Hyperpigmentation spots make us look older and once we develop them it becomes a challenge to achieve even color and clear skin. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that refers to any darkening of the skin. Dark patches usually form on the areas that are commonly exposed to the sun such as face and hands. Many forms of hyperpigmentation are caused by an excess production of melanin (our natural skin pigment). Causes of hyperpigmentation include sun exposure, inflammation, skin injuries, hormonal changes, medical conditions (such as Addison’s disease and hemochromatosis), pregnancy, some medications and topical treatments . People with darker skin color are more prone to hyperpigmentation. ..... Hydroquinone is a strong brightening skincare ingredient that decreases the amount of melanin in skin and helps to get rid of dark spots, brighten up freckles and even out skin tone; however, hydroquinone is highly toxic and has potentially dangerous side effects. ..... Fortunately there are plenty of natural alternatives to choose from to lighten the skin: - Kojic Acid - potent lightening ingredient helps to treat hyperpigmentation spots by prohibiting the production of melanin. Unfortunately, it can irritate the skin, so use a low-dose (1%) and do a test patch before using it. - Niacinamide (vitamin B3) - lightens the skin by decreasing the number of melanin transferred to pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to skin cells by more than half. - Arbutin - a natural form of hydroquinone derived from the bearberry plant. It makes the enzyme that is responsible for producing melanin inactive and helps to brighten up melasma, freckles, age spots and acne scars. Arbutin also protects the skin from damaging effects of sun exposure. - Mulberry Extract - powerful natural ingredient brightens hyperpigmentation by blocking tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin). - Indian Gooseberry Extract - powerhouse natural ingredient rich in Vitamin C not only helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone, but also helps to reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, tightens and tones the skin and helps to boost collagen synthesis. You can find this ingredient in our Organic Camu Camu Serum, Astaxanthin-A Oil and Maple Leaf Elastin Complex Serum. - Vitamin C - this powerful antioxidant helps to brighten hyperpigmentation spots on the skin and create a healthy glow. - Licorice Root Extract - powerful and gentle natural skin lightener, ideal for sensitive skin. - Azelaic Acid - helps to lighten the skin by inhibiting melanin production and by suppressing the growth of melanin producing cells. Azelaic Acid also helps to treat acne and reduce inflammation. - Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid - both are Alpha Hydroxy Acids even out skin discoloration and help to minimize appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also help other ingredients in skin lighteners to penetrate farther into the skin. Lactic Acid is gentler which makes it a better option if you have sensitive skin. - Retinol (Vitamin A) - helps to prevent acne, reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and lighten hyperpigmentation by causing skin cells to turn over at a faster rate, helping skin exfoliate and decrease oil production. ..... Cosmetic procedures such as laser therapy, IPL, Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels also help to fight hyperpigmentation. ..... Brightening skincare does not work right away so be patient, it might take some time to see results. Always use sunscreen while using brightening skincare products to protect treated areas from sun damage. Note that preventing hyperpigmentation is much easier than correcting it once it is present in your skin. The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation spots is protecting your skin from the sun 365 days a year.
