Tips for Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a very common condition where certain areas of skin become darker than the surrounding due to an excess production of melanin. The production and distribution of melanin occurs by specialized cells called melanocytes which are found in the skin, eyes and inner ear.

There are several factors that can contribute to the overproduction of melanin or hyperpigmentation with sun exposure being a common cause. Prolonged exposure to damaging UV rays triggers melanocytes to produce more melanin as a protective mechanism against sun damage. This is the tan skin we see and the dark spots that don't fade when skin damage occurs.

Hyperpigmentation can also occur with hormonal changes related to estrogen and progesterone or due to skin injuries and inflammation. With post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, an increase in pigmentation occurs as part of the healing process after an injury or inflammation. These dark spots can show up after acne, bug bites or dermatitis to name just a few causes.

When skin damage occurs and hyperpigmentation begins to arise, many of us look for ways to prevent it from happening in the future. This can be through incorporating a daily physical sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when going outside.

We might also seek out various treatment options to help remove hyperpigmentation including topical creams, chemical peels, laser therapy and microdermabrasion. While it might be tempting to DIY your approach to addressing this condition, it is important to consult with your dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment based on the type and severity of the hyperpigmentation you are experiencing.

If after your consult you find yourself armed with a retinol-based product, like tretinoin, incorporating lipid and ceramide-based products into your routine can help build a healthy skin barrier and prevent essential moisture loss. This type of retinoid medication is commonly recommended for hyperpigmentation and can be very helpful at lightening dark spots as it is formulated to increase your cellular turnover. Keep in mind that if a product increases your cellular turnover it is considered an exfoliant. Tretinoin is considered a chemical exfoliant which breaks the bond of proteins between the skin layers, leaving no need for additional exfoliants in your routine. It is also vital to start with a low dose and low frequency and to keenly watch for signs of dehydration and skin barrier breakdown which can show up as irritated skin.

To help combat any potential dryness or irritation, it is important to layer hydrators from lightest to heaviest before applying a retinoid on skin. From our product line, we recommend one pump of our our Evening Rose Facial Serum applied to damp skin, followed by a pinch of our Carrot & Rose Eye Repair to the thin skin around the eyes. From there, layer a pea-sized amount of our Lavender Cold Cream to face, neck and chest before the using the recommended dosage of your tretinoin at nighttime. It is important to remember that when using a retinoid it is essential to cleanse and hydrate skin in the morning and finish with a physical sunscreen to help reduce photosensitivity and prevent sunburn.