How To Reduce Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation aka that tricky dark spot after your break out. A gentle reminder on your face that says life is tough. No one likes those dark spots hanging around. So here’s a few ingredients to reduce and quickly fade hyperpigmentation.
Let's start with the spot itself. It’s really hard but try not to touch! It’ll be better in the long run and that dark spot will be gone a lot faster with it.
Niacinamide
This ingredient power house has many purposes. It's an anti-inflammatory and helps regulate sebum production. It's also amazing for hyperpigmentation especially when paired with Vitamin C.
Products containing Niacinamide:
NATURAL FOAMING FACE WASH BY CONSONANT SKIN + CARE
REVITALIZING SERUM BY SCHAF SKINCARE
VITAMIN B3 + ZINC SERUM BY CONSONANT SKIN + CARE
PRE PARTY PREP BRIGHTENING SHEET MASK BY MASKERAIDE
Vitamin C
Feeling dull? This is what you're looking for. Vitamin C is brightening, hydrating, it can help with redness, uneven skin town, and of course help with dark spots.
Products containing Vitamin C:
DEW DROPS VITAMIN C SERUM BY THREE SHIPS
ICELANDIC VITAMIN C SERUM BY LIFANCE SKINCARE
PROBIOTIC VITAMIN C SERUM BY ETYMOLOGIE
AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy-acids)
AHAs come in many forms. They can be fruit enzymes or different types of acids. Which type of AHA you look for is going to be determined by your skin type and sensitivity. A glycolic acid might be amazing for one person but if you're very sensitive or over using your product it might worsen dark spots you're trying to fade. If you're new to AHAs, you may want to start with fruit enzymes. However, you MUST wear a sunscreen when using these products otherwise you're likely to burn and worsen those dark spots!
Products containing AHAs:
CREAM PIE GLOW POLISH BY WOLF & PINE
FLAWLESS AHA FRUIT ACID FACIAL EXFOLIANT BY LIFANCE
MAXIMUM GLYCOLIC META SERUM BY CONSONANT SKIN + CARE
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid is one of my newest favorite ingredients. Azelaic acid is a gentle acid that helps to brighten skin tone, even out texture, and reduce redness. Great for rosacea and sensitive skin. It's technically not an AHA and It's known as a dicarboxylic acid.
Products Containing Azelaic Acid:
BLUE MAJIK FACE FOAM BY GRAYDON SKINCARE
Retinol
Retinoids are most commonly used in anti-aging products but are also great for acne and hyperpigmentation. They work by increasing the rate of cell turnover so as your skin is regenerating it reveals the new skin cells underneath. You must be careful not to over use retinoids since they may cause irritation, redness and a sensitivity to sun light.
Products Containing Retinol:
BAKUCHIOL CANNABIS SATIVA SERUM BY ÉTYMOLOGIE
RENEW BOTANICAL RETINOL SERUM BY LIFANCE SKINCARE
Licorice Root Extract
Licorice Root Extract has been gaining a lot of popularity in the skin care world. It works by dispersing melanin and inhibiting its production which helps create a more even and brighter skin tone. It's also been proven to help protect against free radicals.
Products containing Licorice Root Extract:
TOTAL HYDRATION SERUM BY ETYMOLOGIE
REHAB CLAY MASK BY WOLF & PINE
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a BHA. So, similar to AHAs above it has a great exfoliating effect. So it can help combat future breakouts while also fight pigmentation.
Products containing Salicylic Acid:
REFRESH PAPAYA + SALICYLIC ACID CLEANSER BT THREE SHIPS
REBOUND WOOD - BALANCING TONER BY WOLF & PINE
ACNE TREATMENT FACIAL SHEET MASKS BY GRACE & STELLA
SPOTTED ANTI-BLEMISH PATCHES BY MASKERAIDE
Sunscreen
We saved the best for last. In my opinion, one of the more important ingredients to help fight hyperpigmentation, SUNSCREEN! I feel like most people are sick of me talking about sunscreen but it really is that important. Melanin is your skin's natural sunscreen and increased exposure to the sun is going to increase melanin production. So be sure to protect those spots if you're looking to reduce them.
Check out our Face Sunscreens
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation can be a challenge and there are many products and treatments out there. Some of these ingredients you may notice will fade your hyperpigmentation as soon as two week and some may take longer. So don't get too frustrated with yourself, everyone has or will experience it. Be patient and remember you're still beautiful!
If you have any questions about this blog be sure to email us or if you need help or have questions be sure to book a consultation!