The Hyperpigmentation Q&A
Hyperpigmentation is a concern that affects men and women the world over. But despite its prevalence, lots of people don’t know how best to treat their dark marks and patches of discolouration, or even whether their pigmentation is reversible at all. So, to mark the launch of Bioderma White Objective, a brightening programme for hyperpigmented skin (discover the range in this post), we took to Twitter and asked our customers to reveal their most pressing concerns.
Bioderma’s Head of Training, Emilie Montassier and International Trainer, Pascal Piedimonte were on hand to take all of your questions. Here are some of our favourites…
Sandra NB @sandraaa_xoWhat’s the best type of product for tackling hyperpigmentation? A serum/toner/nightcream etc?
Emilie says…
All of the WO products are complementary and are great for treating hyperpigmentation when used altogether! Here’s what I recommend, follow every day for four months to achieve the best results:
– Cleanse and remove make-up with WO H20 Micellar Solution.
– Apply WO Lightening Fluid every morning. WO fluid contains (among many other great ingredients) a filtering system that avoids the daily aggravation of pigmentation.
– Apply WO Lightening Serum every evening. WO Serum complements and enhances the action of WO Fluid, and the keratolytic action of WO serum more quickly eliminates the melanin already present in the skin.
– After applying WO serum used Hydrabio Light (normal/combination skin) or Rich (dry skin).
– And finally, to ensure your treatment is a success, avoid sun exposure and apply Photoderm Spot every two hours.
Helene Møgelhøj @vonmagicPretty persistent dark patches on temples/cheekbone – occurred after pregnancy, how can White Objective help?
Pascal says…
The White Objective range is perfect for pregnancy mask. You need to use the full program of WO for 4 months. To avoid the pregnancy mask after your baby arrives, it is necessary to apply a high sun protection product like Photoderm Spot every day, which protects from UV rays and decreases the synthesis of melanin at the same time to avoid hyperpigmentation.
Socky @Sock_Monster#BiodermaWO how to tell pigmentation from Melasma? And can both be treated? #bbloggers
Emilie says…
Melasma is hyperpigmentation, but it’s hyperpigmentation with its own specificities.
Melasma affects mostly women, and it’s often most prevalent during or after pregnancy. According to doctors its causes are due to an overproduction of melanin from hormone imbalances and sun exposure. The good news is it can be addressed with medical treatments including hydroquinone and lasers, or cosmetic treatments: specifically, creams inhibiting the activity of the cells that produce melanin.
Tomi @tomibeautyscoutIs this line of products suitable to use on darker skintones specifically acne scarring? #BiodermaWO
Pascal says…
If the acne scarring is pigmented and the marks have become browner, the White Objective programme will help to reduce those marks. However, if you have classic acne scarring (red, inflamed), I’m afraid to say that the range will not help. WO range is only efficient for pigmented marks, for other marks it’s best to consult a dermatologist, who may suggest laser treatment, light pulse treatment or peeling.
Dolly Daydream @MSEDollyp#Hyperpigmentation I have a patch on my neck that I cannot lighten,looks like I haven’t washed! help!
Emilie says…
White Objective can be used on the face, neck and even the backs of your hands! Use the WO programme to lighten the patch , particularly focusing on the Lightening Serum at night, which has a peeling action with glycol acid which helps to remove hyperpigmented marks and vitamin C to brighten the skin. It’s ideally paired with the WO Lightening Fluid during the day, which contains an SPF, but it’s always a good idea to wear a high protection sunscreen like Photoderm Spot which shields against UV rays and helps to avoid further hyperpigmentation marks.
whatlaurabloggednext @whtlrblggdnxtHow can I fade old scars/pigmentation without damaging my skin even further? I feel my skin looks a lot older…
Pascal says…
To act on pigmentation marks without damaging your skin, you need to use the appropriate products with the right dosage of active ingredients and you must respect usage tips to get the best results. The WO programme presents the perfect regime for those who want to sensitively treat their hyperpigmentation. Use the programme for 4 months, avoid sun exposure during those 4 months and keep hydrating your skin at night using the Hydrabio range.
Alex Azimzada @AAzimzadaCan the WO products be used in combination with glycolic acid treatments, please?
Emilie says…
Only the White Objective Lightening Serum contains glycol acid in the WO range, but the dosage is at 12% – so it’s best NOT to use this product with a glycolic acid treatment because it would be too aggressive for the skin. It’s best to set aside 4 months to complete the WO programme, or if you choose to carry on with your glycolic acid treatments that treatment may be too much for your skin compared to WO products, plus it will only be providing a peeling effect.