Are you tired of dark spots that seem to want to take over your face? Imagine if those spots would just fade away, making your whole face look cleaner, brighter, more flawless and youthful again!
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation could be caused by both external and internal factors. For example: hormones, nutrition, and stress are internal factors while the environment, sun exposure or even chemical treatments are some of the external factors causing hyperpigmentation on the skin. Therefore you might want to pay more attention to your lifestyle in order to prevent more hyperpigmentation. Keep in mind that dark spots caused by hormones (such as birth control pills) might be more difficult to lighten than those from sun exposure or acne scars. You can read more about hyperpigmentation here
In this article I want to focus more on the treatment of hyperpigmentation. How can we fade dark spots so that we can have that more flawless complexion again like perhaps we used to when we were younger? Tackling hyperpigmentation or dark spots is not as simple as just picking a skin-lightening product. Lightening treatments work better with a good exfoliation process, which allows for better absorption and increases the effectiveness of skin-lightening products. So keep in mind that a regular and thorough cleansing and exfoliation will benefit your skin more than you might think.
Step 1: Exfoliate
For exfoliation, think more than just a facial scrub. In fact, think of ingredients such as Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), fruit enzymes, retinol, or vitamin C in your skin care products to slough off and lift the mottled cells, increasing the epidermal cell turnover. Not only this will help to remove melanin from the skin, it would also prepare your skin to allow the lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone, niacinamide, kojic acid, vitamin C, licorice extracts, among others, to penetrate and thus increase the effectiveness of your skin lightening products.
To sum it up, combining exfoliating ingredients such as AHAs with your skin brightening serum is the effective way to fade dark spots and brighten your skin. Even if you don’t completely get rid of all your dark spots, your skin should have a clearer, brighter and more youthful appearance.
Step 2: Moisturize
After applying your skin lightening serum at night, don’t forget to follow it with a moisturizer. A skin that is well hydrated helps to protect itself from damage. Keeping your skin hydrated also allows your active skin lightening ingredients to work more effectively. Now I hope you can see why treating hyperpigmentation is not as simple as just picking the right skin-brightening serum.
Step 3: Protect
Lastly, never leave home without applying your SPF 30 or above. I also try to wear a hat as additional protection whenever I can. I recommend an SPF product containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide such as Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46.
There are many skin brightening products out there. The first product you try might not turn out to be the best one for your skin. But here are some from good brands loved by aestheticians which you might want to check out:
PCA Skin intensive brightening treatment serum contains retinol and niacinamide to lift and improve discolorations. Your daily regimen while using this product should include a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, and SPF 30+ during the day.
GM Collin Phytowhite dark spot serum
GM Collin facial treatment Phytowhite brightening system
Eminence Yam & Pumpkin enzyme peel. Great to use about once a week to exfoliate and brighten skin.
Vitamin C is really great for skin brightening and repair. We will have to talk about the benefits of Vitamin C in a separate article because it really deserves the attention. In the meantime, click here for some good vitamin C serums.