Pigmentation is something many people suffer from but is not often understood. This makes it difficult to effectively treat it and get skin back to its radiant state. Environ has decided to tackle it head-on with its new Focus Care™ Radiance+ range.
The innovative Environ Radiance+ range consists of four products that combat all the causes of pigmentation. But what exactly are the causes?
Good Housekeeping‘s senior beauty editor, Zipho Ntloko, caught up with Environ’s Dr Des Fernandes to learn the truth about the causes of pigmentation and to find out more about Environ’s Radiance+ range.
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True or false with Dr Des
1. True/False: Sun exposure is the main cause of pigmentation
TRUE: The cells responsible for making melanin (the pigment molecules in your skin) are stimulated by sun exposure.
2. True/False: Pregnancy pigmentation cannot be prevented
NEITHER: Because the hormonal influence during pregnancy is so strong, it is difficult to say whether pigmentation during pregnancy is preventable.
3. True/False: Pigmentation is genetic
TRUE: If you consider that your skin colour is inherited, then yes, because certain skin colours are more prone to getting pigmentation.
4. True/False: Exfoliation helps to lighten pigmentation
BOTH: Firstly, certain exfoliators may lighten the superficial appearance of the darker spots you see. It is important to note that these only lighten the dark spots, they do not treat them.
But, if you overexfoliate skin you make it more sensitive to light and this exacerbates the pigmentation problem. What you should do is use vitamin A to normalise and control how cells develop. This will eventually lead to healthy and resilient skin that you won’t need to exfoliate.
5. True/False: Cosmetic needling further aids the treatment of pigmentation
TRUE: Cosmetic needling will always advance your treatment because it allows the specialised ingredients to get to where they are needed to make the difference you are seeking.
6. True/False: Salon treatments deliver quicker results when used in conjunction with home products
TRUE: A combination of in-salon and at-home treatments and products is always the best approach to follow.
7. True/False: The Radiance+ range can be used on all skin types
FALSE: The Radiance+ range shouldn’t be used on oily, breakout-prone skin. Other products are better for this and will be coming to SA soon. The range is perfect for using when you are worried about getting pigmentation or if you already have pigmentation. Always combine it with vitamin A for the best results, as vitamin A is the cornerstone of healthy skin.
8. True/False: You can expose your skin to sun when using the Radiance+ range
FALSE: The products are safe to use when exposed to the sun, but the reality is that sun exposure will always make pigmentation worse. You must apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen when exposed to the sun and reapply it every 90 minutes; you must wear a wide-brimmed hat; you must wear big sunglasses; seek shade and be sensible about sun exposure. If you feel the heat, get out of the sun or go back to square one and start your treatment all over again.
9. True/False: Blue-light exposure can cause pigmentation
TRUE: Blue light therapy (a skin treatment used for sun damage) is responsible for causing pigmentation.
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