If you’ve been struggling with dark spots or discoloration for some time now, it may be time to modify your skincare regimen and ingredients. We have all of the tips and tricks needed for getting clear skin!
Hyperpigmentation can be the result of genetic and environmental influences as well as medications like birth control pills. While potentially serious, it’s usually harmless and simply seen as cosmetic issue by most.
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Dark spots on your skin are an instant turnoff and can diminish your self-confidence. Whether they are caused by acne scarring, an abrasion or sun damage, exfoliation is the best way to lighten them and diminish their visibility.
Unclogging pores is essential to keeping dirt, oil and dead skin cells from becoming trapped beneath the surface of your skin and helping your body absorb skincare products more readily.
If you’re suffering from hyperpigmentation, adding a glycolic acid serum could help speed up skin renewal processes and diminish dark spots. Available as gel, cream and ointment formulations with ingredients like liquorice extract, arbutin, lemon extract and vitamin C included – glycolic acid serum can make an invaluable addition to your skincare regime.
2. Apply a Vitamin C Serum
If your facial complexion is susceptible to hyper-pigmentation and other signs of sun damage, vitamin C serum could be an ideal remedy. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps stop free radicals from damaging cells while improving skin brightness. You’ll find vitamin C serums available with different concentrations tailored for sensitive skin types – look for formulas including ferulic acid, vitamin E and konjac root as part of their formula; one such solution from Software is its L-ascorbic acid serum (20%) which features both high strength (20%) as well as lower strength (10%) for use with sensitive types.
If your pigmentation is milder, you can turn to skin lightening creams available over-the-counter for help. Look for products containing ingredients such as licorice extract, kojic acid, azelaic acid and retinoids in order to gradually decrease hyper-pigmentation spots over time. A study published in Natural Product Research indicates that Allium cepa (red onion) could also aid in lightening dark spots.
3. Apply a Hydroquinone Serum
If your blemishes or uneven skin tone are resistant to home treatments, seeking professional advice may be in order. Dermatologists may suggest chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning or laser resurfacing procedures as ways of exfoliating dead cells from your pores and diminishing hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone is an ingredient widely used to lighten dark spots on the face, such as sunspots or marks left from acne, by inhibiting tyrosinase – an enzyme responsible for creating melanin pigment production – according to Downie. OTC versions are available as 2% formulations while prescription versions offer higher concentrations.
Other products with spot-eradicating properties similar to hydroquinone include licorice, green tea and mulberry extract. Masoor dal is another solution; many also swear by apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid content as a mild chemical peel solution.
4. Use a SPF Sunscreen
Dark spots and discoloration on your skin can be challenging to live with, but with some key ingredients and routines you may see marked improvement.
An effective sunscreen is key to managing hyperpigmentation. Look for one that offers UVA and UVB ray protection; UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin, contributing to wrinkles, brown spots, ageing effects and various forms of cancer.
Antioxidants, barrier-restoring omega-3 blends, vitamin C and fast-acting AHA/BHA ingredients can quickly help to alleviate PIH. Use products containing these components every 3-4 hours for best results.
5. Drink Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants that help prevent oxidation and keep your skin looking its best. Furthermore, when used as an eye mask it can also reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
Introduce green tea into your skincare regimen by sipping on a cup in the morning or afternoon between meals – it will help brighten skin tone while stimulating collagen for younger-looking facial features.
Use products containing natural spot-eradicating ingredients such as licorice root extract, kojic acid and vitamin C for best results in treating hyperpigmentation by blocking excess melanin production through blocking of enzyme tyrosinase activity and providing protection from UV radiation damage, pollution exposure, poor diet or smoking. These natural anti-pigmentation ingredients will also provide added oxidative protection and reduced hyperpigmentation effects.
