An even, uniform skin tone is an essential component of maintaining a beautiful complexion. That’s why hyperpigmentation is disheartening to deal with. Hyperpigmentation occurs when areas of your skin, which can be small spots or much larger patches, become darker than the rest of your body.
While not usually harmful from a health perspective, hyperpigmentation can take a toll on your self-esteem if you’re unhappy with the way you look. Fortunately, this common skin issue is highly treatable when you have the right knowledge.
Hyperpigmentation is a catch-all term that covers many different occurrences where the melanin in your skin increases. Excessive sun exposure over the years leads to sunspots, which are dark spots that most often appear on the hands, face, and other areas most likely to be exposed to the sun. Hormonal changes also cause hyperpigmentation. This condition is known as melasma, which affects women who are pregnant, as well as those taking hormonal birth control.
If you suffer from acne, you may experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Once pimples heal a small, inflamed spot is left behind that is darker than your natural skin tone. Other causes of hyperpigmentation include certain medications, such as tetracycline, and hormonal disorders, like Addison’s disease.
There are many effective topical solutions aimed at reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and these solutions use specific ingredients. Alpha hydroxy acids, which are a commonly found in chemical peels, reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun exposure and hormonal changes. Other ingredients, such as hydroquinone, slow the production of melanin in the skin.
Sunscreen is also an essential part of proper skin care, as it prevents dark spots from getting worse. For the best results, sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 30. It should also offer broad-spectrum protection, which wards off UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, sunscreen should be worn every single day, even during the fall and winter months, for maximum protection.
Hale Cosmeceuticals carries a variety of products that address hyperpigmentation in all its forms. Our Lucent Power Pads reduce the appearance of dark spots while also minimizing skin damage on a cellular level, while our glycolic acid peels eliminates dry, rough skin to reveal the glowing complexion underneath. We also carry sunscreen products completely free of animal-derived ingredients.
We’re here to answer your questions about our company, its philosophy, and the role research plays in the development of our safe and effective skin care products. Call 1-800-951-7005 or contact us today for more information.