Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern. It refers to patches of skin that become darker than the surrounding areas of skin, mainly arising from the overproduction of melanin (the pigment that provides color to the skin). The appearance of these dark spots or patches leads to uneven skin tone. Many factors can be responsible for the same like excessive sun exposure, skin injuries, aging, acne, etc.
Hyperpigmentation can be of various types arising from different skin concerns. Examples - age spots, also called “liver” spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
While getting rid of it might be a little time taking but know that the right topical formulations in your skincare regimen work effectively on hyperpigmentation and help you attain spot-free and radiant skin. Following the right skincare routine daily will help you maintain overall skin health and improve specific concerns like acne, scarring, and dark spots.
5-Step easy skincare regimen to get rid of hyperpigmentation
1. Choose a face wash that contains fruit acids like AHAs
AHA’s are mild exfoliators that are driven from natural fruit extracts such as Lemon Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit, Sugarcane Extract, etc. Incorporating AHAs in the first step of your skincare routine will help remove dead cells from the surface of the skin thus revealing thoroughly cleansed fresh, smooth & brighter-looking skin.
Research reveals AHAs have a myriad of benefits to the skin -
- Take off dirt and dead skin cells to brighten up dull-looking skin.
- Stimulate collagen to slow down aging.
- Promote skin cell turnover to keep skin healthy skin
- Controls melanin production by inhibiting the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme
2. Exfoliate but gently, enzymatic exfoliation is a good choice
Exfoliation is the skin’s natural healing process that is also known as desquamation. In this procedure, dead skin cells are shed from the skin to generate new healthy cells. But as we age, desquamation slows down resulting in dull, tired, and lackluster skin.
To support this natural mechanism of the skin, dermatologists advise using mild exfoliators so as not to strip off essential oils from the skin. Enzymatic exfoliation gives that daily gentle exfoliation to the skin and helps to remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. Thus revealing enhanced skin tone free of dark spots.
3. Incorporate Vitamin C serums
Vitamin C is an all-rounder ingredient that works on a number of skincare concerns. However, in the skincare industry, it is mostly used in products that work for anti-aging and pigmentation.
To get the benefits of vitamin C, experts advise including it in serums since they penetrate deeper and faster into your skin and give radiant and glowing skin.
Confused which derivative of vitamin C works the best to remove pigmentation.
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (EAA)
This fabulous derivative of vitamin C is widely used for treating hyperpigmentation since it inhibits tyrosinase, which inhibits the skin from producing melanin. When applied topically, it helps in mildly exfoliating skin to generate healthy cells that boost the skin’s natural radiance. Also, it helps reverse the sun damage caused due to melanin imbalance and fade dark patches from the skin.
Note - It is advised to check the concentration of EAA. Ensure that it suits your skin type.
4. Use topical creams that aim to rebalance melanin production
While dealing with pigmentation, and dark spots your skin undergoes melanin imbalance causing uneven skin tone. But it's never too late to treat your concern correctly with the right solution.
Opt for natural ingredients like Pterocarpus Marsupium extract, White Curcumin, and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) in your face cream. They can substantially improve skin’s overall texture and rejuvenate skin cells. Such ingredients when paired up together can give a tough time to the dark spots.
5. Shield your skin with a broad spectrum sunscreen
A hasty routine shall not be held responsible for skipping sunscreen on any of the days. Know that overexposure to the sun is one of the major causes behind various skin concerns like uneven skin tone, breakouts, dark spots, melasma, etc.
When the skin gets exposed to UV rays without protection, it instigates melanin production causing dark patches on the skin. Skin conditions like melasma and hyper-pigmentation are triggered by Ultra-violet rays.
Be mindful while going through the label. Opt for ingredients such as zinc, Dimethyl methoxy Chromanol, and Titanium Dioxide that give you strong UV protection along with anti-aging benefits.
P.S.
Hyperpigmentation might take longer than usual in comparison to other skin concerns but know that it can be treated. A proper skincare routine will set things upright for you. In addition, while skincare products protect your skin during the day, the healing begins at night. During the night the skin undergoes a self-healing process that not only restores the skin but also renews the skin cells. So follow the morning and night skin care regimen religiously for healed and healthy skin! This further helps in improving skin texture and treating hyperpigmentation more effectively.
