{"id":252969,"date":"2025-05-29T15:15:55","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T05:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.russh.com\/?p=252969"},"modified":"2025-05-29T15:38:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T05:38:35","slug":"how-to-fix-pigmentation-and-dark-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.russh.com\/how-to-fix-pigmentation-and-dark-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr Dennis Gross told us exactly how to fix pigmentation and dark spots"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to skincare concerns, pigmentation<\/a> and dark spots often top the list \u2014 visible reminders of\u00a0 hormonal shifts, previous skin conditions like acne or stretched-out Australian summers, minus the adequate sun protection (the aftermath of which tends to show up years down the track).\u00a0The secondary part of the issue is that pigmentation, dark spots and discolouration can be incredibly difficult to treat. It’s a complex skin concern, and one that requires a multi-step approach \u2014 a mix of topical ingredients, lifestyle habits and professional treatments.<\/p>\n

Few experts know the landscape (and the secrets) better than Dr Dennis Gross. A board-certified dermatologist and founder of his very cult, ‘iykyk’ eponymous skincare line, he’s a wealth of knowledge when it comes to skin health, from product formulation to in-office lasers. On a recent stop in Sydney, ‘RUSSH’<\/em> caught up with Dr. Gross to discuss brighter, more even-toned skin) because it’s possible. The interview, below.<\/p>\n

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What is pigmentation?<\/h3>\n

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There’s three main different types of pigmentation problems: the first is melasma, which is common during pregnancy. It\u2019s a hormonal issue, and looks patchy across the forehead, cheeks or upper lip. You can usually put a couple fingers over it and it disappears \u2014 that’s how it distributes on the face.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s pigmentation that\u2019s freckly, those are sunspots. And those obviously come from UV exposure. And then there’s the type of pigmentation you see in people who have it as a result of something like acne, called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It occurs when some sort of injury darkens or discolours once healed.<\/p>\n

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How does pigmentation form, because a lot of people on’t realise that it’s happening within the skin long because it’s visible?<\/h3>\n

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Pigmentation doesn\u2019t just appear, it\u2019s structural and is built within layers of the skin, step by step. It\u2019s like passing a baton in a relay race. It begins with a molecule called melanin, that is \u2018transferred\u2019, moving up from deeper layers to the visible surface. There are other factors involved, but Tyrosinase is one of the main enzymes that triggers this process, and the melanin over-production that leads to visibly discoloured skin.<\/p>\n

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So what skincare ingredients can help with pigmentation and dark spots?<\/h3>\n

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And at the end of the day, it really doesn\u2019t matter what type of type of pigmentation an individual has, or if there\u2019s more than one causing factor. The antidote is to stop the overproduction of melanin.<\/p>\n

Vitamin C is the gold standard, because it literally breaks the assembly line production of the excess pigment. It blocks the production of Tyrosinase, preventing it from manufacturing too much melanin.\u00a0I think it\u2019s a brilliant ingredient and it\u2019s always my number one recommendation. I have a few products available depending on skin type and other issues. Our serum is pretty incredible, and our oil-free moisturiser is another great option.<\/p>\n

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On that note, why do so many people find they struggle to use Vitamin C as an ingredient?<\/h3>\n

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Truthfully, it\u2019s quite difficult to formulate a great Vitamin C product because the ingredient is irritating. In my opinion, you need to use other supporting ingredients. I\u2019ve found that combining Vitamin C with Lactic Acid is really powerful because the Lactic Acid helps to protect and rehydrate the moisture barrier. It also improves ingredient penetration so you\u2019re getting an optimal dose where it\u2019s needed. Lactic Acid itself also helps to break down balls of melanin. They\u2019re woven tightly like yarn \u2014 Lactic Acid pulls at the threads.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Dr. Dennis Gross (@dennisgrossmd)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n