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Hyperpigmentation is a common side effect of aging and sun exposure that results in the appearance of darker, uneven spots on the surface of the skin. While typically not dangerous, if hyperpigmentation is due to sun exposure it may be worth getting checked out by a dermatologist to assess the health of your skin. However, generally hyperpigmentation is more of a nuisance than anything, taking away from the even and smooth complexion we’re all working towards.
Fortunately there are a variety of solutions you can implement into your daily skincare routine which may help to eliminate or reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, evening out your skin tone for a youthful glow. We asked dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, and the derms at RealSelf to let us in on their top tips for limiting dark spots on the face, and here’s what they had to say.
Wear Your Sunscreen
It’s long been determined that sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products to be including in your lineup. However, SPF is just as important to wear once you’ve already begun to show signs of hyperpigmentation as it is before the damage has been done. “Wear a tinted SPF >30 with a broad spectrum daily, when you’re inside and outside. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the melanocytes or pigment producing cells of the body get excited and bigger. These cells are excited by: UV radiation, heat, inflammation and hormones,” explains Partel.
“HEV light from devices or blue light can also contribute to hyperpigmentation so wearing an SPF inside is important as well as wearing a hat and sunscreen outside.” Prevention can be just as important as treatment when it comes to hyperpigmentation, so slather on that SPF to protect your skin from further damage.
Upkeep Your Diet
Factoring diet into your skincare routine can actually make a major impact on your complexion. Just as some foods can cause your stomach to become upset or inflamed, certain foods can have the same effect on your skin as well. “Diet can also contribute to inflammation in the skin. I tell my patients to drink 6 glasses of water, get 8 hours of sleep, take a multivitamin, take a probiotic, decrease sugar, dairy, and gluten intake in the diet to help with inflammation in the body as well,” says Patel.
Keep track of certain foods which may be wreaking havoc on your body, as it may behoove you to eliminate them from your diet for lesser inflammation and hyperpigmentation on your complexion. Turmeric and sweet potato in particular have been known to ease discoloration in the skin over time.
Retinol
In order to reduce hyperpigmentation, it’s important to turn to the right product for the job. Retinol is one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients which can help to not only limit the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but also even out discoloration in the skin. “This topical prescription-only retinoid (a vitamin A derivative) has been shown to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen growth, encouraging fresh new skin sans damage. It’s available in cream or gel form at percentages ranging from 0.01% to 0.25% tretinoin,” the dermatologists at RealSelf unanimously suggest. For a smoother, more even complexion with visibly less hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, retinol may just do the trick.
