Hyperpigmentation products are quite common, but here are a few special ones.
Hyperpigmentation/skin pigmentation happens when certain areas of the skin are darker than the rest and could appear in small or large patches. Your skin becomes pigmented when there is an overproduction of melanin. There are so many factors involved in the formation of dark spots on the skin, the most common types include sun exposure, eczema, acne, allergies to certain chemicals, etc.
One of the skin issues I battled with is hyperpigmentation which originated from using DIY products that were too harsh on my skin. There is a common yet false opinion that natural homemade products cannot harm the skin because they are ‘natural.’ But these things have been proven to be harmful to the skin because they lack the ingredients needed to protect the skin and enhance its condition. The mixture of turmeric, lime, honey, and sugar [Do Not Try This] caused my skin to lose its natural oil and burnt the skin on my face leaving me with dark large patches that took months to heal.
Hyperpigmentation is usually treated with ingredients such as vitamin c, retinoids, AHA’s, BHA’s, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid.
In recent years, a lot of products have been manufactured to cater to skin pigmentation and while it is easy to get any of these from the nearest stores, it is important to see a specialist/dermatologist to tailor a custom hyperpigmentation skincare routine that is right for your skin. However, there are a few great products that have been approved by dermatologists that contain the right ingredients to help prevent and reduce skin pigmentation.
Recommended Hyperpigmentation Products:
1. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation Serum
The perfect combination of pure alpha-arbutin and hyaluronic acid helps to brighten and even out your skin tone. It also comes with an affordable price tag.
2. Naturium Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid [for the skin] is a melanin inhibitor and brightening agent that helps to prevent new dark spots from forming on the skin. The Naturium Tranexamic Acid became popular in the skin industry due to its ease on the skin and how affordable it is.
3. CeraVe Skin Renewing Exfoliating Treatment
CeraVe products are highly recommendable because they are budget-friendly, gentle, and effective. This skin renewing treatment has lactic and glycolic acid that helps to brighten the appearance of dark spots.
4. Topicals Faded Serum
This is everyone’s favourite! It is a hyperpigmentation-safe serum that reduces discolouration, post-blemish marks, scars, and spots — for all skin types and ethnicities.
One of the major causes of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. To prevent dark patches from appearing on your skin after being exposed to the sun, it is essential to use sunscreen products that are enriched with SPF 30 or 50.
Here are some of the approved sunscreen treatments:
● Super Goop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract
This product has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and blends seamlessly into all skin tones. It is water-resistant and great for outdoor activities. With this sunscreen, you are sure of full protection against UVA/UVB and also infrared rays which lead to premature aging.
Ingredients: avobenzone[3%], homosalate [10%], octisalate [5%], octocrylene[7.5%]
● VSP Botanics Sunscreen
The VSP sunscreen is a face and body sunscreen that can be used on combination skin, dry skin, normal skin, and oily skin. It is formulated with SPF 30, antioxidant-rich superfood oils, and natural earth minerals that help to promote a radiant glow and protects your skin from burning.
Ingredients: aqua, glycerin, olive oil, zinc oxide, chamomile.
Note: Sunscreen should be a staple in your skincare routine as it helps protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
