Hyperpigmentation is the appearance of dark spots on the face and body. It is always associated with UV exposure and one of the following:
1) Skin trauma: wounds, burns or acne scarring from excessive inflammation, often caused by picking at lesions and pimples.
2) Hormonal imbalance: possibly caused by birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy or pregnancy.
3) Photosensitivity: this is a reaction to a product ingredient that causes hypersensitivity when exposed to the sun. When following a photo-sensitive ingredient application (bergamot oil, for example) with sun exposure, the skin’s melanocyte production is stimulated, thus producing the melanin pigment that creates skin color.
Treating hyperpigmentation at home
Hyperpigmentation can often be managed with a simple skin care regimen. Other times, you may have to resort to more dramatic medical procedures such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels. In order to treat hyperpigmentation, a certain amount of at home skin care is required. As you develop your home skin care regimen, be sure to include the following:
Exfoliate
Deep cleansing and exfoliation is the first step to fighting hyperpigmentation. Use cleansing lotions that contain the following ingredients to help prep your skin for your chosen treatment.
Glycolic Acid: The smallest molecule of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid family of ingredients, it is often favored by cosmetic companies for its fast absorption properties. However, great results can be obtained with other AHAs, it depends on what other ingredients are included, the delivery system, and the pH of the product.
Enzymes: They digest dead cells, providing a uniform exfoliation without any of the irritation caused by scrubbing. For a great routine exfoliation once or twice a week, enzymes are perfect.
Peels: An exfoliating mask works by trapping the dead skin cells while it dries. The dead cells are then removed by the mechanical action of “rubbing” off the mask.
Scrubs: Scrubs are usually more convenient to use, but if not used properly they will result in a non-uniform exfoliation. Scrubs containing fine grains are usually better. This is a great way to exfoliate your body and feet.
Sun Protection
One of the most important steps in reducing hyperpigmentation is sun protection. Even on fall and cloudy winter days, damaging UV rays are present. Even fluorescent lighting in your home and office produce UV rays. If your skin has the tendency to pigment, sunscreen should become a year-round ingredient in your daily skin care routine.
In order to find the perfect sunscreen for your skin type, you may have to try several formulations. Understand that the higher the SPF, the more likely it is that skin irritating ingredients are present in the formulation, and the increased length of sun protection may only be an additional 10 minutes a day.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 20 daily. Save your sunscreens with an SPF of 35 or higher for extreme cases of exposure such as when you’re on vacation at the ocean, in the tropics or mountains, or planning a game of golf. If your skin is extremely sensitive to chemical sunscreen ingredients, look for a sunscreen that also includes physical sunscreen ingredients in the formulation such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Both are non-irritating and effectively repel the epidermis-damaging UVA rays.
For additional protection, choose a makeup foundation and powder that also contain sun protection.
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