Are dark spots making you feel insecure in your skin?
Hyperpigmentation, caused by increased melanin, is a common issue resulting from sun damage, age, hormone changes, and more. Though it’s nothing to be ashamed of, hyperpigmentation can negatively affect your self-image.
Restore your confidence with these proven skincare solutions:
Microdermabrasion
One of the best ways to combat hyperpigmentation is with microdermabrasion. This non-invasive procedure involves removing the top dermal layer to reveal smoother and more even skin. It may require several sessions to provide the desired results, but it’s proven to minimize the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, which comes from vitamin B3, is a potent ingredient to tackle hyperpigmentation. It corrects unevenness and discoloration by lightening irregular dark areas.
Since niacinamide is incredibly gentle, even those with sensitive skin can use it. In addition to addressing pigmentation issues, it regulates oil production, improves elasticity, and soothes redness.
Retinoids
Retinoids are incredibly helpful for targeting skin hyperpigmentation. They’re vitamin A derivatives that can help you achieve a brighter and more youthful complexion.
To prevent irritation, look for products that combine them with soothing squalane or vitamin E. Some retinoids can be harsh and worsen skin concerns, so finding the appropriate strength is essential.
Hyaluronic Acid
Reduce hyperpigmentation with skin-nourishing hyaluronic acid. It’s a common skincare ingredient that promotes your natural cell turnover.
As collagen increases and new cells grow to replace the old ones, your skin tone will become more uniform and balanced. Many products, ranging from serums to moisturizers, incorporate hyaluronic acid, making it an easy addition to your beauty routine.
Chemical Peels
Get a chemical peel treatment to minimize dark spots and other skin imperfections. During the procedure, the practitioner covers the area of hyperpigmentation with a chemical solution that removes the skin’s top layer. You’ll end up with a radiant, plumped complexion that’s visibly smoother.
Vitamin C
Incorporating vitamin C into your skincare lineup can significantly improve your skin’s look and health. This vitamin has natural lightening properties that effectively fade dark, discolored areas. Targeted vitamin C serums are an excellent way to boost and brighten skin tone.
Sun Protection
You must protect your skin from the sun for fewer dark spots, freckles, and wrinkles. Harmful UV rays can damage the skin, causing premature signs of aging.
Wear SPF 30 or above daily to reduce the likelihood of these adverse effects. Once you start regularly using sun protection, you’ll notice improvements in your skin’s evenness and elasticity.
Glycolic Acid
Add more glycolic acid-based products to your beauty routine to reverse dark spots and uneven skin tone. Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells to blur wrinkles and discoloration. You can find cleansers, serums, toners, and more containing glycolic acid, so finding a solution to benefit your skin is easy.
Laser Therapy
Consider laser therapy if you struggle with stubborn hyperpigmentation. These treatments use concentrated light beams to resurface the skin. They encourage collagen and cellular production, transforming your complexion from within.
Azelaic Acid
Many who struggle with skin discoloration turn to azelaic acid. This powerhouse ingredient inhibits melanin production, preventing the skin from darkening. Adding azelaic acid products, like serums and toners, to your skincare routine can work wonders on evening your skin tone.
Microneedling
Are you tired of trying every product you can find to diminish visible sun damage and spots? Microneedling could be the solution you’re searching for.
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses tiny needles to penetrate the skin’s surface, encouraging it to create more collagen and elastin. It promotes skin healing and repair, so it’s a fantastic way to combat wrinkles, scars, and other imperfections.
Licorice Root
Take a more natural approach by treating your hyperpigmentation with licorice root. It contains compounds that lighten and stop the formation of dark spots, making it an effective solution for uneven skin tone. Using licorice root extract daily can correct pigment issues within four to eight weeks.
Prescription Medicine
Sometimes, it’s best to leave the skincare up to the professionals. If over-the-counter products and at-home remedies aren’t giving you the desired results, it might be time to speak with a dermatologist.
These skin experts can prescribe you a more potent medication to reverse hyperpigmentation. Common medicines used for uneven skin complexion include hydroquinone and tretinoin cream.
Aloe Vera
Applying aloe vera to areas of hyperpigmentation can smooth and balance your skin. It contains aloin, a natural lightening compound that targets dark spots. Aloe vera won’t dramatically transform your skin overnight, but it can improve its overall appearance after a few weeks of consistent use.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL is similar to laser therapy, though the treatments use different types of light. This highly effective skincare solution penetrates multiple layers of skin to rejuvenate it from the inside out. IPL therapy can transform your complexion like you never thought possible, from lightening dark areas to blurring sun spots.
Find the right products to combat hyperpigmentation
Developing a daily skincare routine is essential to evening your skin tone for a smoother, more youthful appearance. These face washes target hyperpigmentation to reduce dark spots and discoloration.
Best Face Washes for Hyperpigmentation
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.