If you are looking for brighter, healthier, more even skin tone, you are not alone. Pigmentation on the skin is one of the main concerns I receive in my practice.
But first, let me briefly introduce myself. My name is Tatiane Passoni and I am a Certified Esthetician and Organic Skincare Formulator. Founder and creator of Passoni Skincare.
More than a decade ago, during my first pregnancy, I developed a skin condition called melasma due to hormonal changes. I tried countless products and treatments with no effective results.
Since then, I made my life’s mission to discover the real secret for healthy-looking skin. So, I embarked on a journey around the world to learn several types of techniques, attending seminars, congresses, and conducting research on clean beauty ingredients, skin anatomy and physiology, phytochemistry, and aromatherapy.
So, how do you get rid of of hyperpigmentation and melasma?
There is no magic, and it is not an overnight thing. It is a process that requires patience.
What is melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark, irregular patches on the face, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. But also, it can appear on the neck and arms. It is more common in women than men and is often triggered by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or with the use of hormonal contraceptives.
While the exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, several factors are thought to contribute to its development, including genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal changes. It is more common in people with darker skin types and those who live in areas with high levels of UV radiation. Even though my skin color is light I managed to get melasma as I mentioned before due to hormonal changes, in my case, pregnancy, but there are different ways you could get melasma through hormonal imbalance. Getting rid of melasma requires a lifestyle change!
The conventional non-natural treatment for melasma often involves a combination of topical medications causing harm to the skin tissue resulting in epidermis damage and hypopigmentation (decreased in pigment production) white patches on the skin and irritating effect, sensitization. Avoid lasers, retinol, vitamin C and strong treatments in general to avoid PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) dark spots and rebound effect.
I do recommend a multi-faceted approach to melasma, including a complete lifestyle change: healthy diet, natural supplements, plant-based skincare ritual, avoid sun exposure, exercise, stress management and holistic therapy.
I’m happy to share my journey with you!
1. Healthy Diet
Beautiful skin starts from within. Hydrate yourself! Drink at least 12 glasses of water per day to hydrate the skin and significantly improve its overall health and appearance. Avoid alcohol. Eat colorful vegetables, fruits, berries, seeds, nuts, and leafy greens. Increase your consumption of foods rich in vitamins C and E. These antioxidant nutrients help repair sun damage to the skin that can cause melasma. These vitamins are found in foods like citrus fruits, colored vegetables and in fish. Our body needs vitamins and minerals to function properly.
2. Natural Supplements
Known for its antioxidant properties Pycnogenol is derived from French maritime pine extract and offer a wide range of potential health benefits.
An article published on “Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research” mentioned the powerful antioxidant as a major source of flavonoids and polyphenols against several diseases, it helps to reduce aging by protecting the cells from free radical damages and support cell regeneration.
Another study about N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to be effective in several dermatological conditions, especially in wound healing and photoprotection.
Vitamins and supplements that have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activity can help melasma by reducing inflammation. It is well known that inflammation triggers skin pigmentation.
3. Plant-based skincare
I’ve spent a few years on research, and I’ve tried everything you can possibly imagine to get rid of my melasma. After studying Organic Skincare Formulation, I developed products to help my skin condition and throughout the years tested on my clients as well with excellent results.
Addressing skin discoloration in just one step Botanical C Drops brightening day complex is a luxurious face oil from Passoni Skincare brand that will revolutionize your skincare routine. Infused with a powerful blend of nutrient-rich botanicals, this face oil provides superior protection against free radicals that can damage and age the skin.
Seabuckthorn berry extract is rich in phytosterol and vitamins to function together to protect skin’s integrity and promotes its renewal addressing uneven skin tone and effectively lightening the appearance of dark spots. Another natural brightener in this complex is licorice root well known for inhibiting tyrosinase, enzymes that contribute to skin’s pigmentation process as a response to sun exposure. Especially from the Amazonia Rainforest copaiba has several benefits, helping naturally reduce skin infections and inflammation, improve skin smoothness and tone.
The most powerful nature antioxidant, Astaxanthin, is a carotenoid which optimizes the health and radiance of the skin by providing protection and support to all layers and improves skin’s elasticity and strength the collagen layer.
I highly recommend the Botanical R Drops formulated with the revolutionary ingredient Bakuchiol, this powerhouse product stimulates skin cell turnover, smooth fine lines, and improves skin tone and texture. It is also an antioxidant, meaning it can provide protection from free-radical damage.
Thanks to this simplified skincare ritual my skin is brighter and healthier! I use Botanical C Drops in the morning routine and Botanical R Drops at night. No more harsh products to destroy skin barrier. Say goodbye to complicated and time-consuming routines as this dynamic duo delivers all your skin needs in just two steps.
4. Avoid sun exposure
A very important topic to be considered at the beginning until you get your skin repaired properly. You must nourish and replenish your skin every day with the right products to support the skin barrier. I recommend you avoid sauna, jacuzzi and extreme heat, it will make melasma worse.
5. Exercise, Stress Management and Holistic Therapy
According to Harvard Medical School, “exercise will bring remarkable changes to your body, your metabolism, your heart, and your spirits. It has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax, to provide stimulation and calm, to counter depression and dissipate stress. The mental benefits of aerobic exercise have a neurochemical basis. Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol”.
Try to find an exercise, sport you enjoy, so you will be consistent. At the beginning you may not like it but continue and with time I promise you it will be a pleasure. We know exercise lowers cortisol levels and anxiety. Stress raises cortisol levels which affects hormones and can worsen melasma.
To manage my stress, I tried different things. So, every night I go to my organic garden to get my lemongrass or lemon balm, prepare the most delicious tea with some manuka honey, light a candle, do some reading and studying, go for my skincare routine, prayers, meditation, and bedtime. This routine transformed my life professionally and spiritually. It brings me peace and it is self-care as well.
There are two therapies that I tried years ago, and I was so fascinated I decided to study more. It works as a reset for me, I feel good physically, emotionally and spiritually. They are called Access Bars and ThetaHealing. It was a transformative experience and I feel blessed to say I am a Thetahealing practitioner and Access Bars facilitator.
So, in summary what to avoid if you have melasma, hyperpigmentation:
- Sun exposure
- Sauna, jacuzzi, hot showers, heat
- Irritating, synthetic, toxic cosmetics
- Poor diet, unhealthy food
- Alcohol
- Stress
A combination of treatments and care are needed to reduce skin pigmentation.
Be patient!