Skin pigmentation treatment: Laser vs Radiance supplement

Pigmentation is a key skin concern for so many. Typically, pigmentation is stubborn and difficult to treat, however with advancements in cosmetic technology and ingestible beauty, there are ways to overcome pigmentation concerns. But which is the most effective?

When skin is discoloured there is a loss in uniformity and this can contribute to the complexion looking aged. Here we discuss the best skin pigmentation treatments to reclaim a luminous, youthful-looking complexion. To help determine what skin treatment is best for pigmentation, we compare two of the most effective options: in-clinic laser treatments and ingestible beauty capsules like Vida Glow’s Radiance.

What is skin pigmentation?

Skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin in patches. Pigmentation comes in different forms and types including melasma, sunspots and age freckles, dark marks, dark under eyes and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Pigmentation and skin discolouration occurs when melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, are triggered and begin to work overtime creating melanin, the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes its colour. A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, and most of these are present in our daily life. Environmental aggressors are the key trigger of hyperpigmentation with stress, hormones, lack of sleep, sun exposure, heat and UV damage having a direct impact on our skin health

How to get rid of pigmentation

When it comes to options to get rid of pigmentation, the route of treatment can vary greatly in terms of cost, time investment and pain.

Chemical peels administrated in-salon or clinic using a combination of lactic acids, vitamin Cs and vitamin As are a commonly used to help break down uneven pigment in the skin. You would need a series of peels regularly to see best results. Recovery can take between seven and 14 days.

Topicals, peels and lasers are effective in treating pigmentation from a surface perspective, however, pigmentation tends to return. Which is why one of the most effective and long-term approaches is to address pigmentation and its cause on a cellular level. Vida Glow’s Radiance capsules are a once-daily capsule that addresses skin tone imperfection and prevents future damage across all layers of the skin.

Laser treatment for pigmentation 

If you’re researching how to get an even skin tone, depending on the intensity of your pigmentation, in-clinic laser treatments can be a good option. Although more invasive than topical cream solutions, professional lasers can help to diminish the appearance of facial pigmentation after a few sessions.

Is laser good for pigmentation?

As an advanced option, laser treatments for skin pigmentation are effective. Treatment will depend on your particular skin type, tone and desired results. There are a variety of lasers that use different modes for different types of pigmentation.

You might be wondering how does laser pigmentation removal work? Lasers help lighten dark spots through different mechanisms by ablating the pigment causing it to flake off. Lasers can break down pigmentation in the skin at the dermo-epidermal junction as well as pigmentation that lies on the superficial layers of skin. ​Laser for pigmentation removal will require more than one treatment to achieve the desired results. 

Always consult a dermatologist or qualified skin expert to help you determine if laser treatments are suitable for you.

Is laser treatment for pigmentation safe? 

Generally, laser treatment for pigmentation is safe. However, there are some risks and side-effects associated with the use of laser. These risks include worsening of the pigmentation, loss of normal skin pigmentation (hypopigmentation) or scarring of the skin. Facial laser treatments are not suitable during pregnancy. It is essential to consult a qualified professional on the safety and risks associated with laser skin treatments.

Does laser pigmentation removal hurt?

Laser pigmentation removal can be at times painful or uncomfortable. However, any pain or discomfort felt during the laser treatment should subside within a few hours. You may experience skin redness immediately after a laser treatment.

How long does pigmentation take to fade after laser?

As with most skincare treatments, results from laser won’t be instant. Post treatment you can expect to see mild skin redness. You might notice that some of your freckles or sunspots appear darker. This is normal and the pigment naturally shed off the skin’s surface within seven to 14 days depending on your natural skin cell turnover. Pigmentation treatment will need multiple laser sessions with a minimum of four weeks apart. How many sessions you need will be determined by your technician, skin expert or dermatologist.

Pigmentation may return depending on your lifestyle, sun exposure, hormones and environmental factors. Whether you are undergoing laser treatment for pigmentation or not, daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is beneficial in preventing new appearing or old pigmentation reappearing.

Additionally, to help prolong your results from laser treatments try supplementing regularly with target antioxidants. Vida Glow’s Radiance is a daily vegan capsule formulated with primary and secondary antioxidants to address signs of pigmentation from a cellular level.

Radiance works from the inside to neutralise free radicals and protect cells from further damage. It actively reduces melanin production resulting in a more even and radiant complexion.​ 

Supplement for skin pigmentation 

Although pigmentation appears on the surface of the skin, addressing the concerns from a cellular level with targeted ingestible beauty solutions can help deliver results longer term and across the body. Ingestibles have a systemic effect on the body, so if you have pigmentation or discolouration on your face, it’s very likely you have it on other areas of your body like your chest, hands or arms. Ingestible can address uneven tone on all areas of the skin.  

What vitamin is good for pigmentation?

When it comes to vitamins and supplements that are beneficial for pigmentation, look for a product with a potent blend of primary and secondary antioxidants.

Vida Glow’s Radiance is a daily capsule packed with active, bioavailable ingredients proven to have a positive effect on skin tone and appearance. Radiance is a rich source of primary and secondary antioxidants which provide synergistic antioxidant protection to prevent skin oxidation – a well-known cause of unwanted skin changes like pigmentation and discolouration.  

The unique combination of the hero ingredient SkinAx2™ with vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts prevents the causes of a dull complexion. It also helps regulate melanin production, stabilises collagen fibres and improves microcirculation, which are all key for radiant skin.  SkinAx2™ is clinically proven to increase skin luminosity by 26%, reduce imperfections, and even significantly reduce the appearance of dark circles.  

How to prevent skin pigmentation with supplements?

The best way to prevent skin pigmentation with ingestible beauty treatments is to supplement regularly. Consistency is key to seeing results from products like Radiance. With 4 weeks of consistent supplementation of Radiance improvements in skin luminosity can be seen. After 8 weeks facial imperfections like melasma and dark marks and age and sunspots are decreased and dark under eyes are brightened.

What skin treatment is best for pigmentation?

There is no single treatment or therapy available that will completely cure pigmentation. But with a holistic approach that uses multiple modes such as topicals, lasers and ingestibles, you can achieve great results. Combining treatments like in-clinic lasers with an at-home ingestible routine and a topical SPF, you can reduce the appearance of dark marks, melasma and sun spots and help prevent it from returning.