The ESK blog

Effective Solutions To Hyperpigmentation Caused By Breakouts

22 July 2021

Any inflammatory skin condition such as acne, can lead to pigmentation spots. Inflammation at the epidermis layer of the skin stimulates the pigment-producing melanocytes to up their melanin or pigment production and to deposit that melanin in the surrounding epidermis.

We have no idea why this excessive pigmentation happens. But it should not be confused with redness (even dull in colour) associated with acne – that is inflammation and will pass as acne subsides and the skin barrier function improves.

But how do I get rid of it?
The first thing to say is that the whole process of depigmentation tends to be difficult and usually takes 6-12 months to get results. Most dermatologists agree there’s no single solution. You often need multiple different treatments together to achieve the best results.

Sun Protection: The sun doesn’t make acne scarring worse but any brown marks get darker when exposed to UV rays.Try ESK’s broadspectrum sunscreen Zinc Shade, which has a matt formulation that’s good for acne-prone skin.

Zinc Shade

Zinc Shade is a lightweight matte day cream and primer. Its non-greasy, matte finish allows for smooth application and works well under makeup.

We spent countless iterations perfecting this lightweight, non-greasy formula to avoid the typical white cast and thick feel of zinc products. The results? A matte finish that works beautifully under makeup. With well tolerated matte finish, it's also well suited to irritable and blemish and bump prone skin. With SPF 15 it also provides broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Key features:

Lightweight, matte formula suitable for daily use
Smooth application with minimal white cast
Broad-spectrum UV protection
Tested SPF 15 with enhanced UVA coverage

Usage: Apply evenly to all exposed areas of skin before sun exposure. Reapply as needed throughout the day.

Tyrosinase Inhibitors: Right now, the most effective depigmentation agents available are tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is an essential enzyme for the formation of melanin by the melanocytes. The most potent tyrosinase inhibitor available is 4-n-butyl-resorcinol. This is the key ingredient in ESK’s Enlighten.

Enlighten

Enlighten is specifically designed to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation. This lightweight cream helps to gently create a more even skin tone and hydrate and improve the barrier function of the skin.

While rarely used, 4-n-butylresorcinol (4nB) has some of the best evidence in this arena. Enlighten combines 4nB and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to create a rare combination of gentle yet effective ingredients. Enlighten helps tackle a mottled or uneven skin tone and is suitable for long term daily use

Featuring:

Formulated to help skin look brighter and more even
Gentle, nourishing ingredients suitable for daily use
Supports the appearance of an even skin texture and tone

Vitamin A: Really good evidence exists for Vitamin A for pigmentation. It tends to increase cell turnover, and indirectly inhibit tyrosinase. Our Ultimate A and Ultimate A+ is formulated with the most effective and least irritating form of Vitamin A, Retinal.

Ultimate A

Ultimate A Night Cream contains 0.06% Retinal, the most gentle and effective form of Vitamin A, paired with Niacinamide to help maintain skin barrier function and support brighter, firmer and more even looking skin tone and texture. Well suited even for the most irritable skin.

Key features:

0.06% Retinal to support a brighter, smoother and firmer skin texture
Niacinamide to support skin barrier function and a more even looking skin tone
Gentle formulation suitable for nightly use

Usage: Apply at night after cleansing (and serum if being used) as part of your evening skincare routine.

Ultimate A+

Building on the proven performance of Ultimate A, Ultimate A+ Night Cream is designed for those looking to refine texture and tone or support skin prone to congestion. With 0.1% Retinal (the next-generation form of Vitamin A), Niacinamide, and 2% Glycolic Acid, this formula delivers visible improvements while remaining gentle and well tolerated.

This unique combination supports smoother-looking skin, helps refine the appearance of pores and uneven tone, and promotes a more hydrated, balanced complexion.

Featuring:

Potent yet gentle formulation suitable for daily use
Helps improve the appearance of uneven tone and texture
Supports firmer, more supple-looking skin
Formulated with evidence-based ingredients known to enhance skin clarity

Note: Retinal is not suitable for use during pregnancy.

Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid seems to inhibit melanin production as well as preventing inflammation in the skin which limits the inflammatory pathway in overproduction of pigment. Use ESK’s Reverse C Serum (or C Serum Lite for oily skin) to have this powerful antioxidant help with your pigmentation.

C Serum Lite

C Serum Lite offers the same evidence-backed benefits of Vitamin C in a lighter, non-greasy formula. Packaged in an airless, opaque bottle to maintain stability for maximum effect, this anti-oxidant serum is perfect for use every morning. Designed for a lightly hydrated, brighter and smoother looking skin.

Key Benefits

- Helps create a more even skin tone

- Supports smoother-looking skin and reduces the visible signs of skin aging

- Evidence-based ingredients for hydration and firmness

Azelaic acid cream: This cream has the benefit of treating both the pigmentation and the underlying acne. This is a prescription medication and it is not recommended for patients under 17 and it should not be used for more than 6 months.

Shop ESK Pigmentation Collection

References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24080511
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/30/1/74/199813
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-scarring/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1327062/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23205541
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30586481
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978012800886700025X
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22363147