Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition describing patches or spots that are darker than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin cells produce too much melanin in response to damage, injury, hormonal changes or genetics (hello freckles!). Some common forms of hyperpigmentation include:
Hyperpigmentation
What is hyperpigmentation?
- Age spots or sun spots: These are small, dark patches that usually appear on the face, hands, and other areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. They are more common in people over the age of 50 because they’re a result of oxidative stress from longterm exposure to UVA/UVB rays.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This type of hyperpigmentation is the dark spot left behind on the skin after injury or inflammation, most often caused by acne or eczema. This discoloration is the skin’s natural response to inflammation, and can take up to 24 months to fade, depending on skin type.
- Melasma: This is a type of hormonal hyperpigmentation that occurs primarily in women, usually during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills. It appears as large, dark patches on the face, especially on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip.
The best skincare ingredients for hyperpigmentation:
Fading hyperpigmentation takes time and requires consistency in your skincare routine and sun protection habits. Once you’ve got your daily SPF down (and you’ve stopped picking your pimples!), incorporate these powerhouse ingredients into your skincare ritual to fade dark spots, brighten the complexion and bring your skin tone back into balance.
Retinoids
By increasing cellular turnover, retinoids reduce hyperpigmentation by promoting the shedding of old skin cells and stimulating the promotion of new, evenly-pigmented cells.
Coenzyme Q10
Especially effective for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, CoQ10 helps reduce inflammation and reduce oxidative stress on the skin — reducing future damage while supporting the skin’s natural healing process.
Antioxidants
Antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin C, CoQ10, Niacinamide and Vitamin E help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals while protecting the skin from future UV-damage.
AHAs
Exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids help promote more even tone by increasing cellular turnover. AHAs dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and help the skin shed them while promoting the production of new, evenly-pigmented cells.
Top Skincare Picks for Hyperpigmentation
Kalima Cleansing Powder
Formulated specifically for PIH, this powder cleanser contains active vitamin C to brighten the complexion, coconut milk to soften skin, and guava + camu camu fruit to even tone and gently exfoliate.
Citrus and Citrine Toner
With blood orange, verbena and neroli to help brighten the complexion, this energizing toner contains mild AHAs derived from sugar maple + sugar cane that gently exfoliate the skin to fight acne and boost the skin’s glow.
Aqua A Retinoid Renewing Serum
Featuring ultra-gentle HPR retinoids, vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum oil and botanical antioxidants, Aqua A delivers total skin renewal by boosting cellular turnover, brightening tone and protecting from free radical damage.
Siren Serum
A powerhouse brightening serum with UV-protective sea buckthorn, vitality-boosting micro-algae, and a botanical cocktail rich in Vitamins C and A.
Mahina Elixir
This regenerative evening moisturizer contains youth-enhancing Co-Enzyme Q10, which helps to repair sun damage and strengthen the skin. Try mixing Mahina + Siren in the PM!
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