A lot of you have been asking me how to treat Hyperpigmentation

I decided to dedicate a thread on it:

HYPERPIGMENTATION 101:

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

It’s commonly seen in conditions such as acne

The main causes of hyperpigmentation are inflammation (acne,eczema etc), sun exposure, melasma (common in pregnancy), hormonal conditions (e.g. Addison’s disease)

When it comes to treating this condition, we must consider agents that naturally even out the colour of the darker skin.

Niacinamide. This is a form of vitamin B3 that is involved in the repair of damaged skin cells. It slows down the pigmentation of skin cels

Zinc Glycine. Zinc suppresses melanocyte stimulating factors, halting the progression of hyperpigmentation

Sunscreen. Daily application of SPF Shields the skin from UV light to control melanin production on a cellular levels. This helps to lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation

Oligopetides. Oligopeptide-34 is a protein that reduces melanin synthesis, lessening the appearance of hyperpigmentation

Hexylresorcinol. This compound is excellent at evening the skin’s complexion

Vitamin C. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps to prevent melanin production. Plus, it significantly lightens pigmentation but does not lighten normal skin

Retinol. It works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme that stimulates melanin production in the skin.

Licorice. The active ingredients, Glabridin is thought to protect skin from darkening in the first place, while liquirtin can spread out the melanin in existing pigmentation and increase skin renewal.