Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are common skin concerns for people of all skin types. Whether it's from sun exposure, acne scarring, hormonal changes or irritation, these marks can be fairly noticeable. The good news is that with modern skincare products and treatments, this can reduce their appearance and prevent future discoloration.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is when certain parts of your skin produce excess melanin⎯the pigment responsible for your skin’s color. This excess melanin causes darker patches of skin, often referred to as dark spots or age spots, depending on the cause.
The Most Common Types of Hyperpigmentation
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
This is caused by trauma or inflammation to the skin such as acne, eczema, or cuts. It usually appears as flat dark spots that can fade over time.
Melasma
Melasma is a common type of hyperpigmentation characterized by brown or gray-brown patches of skin that usually appear on the face. It’s a chronic condition that affects women more frequently than men.
Sunspots
Sunspots are caused by prolonged sun exposure and often appear on the face, hands, and shoulders
How To Treat Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots
Treating hyperpigmentation is a combination of using the right products and getting customized treatment by a skincare professional.
Prioritize Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important products to put on your skin to help prevent dark spots and protect from skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even if it's cloudy. Shop our line of sunscreen products.
Ingredients That Brighten Skin & Reduce Hyperpigmentation
Several active ingredients target hyperpigmentation by slowing down excess melanin production or speed up cell turnover. Here are the ingredients:
- Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin tone and fades discoloration over time.
- Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Retinol: This vitamin A derivative promotes cell turnover, revealing fresh, even-toned skin while fading dark marks.
- Lactic Acid: Exfoliates skin which can improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage.
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells which helps to remove the top layer of skin, which can be discolored due to hyperpigmentation
Check out our line of products for dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which can speed up the fading of dark spots. Be mindful of how often you exfoliate because too much exfoliation can irritate the skin and worsen hyperpigmentation. Learn more about best practices for exfoliation at home in this blog.
Personalized Skincare Treatment
Reserve a skincare consultation with one of our Master Estheticians so we can customize a skincare treatment just for you.
