How to Manage Hyperpigmentation
Skin pigment changes are known as hyperpigmentation. This condition can occur for various reasons and may not look the same in each person who has it. However, there are successful ways to manage hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration due to the sun.
Developing a skin care routine with steps that help manage hyperpigmentation can arm you with the tools you need to keep skin even toned, healthy-looking and radiant.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation, which presents itself in changes to the appearance of your skin that may result in dark spots and patches covering either large or small areas, can be caused by a few different factors:
- Pregnancy ramps up hormone production in women, resulting in melanin changes in the skin, which can create areas of hyperpigmentation that commonly occur on the face or the stomach. It's not harmful to you or your baby, and there are ways to help alleviate the appearance of these patches.
- You may see skin discoloration due to the sun if you go in the sun frequently and don't always use sunscreen. This shows up as sun discoloration on the face, also called sunspots. You may see them on your face or hands as you age. You may see these referred to as 'liver spots’ or 'age spots’.
- Acne issues can also cause hyperpigmentation. This post-acne discoloration shows up as dark spots after acne spots have healed.
- Damage to the skin like cuts or burns can leave behind scars that can cause skin pigment changes.
- Some medications can also cause hyperpigmentation. These include prescriptions that may alter hormone levels, such as birth control pills.
How to Manage Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots and discoloration may be more noticeable on the face, but they can appear head to toe. Though it may be impossible to completely erase, there are many ways to manage hyperpigmentation, and you may be wondering how you manage hyperpigmentation in the summer when warmer temperatures lead to more skin uncovered? Here are some ways to ensure the risk of hyperpigmentation is minimized.
While a dermatologist can prescribe higher-strength topical medications to help manage hyperpigmentation like stubborn dark spots, there are also over-the-counter medications that you can use to help correct dark spots and discoloration. Try a 5% niacinamide fade milk to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation on the body.
Developing a daily skin care routine can help manage hyperpigmentation, while also soothing and hydrating skin, for skin that is brighter and more radiant. Keep managing hyperpigmentation in mind when choosing product for each step for the best results:
- Cleanse: A cleanser is an important first step in your routine. In order for your treatment products to work most effectively, you’ll need to apply them to a surface that is clean of impurities, dirt and makeup that could block absorption. Try a gentle foaming facial cleanser that is specifically designed to remove dulling impurities while helping to brighten skin tone.
- Tone: After cleansing, use a toner on normal/dry skin or an astringent on oily or acne-prone skin to help remove any dirt or impurities left after rinsing off your cleanser.
- Treat: Now that your skin is free from impurities, apply a tone correcting fade cream to help battle those skin pigment changes. Oily skin? Try a fade cream that is specially formulated for oily or acne-prone skin. Looking for something lighter? Try a dark spot corrector serum - lightweight and perfect for use under makeup! During your evening routine, swap out your daytime fade cream for a nourishing nighttime fade cream to wake up to a brighter, more radiant complexion.
- Moisturize: If your skin still feels like it could use more moisture after applying your fade creams, apply a moisturizer that will soften and nourish your dry skin.
- Protect: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen as a final step of your morning skin care routine! Ingredients in skin tone correcting products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which can cause skin damage that can lead to sun hyperpigmentation on the face and body.
Using a high SPF sunblock can help prevent sun discoloration on the face and body. Grab a hat and long sleeves to protect skin from the sun when you're headed outside for extra protection from the sun’s damaging rays.
It’s not hard to manage hyperpigmentation when you choose high quality, effective products. Check out Palmer’s Skin Success collection for the best results and learn more about how to correct hyperpigmentation with Skin Success, so you can enjoy an even, radiant and healthy-looking complexion.