Sun spots, age spots, and liver spots – oh my! Hyperpigmentation goes by many names and can affect small patches of skin or the entire body. In and of itself, it is rarely harmful, but the dark spots, rough texture, and blotchiness associated with it are nothing short of a drag. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent or reduce the effects of hyperpigmentation.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Exposure to direct sunlight, hormonal fluctuations, and everyday abrasives take a toll on the skin. Hyperpigmentation or dark spots form when the skin produces excessive amounts of melanin. Melanin is naturally occurring and gives skin its color. But, when too much is created, it can culminate in some skin regions and darken its appearance. Hyperpigmentation can affect any race or ethnicity. Common causes of hyperpigmentation include sun damage, hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy (chloasma), post-inflammatory response, and various medical conditions.
How Can You Prevent Hyperpigmentation?
Not all forms of hyperpigmentation can be prevented. However, there are several things you can do to protect your skin and reduce your risk of developing hyperpigmentation. These include:
- Avoiding Direct Sunlight. We all like to soak up a little sun now and then, but your skin will thank you for limiting exposure during the peak UV hours (10 am – 2 pm).
- Using Protection. SPF, umbrellas, or hats may go a long way toward providing your skin with a little reprieve from harmful UV rays. Studies show products with an SPF of at least 15 can significantly reduce the effects of UV damage.
- Not Touching Your Face. Abrasions and germs can provoke an inflammatory response that can lead to dark spot formations, so it’s best to avoid touching your face when possible. If you must, such as for makeup application, wash your hands first to reduce germs.
What Can You Do About Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots?
Several key ingredients and products can support healthy skin as we age and help fade the look of hyperpigmentation. Some of the most effective ingredients include:
- Vitamin B3 – Also known as Niacinamide, which has been clinically proven to even skin tone and fade the appearance of dark spots.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C can help create an even-toned complexion while reducing dark spots and blotchiness.
- Vitamin E – Working to moisturize and protect your skin, Vitamin E can help brightenskin tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Choosing the Right Skin Care Product
When finding quality, the best products use potent ingredients to boost performance and absorption into the skin. Some of the most effective products to consider include:
- Microdermabrasion Kits – These convenient kits remove the outermost layer of skin. Safe and practical, microdermabrasion often yields radiant results. It is most effective at reducing hyperpigmentation that is primarily isolated to the outer layers of the skin.
- CC Creams – Worn as a lightweight moisturizer or as a makeup primer, CC creams help conceal hyperpigmented areas and even skin tone.
- Serums – Potent formulas featuring highly concentrated ingredients, serums often prove effective at evening skin tone, reducing inflammation, and reducing the appearance of rough texture and dark spots.
A product that we recommend is the do-it-all MUTHA™ NO.1 SERUM. It features MUTHALOAD™ Core Technology and stabilized Vitamin C (THD), 50x more effective than other forms of Vitamin C. It helps reduce pigmentation, increase collagen, and prevent UVA/UVB damage. Consider it your secret weapon against dark spots and signs of aging.
Hope swears by this product and recommends applying it morning and evening for best results. Visit her YouTube channel to learn about her favorite skincare products and routines.