Products designed for hyperpigmentation work by inhibiting the formation of melanin and offering exfoliation to brighten and target pigmented areas. But what exactly is hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of the skin due to an over-accumulation or uneven distribution of melanin, a pigment found in your skin. It can present as dark spots, age spots, brown spots, sun spots, acne marks, or melasma, and can be triggered by factors such as harmful sun exposure, hormones, medications, pregnancy, skin trauma, or injury.
Acne is a common factor that can lead to hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration on the face, appearing as red or brown marks known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If hyperpigmentation is exposed to the sun without proper suncare, it can intensify, making good suncare your first line of defense against hyperpigmentation. Ensure that your exfoliation routine targets hyperpigmentation using brightening ingredients such as Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), kojic acid, alpha arbutin, and retinol. Incorporating a hyperpigmentation serum into your routine can help specifically target pigmented areas, brightening and smoothing them for a more even skin tone. Start with a low concentration and gradually increase to build your skin’s tolerance, and always consult a dermatologist for more serious hyperpigmentation skincare concerns, such as melasma.
