As we are getting to the end of summer, one of the most chatted topics is hyperpigmentation. Although it doesn't sound very comforting, experiencing hyperpigmentation is entirely normal, and most of the time there is nothing to worry about. Your skin color is the result of a unique balance between three pigments: hemoglobin (red), carotene (yellow-orange), and melanin (brown). Melanin is the one most relevant when talking about hyperpigmentation.
Melanin's identity card
Melanin is there to protect DNA from being damaged by sun rays. This explains why people living in sunny and hot places have more melanin than those living in the cold. Melanin production can also be stimulated by external agents such as UV rays — and a tan is actually a protective response to sun damage. Melanin is produced by specific skin cells called melanocytes, and tyrosinase is the key enzyme that drives the reaction. After it is produced, melanin is transferred to skin cells called keratinocytes.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a broad term that includes freckles, sunspots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Freckles are uniformly pigmented, sharply defined spots that usually appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. They are not a risk to health, but they are a sign to pay extra attention in the sun.
Sunspots are similar to freckles but usually appear as single, larger spots. They are equally harmless and result from an over-production of melanin.
Melasma is an acquired skin condition — a dermatologist should be consulted. Spots tend to be larger and appear as darker patches. The causes can be many: sun exposure, genetics, or hormones. It is not unusual to develop melasma during pregnancy. Most cases of melasma disappear with time, though they may re-appear during summer months. Never forget to apply sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine all year around.
PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) appears after an inflammatory process such as acne, atopic dermatitis, or impetigo. It is more common and severe among people with darker skin tones, as their melanocytes are naturally more active.
How can hyperpigmentation be treated?
The perfect action plan includes 3 steps:
1. Protect your skin from UV rays — apply Facial Sunscreen SPF50 daily, even after summer ends.
2. Exfoliate to remove dead cells and boost skin renewal — our Intense Peel Mask is ideal for this. Use it away from sun exposure and always apply Facial Sunscreen SPF50 afterwards.
3. Moisturize with creams enriched with specific brightening agents that slow down or block melanin production, such as our Vitamin A Treatment Cream and Daily Hydra Cream.
Your best allies to treat hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C: slows down melanin production by interfering with tyrosinase, and can also remove some already-present melanin. Find it in our Skin Perfector 2% BHA and Skin Perfector SeboClear.
Vitamin A: interferes with melanin production by blocking tyrosinase production — no enzyme, no melanin. Vitamin A also triggers cell production, bringing fresh, non-hyperpigmented cells to the surface. Find it in our Vitamin A Treatment Cream.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): prevents melanin from being transferred from the melanocytes (where it is produced) to the keratinocytes (skin cells). Find it in our Niacinamide Lifting Mist. For the best of both exfoliation and skincare, add our Skin Perfector 2% BHA to your routine — BHA removes dead cells and promotes skin regeneration, while vitamin C evens out dark spots.