Are You Treating Your Hyperpigmentation the Right Way?
Hyperpigmentation can be a pesky thing. With our skin constantly evolving, the melanin does as well and thanks to various factors, it can uneven the skin tone to varying degrees.
Are there different types of hyperpigmengtation? There sure are! There are four types of hyperpigmentation and each needs to be understood so your visage can continue to be bright. And having a darker skin type means you have more melanin, which also means that you are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.
First off (let’s say it one more time), protecting your skin all year-round with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a sure-fire way to protect your melanin. There we’ve said it!
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
We’ve all been there – the annoying dark spots that appear after your blemish has healed from your acne breakout. This is the most common situation when it comes to adult acne. The hyperpigmentation is the result of your skin recovering from the inflammation of breaking out.
Photoaging
One of the more common effects of chronic overexposure to harmful UV rays (whether it’s from a natural or artificial source) is photoaging (aka premature aging). Longer wavelength UVA rays are to blame in particular as they affect the cells that control pigment (melanocytes), bringing about an uneven skin tone.
Melasma
Most commonly associated with pregnancy, melasma can be recognized by symmetrical brown or grey patches that most often appear on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. Other factors that can contribute to melasma include birth control pills, hormone therapy, stress, and thyroid disease. And don’t forget those UVA rays since overexposure can also cause melasma.
Freckles
Even though they are completely harmless, the overproduction of melanin (again, you guessed it, from overexposure to the UV rays) can appear on the face in the form of brown spots. Sure, in some instances freckles are hereditary; however, if you aren’t prone to freckles and you see them pop up, you now will know why.
How to Tackle Hyperpigmentation
Chemical peels can be a good way to tackle hyperpigmentation. Formulas that contain AHA or BHA such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid are effective. Also, don’t forget to incorporate exfoliation into your beauty routine on a regular basis. As your skin regenerates every 28 days, this is another great way to get rid of the hyperpigmentation. In addition, products that contain hydroquinone or other lightening ingredients can be considered as they help lighten up the dark spots. And of course, don’t forget that broad-spectrum sunscreen should always be a go-to tool in your beauty arsenal.
Always talk to a skincare professional – here’s how you can find one: https://ardenclinic.com
What You Can Try
What: Lightening Lotion
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Why: A lightweight lotion with hydroquinone and licorice root extract to brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation including brown spots and uneven skin tone.
What: EvenTone
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Why: A lightweight serum containing all-natural skin-lightening agents to brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.