Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that occurs when patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas. This can be caused by various factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne scars, and inflammation. While it’s a harmless condition, many people seek ways to reduce its appearance for a more even skin tone. Here’s a guide on what to use and when to treat hyperpigmentation effectively.
Understanding Hyperpigmentation
Before diving into treatments, it’s crucial to understand what causes hyperpigmentation. Melanin, the pigment responsible for our skin, hair, and eye colour, can accumulate unevenly, leading to dark spots or patches. Types of hyperpigmentation include:
– Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Caused by inflammation or injury to the skin, such as acne or eczema.
– Sun-induced hyperpigmentation: Resulting from excessive sun exposure, often appearing as sunspots or age spots. Please note that you should get sun and age spots checked with your GP to ensure they aren’t cancer.
– Melasma: Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or birth control use, can trigger this type of hyperpigmentation, often appearing as larger patches on the face. If you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding then now is NOT the time to treat pigmentation. Some hyperpigmentation resolves naturally after your body returns to normal and isn’t lactating. Your body needs nurturing during this time rather than repairing. Instead focus on protecting yourself from sun damage, you’ll thank us later!
It’s important to note that freckles are not typically classified as hyperpigmentation. Freckles are usually more uniform in colour, smaller, and often fade in the absence of sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, can vary in size, shape, and colour intensity and may require targeted treatments to lighten or remove.
Fall into Clearer Skin: Autumn Pigmentation is the time to start!
Deciding when to treat pigmentation effectively often depends on the intensity of the treatment and its potential side effects, especially sensitivity to sunlight. Generally, the best time to treat pigmentation is during the cooler months, like autumn and winter, when UV exposure is lower, and the skin is less likely to be exposed to direct sunlight. Many pigmentation treatments can leave the skin sensitive or red initially. Cooler months provide a better opportunity to stay indoors and allow the skin to heal without exposure to environmental aggressors. Sweating can irritate the skin and compromise the results of pigmentation treatments also. Thus cooler weather means less perspiration, giving your skin a chance to heal properly. If you’ve been thinking it’s time to take action, Autumn is definitely the time to begin.
Effective Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation
We offer Omnilux and Airyday LED masks to ensure you have home-care options that are easier to fit into busy schedules and quickly become cheaper than a series of clinic based treatments.
There are also a wide range of skincare products available. Autumn’s a great time to add an extra serum into your regime to address hyperpigmentation. Several skincare ingredients have proven useful for this. Below are some key ingredients known for their ability to help fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and improve overall skin clarity. You’ll find a few links to products that we have, and recommend, for hyperpigmentation. Some you’ll notice are featured more than once such as Toskani Radiance Ultimate Mesoserum (pair it with Toskani Night Reverse Advanced Serum) and Societe Even Out Dark Spot Corrector!
Vitamin C
We hope this is already in your skincare routine!!! A potent antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, even out pigmentation, and protect against environmental damage. Products from our range we recommend when you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation; SkinCeuticals Phloretin, Toskani Radiance Ultimate Mesoserum, Toskani Glacier Pro Age Advanced Serum, Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Plus Age Support, Societe Triple C Vitamin Therapy, Medik8 Super C Ferulic, Toskani Radiance Ampoule and Osmosis Catalyst DNA Repair C Serum.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
While this is often a secondary addition to your everyday skincare routine, niacinamide is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pigmentation, improving skin texture, and strengthening the skin barrier. Products from our range we recommend when you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation; Aspect Dr Multi B Plus, Toskani Glacier Pro Age Advanced Serum, CosMedix Simply Brilliant Brightening Serum, Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Plus Age Support, Toskani Radiance Ultimate Mesoserum, PCA Skin Vitamin B3 Brightening Serum and Toskani Radiance Ampoule.
Alpha Arbutin
A natural skin-lightening ingredient that inhibits melanin production, reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Products from our range that include this are; Societe Even Out Dark Spot Corrector and Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum.
Azelaic Acid
Effective in treating hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for acne-prone skin. The product from our range that includes this is Osmosis Perfection Pigment Corrector.
Kojic Acid
A natural skin-lightening agent derived from mushrooms, kojic acid helps reduce melanin production, leading to brighter and more even-toned skin. Products from our range that include this are; Societe Even Out Dark Spot Corrector and Toskani Radiance Ultimate Mesoserum.
Licorice Root Extract
Contains glabridin, which helps inhibit tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin production and improving skin tone. The product from our range that includes this is PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro.
Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin)
Vitamin A derivatives like retinol and tretinoin help increase cell turnover, fade dark spots, and stimulate collagen production for smoother, more radiant skin. Products from our range that include this are; Osmosis Correct, CosMedix Elite X-Cell + Brightening Serum, Skinbetter Science A Team Duo Kit, Societe Even Out Dark Spot Corrector and PCA Skin Intensive Brightening Treatment and ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener.
Tranexamic Acid
Originally used to treat melasma, tranexamic acid has been found to be effective in reducing pigmentation and improving skin clarity. Products from our range that include this are; ZO Skin Health Brightalive, Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Plus Age Support, Toskani Radiance Ultimate Mesoserum, ZO Skin Health Brightalive
Hyaluronic Acid
While not directly addressing pigmentation, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, which can help improve the appearance of pigmentation by plumping up the skin and making dark spots appear less noticeable. Products from our range that include this are; Societe Skin Hydration Complex, Aspect Dr OptiBoost Complex, Toskani Glacier Pro Age Advanced Serum
How to Use These Ingredients
When dealing with hyperpigmentation, it’s essential to be patient and consistent with your skincare routine. Incorporating products with the above ingredients can help you achieve a more even-toned, radiant complexion over time. However, always remember to consult with us if you have sensitive skin or existing skin conditions. We can always discuss a regime to suit your skin.
Morning Routine: Start your day with a gentle cleanser followed by a Vitamin C serum to protect against free radicals and brighten the skin. Apply a sunscreen/sunblock to prevent further darkening of hyperpigmentation! We love the feel of Airyday and We Are Feel Good Inc for that ‘not greasy’ everyday feel.
Evening Routine: Cleanse your face to remove makeup and impurities. Add in a hyperpigmentation fighting serum from the selection above! If you’re using retinoids or AHAs, apply them at night, followed by a moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated. We also always recommend Osmosis Rescue to ensure your epidermal barrier is at it’s best.
Weekly Treatments: Incorporate a weekly exfoliating treatment with AHAs or a targeted treatment for hyperpigmentation. We love; Mesoestetic Brightening Peel Booster, Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads, Mesoestetic Ultimate Micropeel and ZO Skin Health Brightening Sheet Masque.
Dealing with hyperpigmentation requires a consistent skincare routine and patience. While over-the-counter products can help fade dark spots, severe cases may require professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy. Always remember to use sun protection, as sun exposure can exacerbate hyperpigmentation. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding give your skin a rest! There’s no point targeting hyperpigmentation that might well change or improve on it’s own after birth and ceasing breastfeeding. Wait until your body has had a chance to recover before deciding what really needs addressing.
Best hyperpigmentation products
If you need any help in choosing your skin care, you can email us at info@theskincareclinic.com.au.
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