Hyperpigmentation can be a huge downer, especially when you have them on your face. These could be acne scars, big brown patches like melasma, sun spots, etc. that make you feel ill-at-ease and affect your confidence. Whatever the cause, you’ll be happy to know that this unwanted speckling can be resolved and treated with an OTC hyperpigmentation cream. This will lighten and brighten dark spots from the comforts of home.

Now, thanks to modern science, you don’t have to resort to professional-grade hyperpigmentation treatment with your dermatologist. This more expensive and invasive solution can now be a last resort. Although freckles can be cute and add personality, you may not want them along with blemishes. If you're bothered by these, there are many options to erase the usually harmless but annoying discoloration. Learn more about this issue below:

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Simply put, this is a condition where a patch of skin looks visibly darker than your natural skin tone due to excessive production of melanin or the pigment that gives skin color. The most common types of hyperpigmentation affecting all skin tones are due to the following:

lSun Exposure: The harsh UV rays of the sun touching the skin stimulate melanin production. When you’re exposed to these rays, your skin produces melanin to prevent damage, turning your tan. However, excessive exposure leads to the formation of sunspots and other precancerous blemishes.

lInflammation: Skin trauma will lead to inflammation. So if you have pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, eczema, but bites, abrasion, cuts, scratches, or even friction from rubbing, these issues can offset inflammation. As a result, it forces your cells to produce pigment, leaving a dark spot even after the injury heals.

lMelasma: This is typically called the mask of pregnancy because dark patches appear on pregnant women due to hormonal changes. It can also appear in people who are menopausal or with hormonal imbalances. According to Harvard Health, this condition is triggered by sun damage, hormonal changes, genetics, certain medication like contraceptives, and even air pollutants.

lMedical Conditions: Certain diseases like Addison’s disease, an adrenal gland disorder, can increase melanin production. Similarly, drugs used to treat certain medical conditions like antibiotics, hormone therapy, or chemo drugs can result in hyperpigmentation.

How to Treat and Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

Thanks to innovation, you can find the best products for hyperpigmentation in shops and online stores. These dark-spot correctors can help you reverse stubborn skin issues and eventually prevent them from worsening. Check them out below:

1. Moisturize skin for optimal cellular regeneration

The primary goal of hyperpigmentation is to lighten visible blemishes. But remember, it is important to select a product that also nourishes the skin. You need it moisturized with premium ingredients to boost cell turnover. This means the dead skin cells are exfoliated and replaced with new ones.

For example, the best vitamin c serum for hyperpigmentation heals and protects the skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights against free radicals and prevents oxidative stress. This active ingredient will not just brighten the skin, but will also moisturize, nourish, and restore the skin’s lipid barrier to protect it against damaging sun rays and pollutants.

2. Avoid picking on your skin issues

Keep a hands-off policy on your skin whether it’s a bug bite, blackhead, pimple, or other skin ailments. As tempting as it may be to scratch a mosquito bite or squeeze out a pus-filled zit, it is better to keep your hands away. Tinkering with the spot will only exacerbate inflammation which in turn will worsen discoloration. As a rule, the more you mess with a skin injury, the worse it will look later.

That being said, you can still treat the problem area by applying a topical solution. Bear in mind, brown spots can move deeper into your skin if you don’t apply anything. The sooner treat the area, the faster it will heal. Using a perfecting cream with glutathione, niacinamide, vitamin E, or retinol is critical to reducing hyperpigmentation as these active ingredients inhibit melanin production and promote skin healing. Read the package instructions carefully to check the ingredients and learn about proper product application.

3. Take precautionary steps to prevent damage

Prevent hyperpigmentation by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a product that’s at least SPF30 or higher for every day. Make it a point to wear sunblock even on cloudy days because the rays can penetrate the cloud barrier and wreak havoc on your skin.

On top of that, use gentle, all-natural products like Santeva that don't burn, sting, or cause allergies. After all, irritation will surely worsen your hyperpigmentation. You must also be more mindful about using OTC acne medication because excessive and wrongful use can harm your skin’s natural barrier. Consequently, it will result in irritation and inflammation, which will only worsen your spots.

When to Seek Professional Advice for Stubborn Skin Discoloration?

If OTC remedies do not help, you must speak with your dermatologist about prescription products. These more invasive hyperpigmentation treatments like hydroquinone must be used under a doctor’s supervision. The high concentration of the medicine can result in sun sensitivity and skin bleaching. Alternatively, your derma can also do a chemical skin, dermabrasion, or laser treatment to take off the top layer of the skin.

But no matter what you do, you must remember that your daily habits will affect the state of your skin. If you don’t cleanse your face with the right products, it will only worsen your condition. Thus, you must be vigilant about hygiene and wear sunscreen every day. On top of that, pay attention to your diet and supplementation because the overall state of your internal health will always be manifested on your skin. Consider taking Santeva supplements with glutathione to ensure your immunity is at an all-time high to fight damaging environmental free radicals that harm your skin and the rest of your body.