Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. Extra melanin creates spots or patches that look brown, black, gray, red, or pink. The areas are not painful or itchy but can make people self-conscious. Not to worry, though! This is why I am here. In today's blog post, I will be explaining what hyperpigmentation is, where it comes from, and what ingredients you should look for to reduce your hyperpigmentation. Let's get started! 

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. "Hyper" means more, and "pigment" means color.

Hyperpigmentation can appear as brown, black, gray, red, or pink spots or patches. The spots are sometimes called age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. The spots can occur in just one body area or all over.

What causes Hyperpigmentation?

Melasma
Patches of dark pigmentation, usually on your face, can indicate hormonal changes. It can be associated with pregnancy hormones called the "mask of pregnancy"

Sun Damage
UV rays from the sun can be harmful to your skin. They are responsible for up to 80 percent of the signs of premature skin aging. One of these signs can be hyperpigmentation in the form of age spots due to lifelong exposure to the sun.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation 
People going through inflammatory phases such as acne and eczema can go into overdrive and produce these darker spots after healing.

Medical Conditions
Hyperpigmentation can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as Addison's disease. If you're uncertain about what is causing the hyperpigmentation, it's always best to seek professional help from your doctor.

How to Reduce your Hyperpigmentation

Treating hyperpigmentation can be tricky; this is why I always recommend everyone to get a complete skin analysis to see exactly what causes your hyperpigmentation. Certain ingredients and products can help fade the appearance of your dark spots, such as retinol or hydroquinone. If you suffer from heavy hyperpigmentation, my ultimate recommendation is the Pigment Control Crème 4% Hydroquinone Crème from Zo Skin Health. The Pigment Control Crème contains 4% hydroquinone and glycolic acid to correct pigmentation disorders. This cream also promotes even skin tones and mitigates pigment-forming irritations. Another great add-on to your routine would be the retinol skin-brightened from Zo Skin Health. This retinol does not have hydroquinone, but it rapidly brightens the skin tone, inhibits new melanin, and provides antioxidant protection. These products need to be followed by a sunscreen SPF 30 or up.

Remember that an increase in melanin causes hyperpigmentation. To best avoid hyperpigmentation, it is crucial to wear your SPF daily and avoid direct sunlight for too long. Make sure to have antioxidants in your skincare routine and protection against harmful free radicals.