Hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. dark spots) is darkening of the skin due to an over accumulation or uneven distribution of melanin (pigment). It is caused by factors including sun exposure, hormones, medications, pregnancy, skin trauma, injury or aging. One common cause of hyperpigmentation is acne. The shadow mark left behind after a breakout is called Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.
When your skin encounters one of the factors listed above that causes pigmentation, a reaction occurs that activates an enzyme called tyrosinase which then starts the production of excess pigment. Once this enzyme is triggered, a chain reaction starts. If it isn’t stopped, the reaction results in dark spots and discoloration. We recommend that your hyperpigmentation skin care plan includes wearing and reapplying SPF daily. Using products for hyperpigmentation that brighten and inhibit the formation of melanin and exfoliate to target existing pigmented areas.
But even if addressing hyperpigmentation isn’t your number one concern, no one can say no to a fresh, glowing complexion. So, how do you brighten skin and lighten dark spots?
Choosing the right ingredients is the first key to erasing dark spots. You’ll want to look for formulas that contain chemical exfoliants and/or brightening agents to get the best results. We especially love serums and moisturizers because they allow the active ingredients to penetrate surface cells and brighten skin. If addressing hyperpigmentation is a top priority for you, stick to brightening serums, if it’s not your #1 concern, incorporate brightening ingredients in other areas of your routine.
Here is an example skin care routine for someone whose main concern is hyperpigmentation:
Cleanse: Daily Polishing Cleanser – cleanses and exfoliates using a unique powder formula. Environmentally-friendly Jojoba Beads and modified cellulose provide gentle mechanical exfoliation to slough away dull cells to boost the effectiveness of added brighteners.
Tone: Glycolic Resurfacing Toner – a leave on toning solution that clears congested skin, helping refine pores while softening and smoothing overall texture. This powerful blend of ingredients combines exfoliation and brightening with antioxidants, providing visible results and uncovering a renewed, balanced complexion.
Boost:
Daily Power C (AM) – visibly transforms skin’s clarity with a high dose (15%) of Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant serum provides daily anti-pollution and environmental protection while helping strengthen and brighten skin.
Daily Hydration (AM) – restore skin’s suppleness with this instant, skin-quenching boost. High levels of water-binding humectants hydrate thirsty skin, helping balance moisture content and prevent transepidermal water loss.
Refresh Facial Polish (2-3x/week) – awakens tired, sluggish skin while working to clear pores and remove dead skin cells and debris for a smoother-looking complexion. Provides gentle mechanical and chemical exfoliation from environmentally-friendly scrubbing beads and Papaya enzymes.
Serum: Triple Action Serum (PM only) – lightens hyperpigmentation while improving skin’s texture with a powerful combination of Glycolic Acid, Retinol and Hydroquinone.
Moisturize: Glycolic Resurfacing Cream – retexturizes skin to address multiple skin concerns. This moisturizer helps soften the appearance of fine lines and refine pores to encourage a fresh, radiant complexion.
SPF:
Oil Free SPF 40+ – provides broad spectrum protection from the sun’s damaging rays while nourishing hydrators and antioxidants fortify the skin. The oil free formula means you don’t have to worry about clogging your pores while protecting your face from the sun’s harmful rays.
Solar Shade SPF 50 – This lightweight blend of natural, mineral sunscreens glides on skin, providing UV protection to shield against sun damage and prevent photoaging. Free of fragrance and dyes, our Solar Sunscreen was designed for delicate, sensitive skin.
Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+ – tinted moisturizer with SPF provides lightweight, oil free coverage. This tinted sunscreen moisturizer contains broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection to guard against the sun’s damaging rays.
Please contact us if you have any questions about your specific skin needs and we will create a customized skin routine for you.