prevention is important for avoiding pigmentation! Sunscreen all day, every day. And top up if possible. Proper suncare is always important regardless of whether you’re concerned about hyperpigmentation. It also prevents premature ageing such as the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and of course it protects you against skin cancer. As the old saying goes, if you’re not using sunscreen, you’re wasting your time (and money!) on all other products.

Preventing pigmentation caused by acne or blemishes

Keep sticky fingers from picking any pimples on your face to reduce inflammation, causing pigmentation from acne or cause any larger injury which can lead to scarring. It’s hard to resist giving those breakouts a good old squeeze so instead, spot treat with the Intensive Spot Serum which provides calming and anti-inflammatory properties to help you resist picking and help reduce the life of the pimple at the same time. Read more about our favourite solutions to breakouts.

Healing pigmentation

It is also important to help your skin heal. Try the Hydrating and Healing Serum to give your skin the best possible path to smooth, healthy skin. Formulated to help skin maximise hydration, assist in skin recovery and encourage faster healing. Interested in learning more about how hydration can help your skin? Read our article on why you need Hyaluronic Acid.

The final word on preventing Hormonal Pigmentation

Be patient! Pigmentation is a pesky one and likes to stick around. Whether it be hormonal pigmentation, pigmentation from acne or sun induced discolouration, the active ingredients you apply to the skin take time and regular use to work, at least 6 weeks. Take a look at our curated edit of Pigmentation creams, serums and much more in our full collection. We only stock the best skincare available in Australia so you know that you’re always getting top quality formulations no matter which one you choose.