Let’s talk hyperpigmentation.
Saying that I live for skincare may be a bit of an exaggeration (because if we’re being real, it’s probably actually for adventures and breakfast food), but I’m all for brightening my skin!
Living in sunny SoCal and being in my early 30s has made me no stranger to hypergimentation. Those darkened, discolored spots are a common skin concern and usually worsens with age. That’s why it’s important for me to learn how to prevent and treat this issue and do more of the things that promote brighter, glowy skin.
Why does it happen?
1. Sun damage: Within the skin’s outer layer are cells that contain the pigment melanin, which protects skin from the sun’s UV rays. Sun exposure can trigger an increase in pigment production, resulting in dark spots or patchy skin color.
2. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmention: Skin trauma from an injury or inflammation to the skin (e.g. acne, dermatitis, bug bites, etc.) can also result in the development of dark spots.
3. Melasma: changes in hormones from pregnancy or birth control can also cause patchy brown discoloration on sun-exposed areas of the face.
How to Prevent it?
- Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. The FDA recommends using SPF 15 or greater.
- Limit time in the sun, especially between 10am and 2pm (when the sun’s rays are most intense).
- Wear a hat if you’re going to spend extended time outdoors.
- Don’t pick at your skin or pop those pimples!
- Reduce sugar! Research has shown that a diet high in sugar can damage elastin and collagen molecules in the skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Source: American Academy of Dermatology.
- Diet: Eating foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and E have been shown to offer some protection from UV light-induced skin damage. Source: AAD.
How to Treat?
- Use gentle exfoliation 1-2x/week to help with cell turnover. I love Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant.
- For extra help, superficial chemical peels containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid may help improve skin’s appearance.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices can also selectively target dark spots (should only be used under the direct supervision of a physician). Source: American Academy of Dermatology
- The beauty industry promotes that adding vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic to your daily skin care routine may help even out skin tone. However, clinical studies on the efficacy of vitamin C serums is limited, so keep that in mind!
