How To Reduce Hyperpigmentation
One of the biggest skin care concerns I receive from my clients is hyperpigmentation. This skin condition can be difficult to treat, especially on your own. Let’s start by defining hyperpigmentation and the different types. An article from Health Line defines the different types of hyperpigmentation.
There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the common ones being melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Melasma. Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy. Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but they appear most commonly on the face.
Sunspots. Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are common. They’re related to excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is a result of injury or inflammation to the skin. A common cause of this type is acne.
The goal of treatment of any type of hyperpigmentation is even skin tone.
Planning and consistency is essential in treating hyperpigmentation since it’s a process. Be sure to understand that it takes time and patience to see results.
Microneedling can work wonders for hyperpigmentation when used alongside proper home care. A treatment series will help to gradually brighten and even out the skin while also boosting collagen and diminishing wrinkles. See all the FAQs about microneedling in this article.
Peels are a fantastic treatment for hyperpigmentation and also help with texture and clarity as they help to resurface and dissolve dead skin cells. Some active ingredients in peels have brightening benefits specifically. I have used peels to combat my own melasma with great success.
Dermaplane is an affordable and gentle way to soften the texture while brightening the skin. This treatment doesn’t require any downtime and your skin will be glowing immediately afterwards. Post treatment the skin is ready to absorb active ingredients in serums and treatment creams not to mention your makeup will apply like a dream.
As for home care products, there are topical treatment products that you can use to help increase cell turnover, brighten and protect the skin. The Super 3 Clinical Booster, Mandelic Super Serum and Perfect C are my top picks for treating hyperpigmentation at home. Don’t forget that a brightening/exfoliating regimen requires diligent sun protection so smooth on some tinted or non-tinted sun protection in a high SPF and wear a hat before you go out and about.