Hyperpigmentation can appear on all skin types and tones but is especially common among people with deeper skin tones. Luckily, it can be managed and prevented.
What is hyperpigmentation?
When your skin is triggered by certain aggressors, it’s producing extra melanin that occurs as patches of dark skin discoloration. Below you’ll find three types of pigmentation changes:
Post-inflammatory marks - discoloration caused by skin damage. It most often occurs as a consequence of acne, scratching the lesions, and simultaneous exposure to the sun without SPF protection.
Sun damage - discoloration resulting from intense exposure to UV radiation. Most often located on the cheeks, and forehead, but also on the top of the hands.
Melasma - it is the most difficult to remove and most sensitive to sun and irritants discoloration, characterized by symmetrical placement, irregular and diffuse shape. Formed on the hormonal background and during intense exposure to the sun. Can mostly be found on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.
When your skin is triggered by certain aggressors, it’s producing extra melanin that occurs as patches of dark skin discoloration.
How to avoid hyperpigmentation?
We won’t reinvent the wheel by saying prevention is key. In order to prevent discoloration, you should avoid:
Excess sun exposure without sunscreen
Spraying perfume on exposed parts of your body during the spring/summer season (it sensitizes the skin to sunlight)
Sun exposure during derm treatments, antibiotic therapy, and treatments including chemical peels and lasers
| Top tip: remember your hat and sunglasses when on holiday to reduce facial sun exposure
The cure to hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation skincare products - what to choose?
Combating discoloration is a long-term process, and the effects cannot be expected right away. The key is to incorporate appropriate active ingredients into your daily regimen.
Retinol (vitamin A) - speeds up the cellular turnover rate
Vitamin C - powerful antioxidant preventing melanin production (does not lighten normal skin, only helps in treating hyperpigmentation)
Hyaluronic Acid - paired with vitamin C helps to combat hyperpigmentation, extremely moisturising, and helps increase cell turnover
All of the above can be found in Kutemwa Skin Radiance Ace Serum.
Top Tip: Don't forget to wear sunscreen daily.