What is Mela B3? La Roche-Posay’s new pigmentation innovation explained

If you’ve kept up with #skintok or recently visited your local dermatologist, you’ve undoubtedly already encounteredsome of La Roche-Posay’s best-selling skincare products. From soothing irritated and dry skin with the magical Cicaplast Baume B5+ balm to battling acne-prone skin with the Effaclar range, the French pharmacy brand and its dermatologist recommended range of products just work.

Now, La Roche-Posay’s latest innovation is set to revolutionise how we reduce pigmentation issues. Hyperpigmentation is one of the most prevalent and complex skin conditions, and more widespread than you may realise. “In a Swedish survey involving 2,500 participants, almost 20 per cent indicate they struggle with pigmentation, highlighting the significance of this issue in our part of the world,” says Emma Kindler, the general manager of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Nordics.

While melanin is an essential component of skin, protecting our cells from harmful UV rays and defining our skin’s natural tone, an excess of melanin causes unevenness, unwanted discolouration and dark spots. Julie Chamoun Bruusgaard, a nurse by education and the brand’s Nordic medical communication manager, explains how melanin is a mixture of natural pigments produced by melanocytes. However, melanin production can lead to permanent pigmentation issues.

This is where the brand’s innovative Melasyl™ molecule and the new Mela B3 serum come into play. It is a “game-changing innovation for pigmentation,” says Kindler. “This remarkable launch, backed by 18 years of research, is a testament to our commitment to scientific research and our mission to offer effective skincare solutions for all,” she continues. “We wanted to make sure to find the molecule that lives up to our standards,” adds Chamoun Bruusgaard. “Our laboratories have done multiple tests on 100,000 molecules to select only 4,000 active ingredients to find Melasyl™ finally.”

Formulated with 10 per cent Niacinamide – another hero ingredient to combat unwanted pigmentation – the new Melasyl™ molecule has a unique, brand-new mode of action. “It is the first trapper of melanin precursors,” says Chamoun Bruusgaard. Melanin precursors are non-colored molecules which then transform into pigments. “The melasyl™ molecules bond to the excess melanin precursor and neutralise or eliminate them,” says Chamoun Bruusgaard. “Like a Pac-Man game to prevent pigmentation from occurring.”

Chamoun Bruusgaard’s favourite way to use the new serum is in the form of maintenance to protect the results she achieved at the dermatologist. “And as a prevention solution with my sunscreen, because I know I am at high risk for pigmentation,” she says. And sunscreen is vital when dealing with pigmentation. “One important thing to remember, especially when struggling with pigmentation or trying to prevent it, is to use a broad spectrum protection with not only high UVB protection (SPF) but a high UVA.”

The Mela B3 range is for consumers looking to have an even skin tone and those struggling with pigmentation. “Mela B3 is simply for all ages and all skin tones struggling with pigmentation,” notes Chamoun Bruusgaard. Pigmentation affects all ages and skin tones, and the Mela B3 range has been developed to suit every skin tone and type – including sensitive skin.

“In Scandinavia, we have a high prevalence of dry and sensitive skin, but we also have a high percentage of people who struggle with dark spots and pigmentation”, says Chamoun Bruusgaard. It is a skin concern that affects all phototypes (the skin’s type depending on its reaction to UVR exposure), and as such, the Mela B3 range was made for anyone and everyone struggling with dark spots and unwanted pigmentation.