Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern where patches of skin appear darker than the surrounding areas due to excess melanin production (the pigment that gives skin its colour).
Factors like sun exposure, skin injuries, ageing, and acne can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
Though it may take time to fade hyperpigmentation, using the right topical treatments can effectively reduce hyperpigmentation, helping you achieve clear, radiant skin.
A consistent skincare routine for hyperpigmentation not only tackles dark spots but also improves acne, scarring, and overall skin health.
5-Step easy skincare routine for hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Choose a face wash that contains fruit acids like AHAs
AHA’s are mild exfoliators that are derived from natural fruit extracts such as Lemon Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit, Sugarcane Extract, etc.
Incorporating AHAs in the first step of your skincare routine will help remove dead cells from the surface of the skin thus revealing thoroughly cleansed fresh, smooth & brighter-looking skin.
Research reveals AHAs have a myriad of benefits to the skin -
- Take off dirt and dead skin cells to brighten up dull-looking skin.
- Stimulate collagen to slow down ageing.
- Promote skin cell turnover to keep skin healthy.
- Controls melanin production by inhibiting the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme
Exfoliate but gently, enzymatic exfoliation is a good choice
Exfoliation is the skin’s natural healing process that is also known as desquamation. In this procedure, dead skin cells are shed from the skin to generate new healthy cells.
But as we age, desquamation slows down resulting in dull, tired, and lacklustre skin.
To support this natural mechanism of the skin, dermatologists advise using mild exfoliators so as not to strip off essential oils from the skin.
Enzymatic exfoliation gives that daily gentle exfoliation to the skin and helps to remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. Thus revealing an enhanced skin tone free of dark spots.
Add Vitamin C serum to your skincare routine
Vitamin C is an all-rounder ingredient that works on a number of skincare concerns.
However, in the skincare industry, it is mostly used in products that work foranti-ageing and pigmentation.
To get the benefits of vitamin C, experts advise including it in serums since they penetrate deeper and faster into your skin and give you radiant and glowing skin.
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (EAA)
This fabulous derivative of vitamin C is widely used for treating hyperpigmentation since it inhibits tyrosinase, which inhibits the skin from producing melanin.
When applied topically, it helps in mildly exfoliating skin to generate healthy cells that boost the skin’s natural radiance.
Also, it helps reverse the sun damage caused due to melanin imbalance and fade dark patches from the skin.
Note - It is advised to check the concentration of EAA. Ensure that it suits your skin type.
Use topical creams that aim to rebalance melanin production
While dealing with pigmentation, and dark spots—your skin undergoes melanin imbalance causing uneven skin tone. But it's never too late to treat your concern correctly with the right solution.
Opt for natural ingredients like Pterocarpus Marsupium extract, White Curcumin, and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) in your face cream.
They can substantially improve skin’s overall texture and rejuvenate skin cells. Such ingredients when paired up together can give a tough time to the dark spots.
Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen
A hasty routine shall not be held responsible for skipping sunscreen on any of the days.
Know that overexposure to the sun is one of the major causes behind various skin concerns like uneven skin tone, breakouts, dark spots, melasma, etc.
When the skin gets exposed to UV rays without protection, it instigates melanin production causing dark patches on the skin. Skin conditions like melasma and hyper-pigmentation are triggered by Ultraviolet rays.
Be mindful while going through the label. Opt for ingredients such aszinc, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, and Titanium Dioxide that give you strong UV protection along with anti-aging benefits.
Wrapping Up
Hyperpigmentation might take longer to heal as compared to other skin concerns.
A proper skincare routine will set things upright for you. In addition, while skincare products protect your skin during the day, the healing begins at night.
During the night the skin undergoes a self-healing process that not only restores the skin but also renews the skin cells.
So follow the morning and night skin care regimen religiously for healed and healthy skin! This further helps in improving skin texture and treating hyperpigmentation more effectively.