Target Hyperpigmentation: A Daily Routine for Brighter Skin
Follow these daily steps and successfully treat hyperpigmentation and sun spots.
Hyperpigmentation: Identified by darker-than-normal skin patches, it is precipitated by an overproduction of melanin. The main factors for increasing melanin are exposure to the sun, fluctuating hormones, inflammation, the natural process of aging, and skin injuries.
While this tends to be a common condition, it is nevertheless upsetting and not easy to repair once developed.
There are three main types of hyperpigmentation:
1. Sun spots, also called age spots and liver spots, are small, darkened patches of skin that occur from overexposure to the sun when not using sunscreen. Frequent use of tanning beds has also been associated with increased formation of age spots. They tend to be most prevalent anywhere our skin is exposed: face, neck, décolleté, hands, and arms.
Another cause besides sun damage is Vitamin B12 deficiency. And in some people, there seems to be a hereditary predisposition to develop age spots after the age of 40.
2. Melasma: These are larger patches of light and dark brown skin that develop on the face. It is typically referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” because between 15-50% of women develop melasma during pregnancy.
3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: the result of injury to the skin. Those suffering from chronic acne or undergoing regular dermabrasion are also susceptible.
As with other conditions, prevention is the best measure. Protecting yourself from sun damage, keeping up with Vitamin B intake, and using skin products that are particularly nutritious, help prevent the early development of age spots due to premature skin degeneration.
The more prevalent skin-brightening products in the market contain hydroquinone, corticosteroids, or dangerously high levels of mercury, all of which can lead to serious health problems. Side effects from using products with hydroquinone include rashes, facial swelling, and permanent skin discoloration. Prolonged use of brightening creams containing corticosteroids can lead to severe symptoms. Steroid acne with pustules and redness, localized facial erythema, excessive hair growth, and loss of pigment with patchy areas of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are among the more serious ones. And if those symptoms were not bad enough, the most serious side effects are from creams with toxic levels of mercury can damage the nervous and digestive immune systems, as well as lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes.
None of these should be acceptable results of using products to get rid of an ungainly but not dangerous condition. One can use healthy products instead. Results to correct age spots will take time. There are no magic ingredients to repair cellular damage, but consistent application of the right products will lead to results.
STEP 1: CLEANSER
You can use a variety of cleansers for hyperpigmentation depending on your skin type. Camellia and Apricot Cleansing Oil is a versatile skin-friendly option.
SHOP CAMELLIA & APRICOT CLEANSING OIL
STEP 2: TONER
Toners provide a multitude of benefits. They are hydrating, balancing, and will brighten your skin tone. Use Roses in Bloom Hydrating Toner to repair age spots, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.
STEP 3: SERUM
We have several serums that target hyperpigmentation, and we like to alternate between formulations. Gorgeous Gold Stem Cell Serum is very potent and addresses all aspects and causes of dark spots and unbalanced skin tone. Alternate with Dragon's Blood Antioxidant Serum or Skin Lullaby Anti-Wrinkle Serum for optimal results.
STEP 4: EYE CREAM
Pearly Eyes - Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid is a multi-targeted formula with key ingredients that lift, firm, and minimize wrinkles. A best-seller, our customers report noticeably brighter skin and smoother wrinkles.
STEP 5: MOISTURIZING CREAM
We prefer a different textured moisturizer for morning and night. Our most effective ones for hyperpigmentation and anti-aging are Lavender Dreams - Ayurvedic Restorative Moisturizing Cream in the morning and THE Moisturizer in Citrus Fresh at night.
BONUS STEP: ENZYME PEEL
Exfoliate, resurface, and brighten your skin. Our peels are handmade in small batches using only organic, natural, and synthetic-free ingredients. Gorgeous Gems - Brightening Fruit Enzyme Peel can be used up to twice a week and is safe for sensitive skin.
