Nadia Anya On Tackling Pigmentation
How My Pigmentation Started
I’ve always had fairly normal skin with just the odd hormonal breakout, but around three years ago I started to notice more tricky spots, comedones (little bumps under the skin that never turn into white heads) and also prolonged discolouration and spot scarring. While I was able to disguise these with makeup, it really knocked my confidence. Pigmentation patches also developed around the same time and started off as a little spot here and there, but soon became bigger and more obvious. These dark spots were around my top lip and forehead and I’m still not entirely sure what caused them, but I’m putting it down to not being as cautious as I should have been in the sun for so many years.
How I Started Tackling My Pigmentation
My first port of call was a Dermamelan peel, which is a very intense chemical peel over the course of three weeks. It rapidly sheds your skin and although it was a long and tedious process, the results were amazing. When it comes to pigmentation however, I’ve learnt that maintenance is key, and I’ve thankfully found several products that really help day-to-day. is a miracle in a bottle and after about a month of using it, the discolouration left behind by older breakouts had almost disappeared. Whenever I get a new spot now, this helps to clear it quick.
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, £465.00 is another saviour. There are three light settings - blue to help with acne, sunspots and scarring, red to help with the production of collagen and the two lights combined. After just a few days, I noticed a difference in the overall tone of my skin. Yes, it’s an investment piece but it’s a one-off purchase that will last you a lifetime. My only regret is not getting one sooner.
What I’ve Learnt So Far
It’s safe to say I now know that the importance of sun protection should not be taken lightly. Even if I’m not leaving the house, I still wear SPF every day - either or Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, £20.70 which contains a melatonin defence complex alongside vitamin C and E. Not only is SPF a non-negotiable, I’m also really strict on keeping my face out of the sun and will wear a hat where possible - especially on holiday. To maintain my melasma, I also do a much less intense peel at-home, which was prescribed by my doctor. Unfortunately, I’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s something I will probably have to deal with for the rest of my life.
I’ve also learnt that makeup can be an incredible confidence booster. I love Rodial SPF 50 Drops, £75.00 as they give such a luminous base for makeup without feeling greasy or heavy. For brightening under my eyes, I go in with Rodial Banana Lowlighter, £25.00 as it instantly makes me look more awake. I also dab a little to the sides of my top lip to conceal the pigmentation. When I’m filming or taking pictures, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, N/A is a must as it gives a lightweight airbrushed finish.