One of the most common skin issues that I get asked about is hyperpigmentation. If you’ve had these pesky dark spots show up, you know how difficult they can be to deal with. One thing that I’ve learned with working with my clients who have hyperpigmentation is that they skip most of the important steps. In this article, I will be sharing all of my solutions to fight hyperpigmentation so that you can see the results you’ve been hoping for.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is an increase of melanin. Melanin is a natural substance found in the skin, eyes, and hair that gives us color and pigment. An increase of melanin causes darkening of the skin.
At the base of the epidermis skin layer is your skin’s melanin-producing cell called the melanocyte cell. This cell releases melanin when the skin is under trauma from things like sunburn, or picking blemishes, or anything else that causes your skin trauma. Melanin is released to protect itself, hence leaving you with brown spots and uneven skin tone.
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by both internal and external factors. Internal factors such as hormones, stress, nutrition, medical treatments and any other factor that changes the body’s natural regulatory functions can all result in excessive pigmentation on the skin. External factors are caused by the environment and include exposure to harsh weather conditions, sun exposure and physical touching/rubbing of the skin, which can all cause hyperpigmentation. Therefore, things like allergies, climate, clothing, chemicals and heat can all have a negative impact on the skin pigmentation.
You may have heard terms such as sunspots, liver spots, dark spots, melasma and post-inflammatory which are all different types of hyperpigmentation. When possible, it does help to know what type of hyperpigmentation you have so that you know how to tackle it with the right solutions.
Exfoliate + Brighten + Protect
To reduce hyperpigmentation, it’s crucial to exfoliate, in addition to using products that brighten the skin while using sunscreen every day. Most make the mistake of only using products that promise to lighten the skin, but all three must be done together for the best results. Before you start any regimen, you have to commit to it. It will take time to see results. And make sure to take a few pictures of your skin in natural light as a way to document your progress. Sometimes the changes are gradual and can be difficult to see when we look at ourselves every day.
Exfoliate
To reduce hyperpigmentation, choose effective exfoliating ingredients that can aid in breaking up the brown spots, dead skin cells and help to increase cell turnover. Healthy skin cell turnover is essential in helping visibly diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation. While exfoliating skin will not provide instant results, it can help skin’s renewal process. However, be careful not to over-exfoliate or harshly scrub skinwhich can cause irritation that may even aggravate or intensify hyperpigmentation.
If you are looking for help choosing the right exfoliator, check out my blog post: 4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD EXFOLIATE-TONIGHT.
My Pick: Timeless Prescription Advanced Hydroxy Face Peel and Neutralizer
Timeless Prescription Advanced Hydroxy Face Peel and Neutralizer is a two-step process that removes dead skin cells, and provides an antioxidant defense that leaves skin looking smoother, younger and healthier. The peel combines powerful alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids with vitamins A, C and E, and herbal extracts to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. Green tea extract and chamomile soothe the skin after the peel in the antioxidant-packed neutralizer.
Brighten
Products that contain ingredients that lighten the skin are very effective in minimizing the appearance of brown spots and uneven skin tone when used consistently. Just know that it can take time, especially if you have had your dark spots for a long time.
For this category, I have two recommendations. You can choose to start with one, and monitor your results and then add in the other. I have found that they work really well together for those with stubborn dark spots. They both contain very different brightening ingredients.
My pick: Lumière de Vie Illuminating Fading Fluid
Lumière de Vie Illuminating Fading Fluid is a powerful formula that instantly illuminates the skin, while it minimizes the appearance of dark spots and reduces the appearance of redness. Transform the skin with a powerful hydrating complex that leaves the skin soft and provides optimal hydration. Potent properties reduce the appearance of aging and refine tone. Restore radiance for a flawless complexion.
It contains Illumiscin®, a combination of olive leaf extract, stabilized vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), and zinc PCA that reduces the appearance of dark spots and age spots and promotes an even skin tone by reducing the appearance of dark spot contours to give your skin a healthy, radiant glow.
My pick: Lumiere de Vie Super Crème
A luxuriously rich crème that reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, this triple action formula is designed to brighten, hydrate, and prevent. Scientifically formulated with tranexamic acid, Super Crème transforms dull and uneven skin to enhance its natural radiance.
If you choose to use both, apply the Lumière de Vie Illuminating Fading Fluid to your entire face first, allow it to absorb into the skin fully before spot treating with the Lumiere de Vie Super Crème. This is in addition to your 3-step cleanse, tone and moisturize routine of course! And as long as I brought that up, there are cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that can support your hyperpigmentation regimen with additional skin brightening ingredients. I can help you with curating the best regimen based on your needs, commitment, and lifestyle.
Protect
I’m sure that by now you know that wearing sunscreen daily (not just when you’re at the beach) is recommended. The sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, sand, and water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays. To provide your insurance policy you MUST use a sun block everyday.
Limit your exposure to UV rays. Exposure to UV rays is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation. While limiting exposure will do nothing to affect hyperpigmentation you already have it can help prevent further discoloration or counteracting your brightening products.
My Pick: Lumière de Vie® Daily Brightening Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Lumière de Vie® Daily Brightening Broad Spectrum SPF 50, the essential your skin can’t live without. Protect and care for the skin with this silky, fast-absorbing crème that provides high protection from UVA and UVB exposure while soothing, brightening and evening skin tone. Protect your skin every day; you can thank us later.
Along with sunscreen, it contains Hexylresorcinol. When use topically for skin care, hexylresorcinol helps the skin to look brighter and reduces the appearance of dark spots.
Here are additional ways that you can protect your skin from further damage:
- Don’t use tanning beds.
- Limit your time outside and don’t sunbathe.
- In addition to wearing sunscreen, in strong, direct sun, wear a hat and long sleeves.
- And don’t forget to reapply your SPF throughout the day.
Internal Support
Something else that you add to your regimen is internal support. Why just fight it on the outside? I am a huge believer in “Beauty From The Inside” concept and if we can use products that synergistically work together, we may see results faster.
My Pick: Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend
Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend is a revolutionary product that helps to improve and maintain the appearance of healthy, beautiful skin from the inside out. It uses the most powerful free radical-scavenging antioxidants known to date. The purest and best-researched OPCs chosen for Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend are derived from grapes, bilberries, Pycnogenol® (pine bark) and citrus-fruit. These have the highest total polyphenol content. In addition to being powerful antioxidants, these OPCs also promote skin health. These powerful bioflavanoids are considered many times more powerful than vitamins C and E as free radical scavengers. They do, however, work well with both vitamin C and E.*
Antioxidants found in Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend scavenge free radicals within cells and promote optimal cellular functioning. The OPCs support your skin’s natural ability to regenerate new epidermal cells, paving the way for true splendor in the way of skin beautification. Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend helps to replenish the skin’s vitamins and minerals which promotes the growth and division of skin cells. It promotes a strong vascular network in the skin, thus supporting the elasticity of the skin. It also supports collagen production, promotes joint health and supports nerve, muscle and skin cell function.*
This combination of powerful OPCs is unique to Isotonix OPC-3 Beauty Blend as is the Isotonix delivery system, which enables rapid and highly efficient absorption of OPC’s, vitamins and minerals.
Are you ready to get started on your own regimen for hyperpigmentation? Let me help you customize the right products for you and join us in our #28DAYSOFSKIN challenge and see how your skin will transform when you practice a regular skincare routine. I am here for you, just reach out for help!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
