Hyperpigmentation- Treatment and Prevention Tips

Updated: May 10, 2022

What is hyperpigmentation? Simply put, hyperpigmentation are dark spots that appear on the skin. This most commonly occurs after acne flare ups. Although there are other triggers such as over exposure to the sun, pregnancy, menopause and medications- today I will be focusing on acne flare ups.

Now let's get into a little bit of the science of hyperpigmentation. Our skin has three layers, the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis is the first layer of our skin, it's main role is protection. Within the epidermis are cells that produce melanin, these cells are melanocytes. Within the melanocytes are the enzyme tyrosinase. Tyrosinase send signals to the melanocytes when there is trauma to the skin. This process activates melanin production, in most cases with trauma it's an over production that results in hyperpigmentation.

Are you still with me? Good :)

When there is an active breakout and the skin becomes inflamed the tyrosinase recognize this as a sign of trauma and go to work.

So you may be wondering, "How do we stop this?"

Here are a few tips to prevent and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Ice the area at the first sign of an acne flare up. This will help calm the skin, reduce inflammation and the chances of hyperpigmentation.
We don't always have access to ice. However, this blemish spot treatment has worked great for my clients. Carry it in your bag and apply at the first sign of a flare up.
If you are prone to breakouts and inflammation I highly recommend reducing your dairy consumption.
Follow a skincare regimen at home that has the proper balance of cleansing, exfoliation and hydration. Oftentimes, I find clients are using products that are working against their skin goals. If you have a regimen that you are not completely satisfied with book a consultation and I will provide suggestions for adjustments based on your skin concerns and goals.

If you are thinking, "Great, I know how to reduce future hyperpigmentation but how do I get rid of the hyperpigmentation that I already have?" I got you!

Tips on treating hyperpigmentation at home.

Exfoliate- When I say exfoliate it seems most people think of a scrub. Scrubs are fine as long as they do not contain abrasive ingredients such as nut shells. Remember ingredients are the key to exfoliation. Look for ingredients that will help speed up the cell turnover process without compromising your skin barrier and creating trauma to the skin. I think at this point everyone who knows me knows my favorite exfoliation scrub that doubles as a mask in the Skin Script 2% Retinol Scrub. However, I do not recommend a scrub if you are currently experience inflamed acne.
Incorporate a tyrosinase inhibitor into your daily regimen. No, this will not bleach or lighten your skin. These glycolic & retinol pads are a great tyrosinase inhibitor and exfoliator. They also help prep the skin for advanced treatments. The use of these pads do require the proper balance between your cleanser and moisturizer.
Nourishment- Similar to the way we take vitamins to keep our immune system strong, our skin sometimes need extra vitamins. My favorite nourishing and treatment serums for hyperpigmentation are Living Cell, Fulvic Elixir and Vitamin C. Living Cell is like a multi-vitamin for the skin. Fulvic Elixir is healing and stimulating to restore and regenerate healthy skin. For vitamin C I have a few recommendations.

Vitamin C Products.

Vitamin C Cream

https://glymedplus.com/home/products/GRX29

Vitamin C Serum

https://www.loveandbalancehealingspace.com/product-page/vitamin-c-green-tea-serum

Vitamin C Cleanser

https://glymedplus.com/home/products/GRX29

If you are committed to managing and clearing your hyperpigmentation, I have included all links and encourage you to check out the products and their ingredients.

Professional treatments for hyperpigmentation.

Green LED Therapy has a calming anti-inflammatory effect and also helps lighten hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels are the application of concentrated solutions the remove the top layers of the damaged skin. Essentially is drastically speeds of the cell turnover to allow new skin to be reveals sooner. My favorite peel for hyperpigmentation is TCA because it contains a tyrosinase inhibitor to specifically target hyperpigmentation and is safe for all skin tones.
Microneedling creates micro injuries in the skin to induce the healing process and collagen production.
Dermaplaning works similarly to chemical peels in the sense of removing the top layer of the skin. However, dermaplaning uses a surgical blade to physically exfoliate and does not work as deeply as a chemical peel.

Advance treatments are available at L&B only to clients who have proven to follow an at home regimen. This is for the best results and to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Always remember, the goal is healthy skin.