If you’ve already got skin pigmentation issues, you’ll know it’s a hard one to escape from. Once it’s there, it’s really difficult to get rid of. However, you can do certain things that prevent it from getting any worse, or coming back with vengeance.
If you haven’t yet developed skin pigmentation issues and hyperpigmentation, but you’ve seen it around and want to do everything you can to avoid it, then the good news is that you can prevent it. It’s just remembering how:
The sun isn’t the only thing to blame
There are many realities of daily life that can cause pigmentation and dark spots. Even patches of discolouration. The main triggers are inflammation from sun, blue light and pollution which can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and they then weaken the skin’s protective barrier. Once the barrier is weak, you are allowing pigmentation to easily form.
A damaged barrier makes the skin more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV damage, which can lead to dark spots. Worried about the blue light one? Blue light creates superoxide which has been linked to aging and hyperpigmentation, as it stimulates the production of melanin.
Hormones play a part
You will find that inflammation-induced hyperpigmentation can also be caused by heat, hormones, picking at acne and certain medications, but usually hormones are to blame as the main culprit. Those who have had babies will find they develop pigmentation in the last few months of pregnancy and the months that follow birth, when hormones are crazy.
Don’t over-exfoliate
Many try to “scrub away” dark spots, but please try a less strenuous approach. Gentle skin care is a preferable approach, as being gentle with the skin ensures that the skin’s moisture barrier is maintained and reduces the risk of pigmentation triggered by inflammation
Avoid anything that could cause scratching to the skin. Instead, chemical exfoliants are amazing at working their magic to tackle to pigmentation. Look for those with alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid, often shown on labels as AHA and BHA.
Professional treatments
Using ingredient skincare at home works best in conjunction with professional treatments, like microneedling, microdermabrasion, and peels. Microdermabrasion can help to remove the top layers of the skin to help with certain types of hyperpigmentation. Microneedling and peels work deeper, so it’s recommended to get these done by trained professionals.
Look for these ingredients:
If you’re a little overwhelmed with ingredients, here’s a breakdown of what to look for and why:
Vitamin C – brightening
Azelaic acid – evens skin tone and texture
Glycolic acid – speeds up cell turnover
Lactic acid – eliminates build up of dead skin cells
Mandelic acid – lightly exfoliates
If you’re interested in something stronger, hydroquinone is a strong ingredient which requires a prescription, it is very potent for lightening skin but can work wonders on the severe, stubborn hyperpigmentation.
Here’s a couple of recommendations for ingredient led products to use at home:
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse – a radiance boosting gel cleanser with a unique exfoliating AHA/BHA complex. Great for all skin types, but particularly those trying to visibly improve pigmentation and signs of ageing, dullness and uneven texture.
La Roche Posay MELA B3 Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation – This serum has been voted as one of the best by various skin specialists and has appeared in so many beauty roundups. Ideal to apply after cleansing, but before moisturiser and SPF.
Antipodes Diem Vitamin C Water Cream – A deeply hydrating and brightening day cream that applies perfectly on top of your pigmentation fighting serum. Light texture and leaves skin plump and refreshed.
