Hyperpigmentation
By far, the most commonly asked question I receive from folks is “ How do I get rid of hyperpigmentation”? And I have to say, it’s no easy feat. There are many causes known that can cause hyperpigmentation such as inflammation caused by trauma to the skin, melasma, and sun exposure. As a master esthetician of over 15 years, I’m a firm believer that prevention is key — however, I’m also a realist that understands it’s almost impossible to avoid the sun sometimes. And, no matter how strict you are about (re)applying SPF, any amount of time spent in the sun can leave your skin with new pigmentation spots, freckles, and small patches.
Let’s Expand Further, Shall We…
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Simply put, hyperpigmentation is areas that appear darker on the surface of the skin, resulting from an increase in the amount of melanin present (they’re often called dark spots for this reason). The most common variation is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a type of hyperpigmentation that’s triggered by the way the skin regenerates after injury and inflammation. These kinds of dark spots typically come from skin conditions that cause trauma to the skin, such as atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris, and can look like flat marks of hyper coloration that range in color from light pink to dark brown and even black, depending on your natural skin tone.
How To Minimize The Risk Of Developing Hyperpigmentation?
As I mentioned above, prevention is vital. Wearing broad-spectrum sun protection of at least SPF 30 is crucial, as is remembering to reapply every two hours. Also, avoiding peak hours in the sun, seeking shade when possible, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat are great ways to minimize the risk of exacerbating pre-existing hyperpigmentation. Additionally, if you want further cautionary measures, certain types of hyperpigmentation are also sensitive to blue light, so using sunscreens that include antioxidants in their formulas — aka an added line of defense against these potentially harmful rays — is a bonus.
How To Get Rid Of Hyperpigmentation?
Patience and consistency. Depending on the severity it could take anywhere from a few weeks to years to completely rid skin of hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen, exfoliants, topical treatments, and professionally performed in-office lasers can help fade or improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Key ingredients you want to look for in topicals when addressing hyperpigmentation include antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, kojic acid— and of course — sunscreen to prevent further darkening. Oil cleansing can also help with the appearance of hyperpigmentation and fade mild scarring over time. The anti-inflammatory fatty acids and vitamins A and C with our Every Mood Oil helps to prevent oxidative damage and aid in the production of collagen, helping fade hyperpigmentation.