Have you been noticing that new dark spots appear and the others fade, while big brown patches, hyperpigmentation, and acne pits follow?
You are not alone for these stubborn skin issues once triggered may activate one or more associated skin troubles like premature aging of skin, inflammation, and dullness. It is a vicious loop of degenerative skin health with the chords being controlled mostly by hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is a presence of more than required active melanocytes in a given area of the skin making that particular patch darker than the surrounding skin tone. One’s risk for hyperpigmentation can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors (sun, pollutants, blue light, etc.).
However, with state-of-the-art formulations and active ingredients solely aimed to scientifically and effectively treat hyperpigmentation and associated dark spots, one can sit back and relax whilst incorporating a well-researched and consistent skincare regime specifically targeting pigmentation and acne spots.
Listed below is an integrated approach to lifestyle modifications combined with skincare products with active ingredients to incorporate into your skincare regime, in order to overcome the effects of hyperpigmentation.
5 Easy & effective tips to treat hyperpigmentation
1. Using gentle facial cleansers with formulations suited best for pigmentation
A balanced and gentle facial cleanser helps to eliminate dead skin cells while hydrating the skin. The right formulation boosted with antioxidants and free from harsh chemicals will gently exfoliate the skin and aid in the prevention of future dark spots while fighting photoaging and UV radiations that promote pigmentation.
Some ‘Not-to-Miss’ ingredients that help treat dark spots/hyperpigmentation effectively by removing the top layer of the skin via the use of a gentle exfoliant are-
AHAsThey primarily function by encouraging skin cell renewal. The coloration of fresh skin cells is even toned, helping to maintain the skin tone and appearance. They are scientifically known to clear acne scars, hyperpigmentation, age spots, dark spots and melasma.
Sugarcane Extract
The most effective method for minimizing all skin problems is sugarcane juice. It contains a lot of acids including glycolic and alpha-hydroxy (AHA), which promote cell growth. They also aid in skin exfoliation and reduce the likelihood of producing acne and boost collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a substance that effectively lightens the skin by preventing the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes. The substance can improve the brightness of your skin and smoothen out rough patches. They also effectively treat hyperpigmentation and over-sensitive skin.
Vitamin C
Cleansers enriched with Vitamin C function by downregulating tyrosinase enzyme activity, which prevents melanin production and lightens dark spots, brown patches and acne pits.
Avoid products that contain-
- Oils- Causes clogged pores leading to acnes and breakouts
- Parabens & Alcohol- Causes skin irritation and effects the skin barrier
- Sulfates- Causes itchiness, dryness, and inflammation
2. Use of hyperpigmentation target creams and alternatives
One can rebalance melanin production and impart an even skin tone with effective formulations and skin radiance creams which specifically targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Other components like hydroquinone also work effectively as a skin-lightening agent by preventing the creation of melanin. Both 2% and 4% hydroquinone are available in the dosage forms of cream, emulsion, gel, and solution. Clinically, it is applied to areas affected by-
- Freckles
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Acne spots
- Chloasma
- Melasma
However, if you wish to be devoid of chemicals, go for incorporating alternative natural skin-lightening ingredients enriched in organic components like-
Arbutin
The dried leaves of many different plant species, including bearberry, blueberries, cranberries, and pear trees, contain arbutin, the b-D-glucopyranoside derivative of hydroquinone and is the most commonly prescribed skin-lightening and depigmenting medications.
Kojic Acid
One of the best plant-based acid works by preventing the synthesis of free tyrosinase, it lessens hyperpigmentation and functions as a strong antioxidant. The concentrations of kojic acid (KA) utilized ranges from 1% to 4%.
Vitamin E
Antioxidants, which are abundant in vitamin E, are crucial for reducing inflammation, preventing skin damage, restoring the skin's natural health, and helping to balance out skin tone. In addition to these advantages, vitamin E is a natural skin-nourishing agent and aids in the management of hyperpigmentation by interfering with the lipid peroxidation of melanocyte membranes and inhibiting tyrosinase.
3. Protect your skin from sun rays
Sun exposure promotes an uneven increase in melanin synthesis, which results in aggravated uneven skin pigmentation. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an oxybenzone free sun protection factor (SPF) 50 every day, even on cloudy or chilly days, is the most efficient strategy to prevent sun-induced discoloration and pigmentation. Owing to scientific progression, there are sunscreens best suited for acne-prone skin that contain the following properties-
Oxybenzone and Octyl methoxycinnamate free- They are known to particularly lighten dark spots on the skin whilst protecting against harmful effects of UV rays.Low penetrating- This characteristic reduces the risk of skin reactivity and sensitivity. Best suited for oil prone skin.
Enriched with vital components like Eurol Bt, Vit E and Aloe vera extract
Contain sunscreen filters titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO).
Caprylic Capric Triglyceride- This is known to smoothen out the skin and reduce inflammation.
4. Boost cell turnover to retain moisture barrier
While lightening the dark spots is the main objective with hyperpigmentation, an efficient over-the-counter (OTC) atorep barrier moisturiser and ceramide moisturiser can prove to be highly beneficial, specifically containing active ingredients such as-
- Madecassoside
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Ceramides
- Mango Seed Butter
- Allium Cepa Bulb Extract
- Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract
A quality product will address pigment concerns as well as hydrate the skin with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and even retinol to increase cell turnover.
5. Manage stress the right way
Everything from dryness and hyperpigmentation to breakouts, acne, clogged pores, and symptoms of accelerated aging is brought on by stress. Inflammation is what causes stress to directly impact pigmentation. The melanocytes create more pigment when the body's stress response is activated. This pigment is subsequently absorbed by other skin cells, giving the skin a darker color. Make sure to incorporate some healthy lifestyle changes such as-
- Adequate sleep
- Keeping a check on your water intake
- Avoid touching your face repetitively
- Avoid smoking and drinking
Some home remedies to effectively treat hyperpigmentation
You may also manage hyperpigmentation in several ways, at home. Research indicates that these basic components may reduce skin pigmentation to a great extent-
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Red Onion Extract: Dried red onion skin has been scientifically proven to successfully lighten skin acne scars. It is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
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Green Tea Extract- When applied to skin, green tea extract has effective depigmenting impact by neutralizing free radicals and melanin production.
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Licorice Extract- Active compounds found in licorice extract have been demonstrated to reduce sun and melasma-induced hyperpigmentation.
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Orchid Extract-The anti-hyperpigmentation effects of orchid extracts are comparable to those of vitamin C. The size and appearance of dark patches have proved to reduce by applying extracts from orchids to the skin for eight weeks.
- Aloe Vera extract- Aloe Vera leaf extract and its active component, aloin, are known to have potent, dose-dependent, physiologically meaningful melanin aggregating actions that cause skin lightening
Takeaway
Skin that glows naturally is usually healthy and well-hydrated and it can be achieved gradually by establishing a strategic skincare regime whilst adopting dietary and lifestyle changes. It all depends on the individual, their skincare requirements, and even their own views on beauty. Treatment for dark spots and patches might be difficult but it’s not impossible. No matter what course of action you eventually take, it is critical to safeguard your skin from additional UV damage and hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 should be a part of your everyday routine even on cloudy days.
