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A GUIDE TO VISIBLY CORRECTING HYPERPIGMENTATION & DARK SPOTS ON THE FACE



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  • A natural pigment found in most living organisms, melanin gives the skin its refined colour. However, when the natural supply of melanin increases beyond its normal function, it can cause darker areas on the face and body known as hyperpigmentation and dark spots to appear. To effectively maintain healthy melanin levels, there are several ways to minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation. This can be approached by incorporating preventative measures alongside specified dark spot correcting skincare products. SkinCeuticals uses dermatologists to scientifically develop skincare products that can visibly reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and provide effective dark spot management.


WHAT CAUSES DARK SPOTS ON THE FACE?

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation are caused by overactive melanin production in the skin. Melanin changes the colour of the skin to alert you of potential irritants and skin aggressors, it is a protective pigment and signals that the outer layer of the dermis may be under attack. Several causes can trigger an increase in melanin production which leads to hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the face, the main aggravators are UV exposure, hormonal fluctuations and scarring on the skin.

SUN EXPOSURE

Melanin absorbs the sun’s energy from ultraviolet rays and protects the skin from UV exposure, this is why the skin changes colour and gradually tans from the sun. Coming into contact with too much sun is a primary cause of pigmentation, causing an increase in melanin production to further shield the skin from the sun. Having too much sun exposure can sometimes trigger an overproduction that results in melanin clusters that form hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Dark spots are also known as sunspots (solar lentigines) and tend to form most predominantly on the face, neck, chest and hands as these areas are in most frequent contact with the sun.

HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS

Hormones are also closely linked to melanin levels and can affect hyperpigmentation on the face and body. When oestrogen levels change rapidly the melanocyte cells are stimulated and form pockets of melanin on the skin known as melasma spots1. This creates a darker skin tone on areas of the face and body, resulting in hyperpigmentation or dark spots.

SCARRING

Scars can prompt the skin to produce additional melanin and leave a persistent blemish known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation1. Scarring is quite common and can be a result of acne-prone skin, imperfections, injuries, surgeries, blemishes and more. A wound that creates scarring on the skin can lead to these post-inflammatory hyperpigmentations on the face and body.

There are different causes for hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin and each form of pigmentation will present itself uniquely. Find the different types of dark spots below:

  • Age spots forming with time,
  • Dark patches on specific areas of the face and body,
  • Uneven skin tone post inflammation,
  • Dark spots after blemish scars.

HOW TO ADDRESS HYPERPIGMENTATION ON THE FACE


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When visibly improving dark spots on the face it’s important to avoid the above triggers and develop a skincare routine with the right products to manage hyperpigmentation. It is more effective to develop a preventative approach as dark spots can sometimes be stubborn once formed. By incorporating an effective sunscreen which protects against UV impact, this can dramatically improve the skin’s tendency to create hyperpigmentation. In addition, nurturing ingredients to soothe skin injuries can help repair the skin and avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Once already present, the best method of dark spot correction on the face is through incorporating exfoliating products that encourage a higher skin cell turnover rate2. Retinol is a powerful active ingredient that encourages skin cell renewal and an ideal product to target dark spots on the skin. Additionally, exfoliating dead skin cells will reveal visibly brighter skin with a more even skin tone. Examine whether your skincare routine offers enough protection against the sun and incorporate skincare products designed to target hyperpigmentation.


DARK SPOT CORRECTING SKINCARE PRODUCTS

When developing a skincare routine for hyperpigmentation prone skin, include products that are designed to address the appearance of dark spots on the face. SkinCeuticals range of products for skin discolouration are designed to create a more even skin tone.

SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector

This lightweight cream is suitable for daily use, the SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector can effectively target stubborn skin hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Commonly formed by sun damage or natural ageing, this cream should be applied once or twice daily. Use one to two pumps of the cream on the affected areas that show visible signs of hyperpigmentation or dark spots for brighter skin results. This cream is formulated with hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the skin around dark spots and encourages new skin regeneration. This product is suitable for all skin types excluding very sensitive skin. Always use in conjunction with a broad spectrum sunscreen.

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

An oil-free serum that targets skin prone to acne and breakouts, the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense promotes an even skin tone. Formulated with a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids and dioic acid to decongest clogged pores and provide visibly brighter and younger-looking skin. The SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense should be applied once or twice daily, use four to five drops and massage the serum into dry skin. This corrective serum is suitable for acne-prone, oily, combination and ageing skin types.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel Serum

Combining the effects of hyaluronic acid and botanicals to target an uneven skin tone, the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel Serum can visibly reduce dark spots on the face. This nurturing and calming serum can create a brighter and fresher looking complexion. The mulberry extract in the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel Serum acts as a natural skin brightening agent and has antioxidative skin-strengthening abilities. Use this serum as needed, massage two to three drops into the face, neck, chest and other areas of the body like hands, legs and bikini line. This hyaluronic acid serum is suitable for use on all skin types.

SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Retinol Neck Repair Cream

Coming from SkinCeuticals corrective skincare range, the SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Retinol Neck Repair Cream can visibly improve the appearance of wrinkles, crepiness and uneven skin tone. Address signs of an ageing neck and enhance skin firmness and radiance. Apply this cream from your jawline down to your chest, using upward motions to massage in, and allow the slow-release retinol to fortify your skin. This cream is suitable for all skin types.

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