Few of us – even those who have been fastidious about applying SPF daily for most of their lives – will reach middle age without some degree of skin pigmentation caused primarily by ultraviolet light, and often exacerbated by hormonal shifts during pregnancy and menopause, for instance. Sun exposure is cumulative, and by the time we have accrued over 40 years of it, there is bound to be some evidence on the skin, particularly those with fairer skin tones.
Besides, Millennials and the generations preceding them were not raised with today's heightened awareness of importance of sun protection. I look back with fond horror on teenage days spent sunbathing without adequate protection, in my quest to get a tan. We slathered ourselves in suncream on summer holidays abroad, but certainly not all year round. Nowadays, we are acutely aware of the potency of UVA rays, which penetrate through clouds, water, and glass, and are the reason why everyone should wear a broad-spectrum SPF daily, even in the depths of winter.
Thanks to my years of reckless devotion to heliotherapy, as I enter my late 30s, I have noticed my skin is starting to show some telltale signs of aging – including hyperpigmentation. Often manifesting as dark patches or spots, hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin in response to UV exposure. This is particularly common in the wake of sun-drenched holidays, where even the most diligent SPF users might notice uneven skin tone or brown spots creeping in. Hyperpigmentation can be stubborn, lingering long after the tan has faded, and may require targeted treatments to diminish its appearance. As we age, many of us notice the tell-tale signs of too much sun: brown spots, uneven skin tone, and a complexion that’s lost its lustre. You’re not alone—hyperpigmentation is said to be a concern of an estimated 80% of people over 30.
The good news is that there are now several solutions that can reduce and even reverse hyperpigmentation. Amongst the most effective of these is a two-pronged approach pioneered by Dr. David Jack, a leading expert in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Jack, who is internationally renowned for his innovative approach to skincare, and armed with a wealth of experience working with high-profile clients, has revolutionised how we tackle pigmentation.
The first weapon in his arsenal is the Anti-Pigmentation Facial, which is available at all his clinics (Harley Street, Belgravia, Edinburgh and City). The facial uses several steps to help rebalance and optimise melanocyte cells to reduce areas of hyperpigmentation in a gentle but efficacious way. It combines two techniques to target areas of hyperpigmentation: medical microneedling and mesotherapy. The facial is designed to improve general skin tone and texture, whilst reoptimizing melanocyte cell function to improve all types of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, sun damage and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
After applying a topical numbing cream, 2mm Dermaroller Microneedling is used create dermal micro-injuries, which stimulate a controlled response in the skin to encourage growth factor release to promote melanocyte cell repair. It also encourages production of new collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the dermis layer of skin. Following this, a unique mesotherapy cocktail is injected into the dermo-epidermal junction of the skin using pain free, nanosoft™ needles. The ingredients in the mesotherapy cocktail include a number of antioxidant tyrosinase inhibitors, such as vitamin C and glutathione, which directly act on melanocytes to reduce pigment production, and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin.
The Pigmentation Facial actively addresses hyperpigmentation conditions leaving skin with a visibly more even and brighter tone. The treatment also improves skin texture and boosts hydration. Microneedling has been shown in many clinical studies to be safe and effective in treating melasma and pigmentation in darker skin types, where lasers and IPL may not be suitable. The in-clinic treatment is supremely effective, as I can attest, having received countless compliments on my glowing skin and even skin tone in the weeks after my treatment.
For comprehensive pigmentation correction, I have also been using Dr. Jack’s Yellow Peel Pigment Correcting System, which Dr. Jack formulated as “a solution that tackles a skin concern so many struggle with,” and can be used either conjunction with the Hyperpigmentation Facial or independently. The formula, which harnesses the power of clinic-grade treatments, can be used in the comfort of one’s own home, and is designed with a synergistic blend of ingredients that work together to inhibit excess melanin production, enhance skin luminosity, and promote cellular protection against environmental stressors.
Dr. Jack’s Yellow Peel is the most advanced at-home pigmentation treatment, combining three forms of vitamin C to decelerate the production of excess pigment, along with additional brightening ingredients Kojic Acid, Pullulan, and Glutathione, to help reduce discolouration, boost the skin’s radiance, and shield it from environmental damage. In addition, a potent blend of Retinal, Pomegranate Enzyme, Bakuchiol, and Mandelic Acid ensures accelerated cell turnover, gentle exfoliation, and continuous skin renewal, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion. Dr. Jack’s Yellow Peel, applied with a little brush, is a little pot of magic: I have noticed brightening results from the very first use.
Pigmentation Facial, £450; available at Dr. David Jack’s Clinics in Belgravia, City, Edinburgh and Harley Street
Dr. David Jack's revolutionary pigmentation-reducing Yellow Peel.
