Hyperpigmentation And How to Treat It

Any person with uneven skin tone understands how hyperpigmentation, whatever form it takes, can be the bane of their skincare lives. We are forever on the lookout for the one product that will give our skin the clear, uniform tone we dream of. 

Often, it knocks our confidence, and we immediately reach for a bottle of full coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer. However, I don’t want to feel like I must hide my skin. I want to feel comfortable with my skin, and even happier in it. I also love a flawless foundation, but like most women, I don’t want to feel like I must hide my skin.

To further complicate issues, there are problematic bleaching creams on the market, plus confusion about how terms like lightening, brightening, and whitening are used interchangeably, as well as a large range of products that promise the world. Resolving hyperpigmentation can seem like a minefield to navigate.

First, Understand Why Hyperpigmentation Occurs

In general, hyperpigmentation refers to any type of dark discoloration on the skin. It ranks as one of the most common beauty complaints for women with darker skin tones.

The skin produces excess melanin after being injured or inflamed (think breakouts, excess sun exposure, ingrown hairs, allergic reactions, or picking at your skin), causing the skin to appear darker. 

Moreover, darker-skinned people may also be more susceptible to inflammation. Hyperpigmentation may also be more difficult to treat as the marks usually have more pigment and take a longer time to fade.

So, How Do You Treat It?

Hyperpigmentation is treated by using a multi-pronged approach. There is no magical product that can fade all the dark marks on your skin, but there are a number of ways to treat it. One of the ways is to protect your skin with a broad spectrum SPF.

The prevention of environmental damage and the development of new hyperpigmentation is achieved with antioxidants. Treatment products that inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase (which is responsible for pigment production) are used to treat pigmentation and reduce excess melanin.

What Is a Good Hyperpigmentation Skincare Routine?

To maintain the skin's moisture barrier, comprehensive hyperpigmentation skincare routines also include a suitable cleanser for properly cleansing the skin. Hydration products maintain the skin's moisture barrier.

Chemical exfoliation products to exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells. vitamin A products to stimulate collagen production and if possible additional in-salon treatments to have any real effect. 

It also requires patience; consistency and a commitment to achieve long-term skin improvements.