How to Tackle Hyperpigmentation - Skincare
Summer is arguably the best season of the year! Pool days, boating, and island vacations relax us enough to get us through the nonstop holiday season. The only downside is the sun can leave us with damage that one day will result in uneven and pigmented skin.
The dark spots are a result of increased melanin production—the natural pigment that provides color to your skin, hair, and eyes—and is one of the top concerns we hear about from patients. There are numerous factors that can cause your melanin levels to rise, such as excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin inflammation from acne, eczema, or psoriasis, melasma, and aging. And, as everyone who has dealt with the condition knows, it can be extremely tricky to diminish.
Although hyperpigmentation isn’t the easiest skin condition to deal with it is possible. Throughout this three-blog series we will cover the best ways to achieve bright skin through skincare, Chemical Peels, and IPL. Learn more about the skincare side here:
How important is sunscreen for hyperpigmentation?
Sunscreen is essential for preventing hyperpigmentation! It prevents the accumulation of photodamage that leads to brown spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is the hyperpigmentation that develops after acne.
Your skin cells respond to UV light by producing more melanin as a self-protective mechanism, and SPF blocks the light that injures the cells. All pigment, including a tan, is a sign of damage and injury. You can’t completely reset the skin once that happens, so you should set yourself up for a lifetime of better skin by using SPF every day! Using products over SPF 30 is absolutely preventative and pays dividends for brighter, clearer skin for the rest of your life.
What ingredients should I be looking for?
Over-the-counter products recommended by your skin specialist are the best quality available. Ingredients found in the products made for lightening the skin are hydroquinone, licorice root, and niacinamide. Over-the-counter acid products are also helpful for shedding off unwanted pigmentation. These products tend to include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, kojic acid, Vitamin C, arbutin, or retinoids. Our favorite products for lightening damaged skin include:
• Skinceuticals discoloration defense is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration on the face. Powered by kojic acid, tranexamic acid and vitamin B3, this advanced formula is a hydroquinone-free skin brightening serum.
• SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum addresses the appearance of stubborn discoloration, making even skin tones possible for all skin types. Powered by niacinamide and tetrapeptide-30, this skin brightening formula prevents the appearance of new spots while a marine extract blend supports a healthy skin barrier.
• SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of ferulic acid and pure vitamin C and E to enhance your skin's protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals. In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, this formula improves signs of aging and photodamage to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your complexion. Lastly, this powerful formula helps neutralize free radicals induced by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation (IRA) and ozone pollution (O3).
• Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is gentle enough for various skin types, and is formulated with purified grade lactic acid that works to clear skin and produce natural collagen. Ingredients like licorice, lemongrass and aloe help you achieve an even complexion while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Since pigmentation is caused by many things the product recommendations above are not one size fits all, our founder Erin Gordon, MD can help you formulate the perfect skincare routine for your skin! Watch out for the next two blogs in this series and contact us through our website today to begin your journey to healthier skin.