HOW TO DEAL WITH HYPERPIGMENTATION
Dark spots can sometimes seem to appear overnight. Hyperpigmentation on the face, which can look like discolouration, patches or uneven colouring, can also affect our overall confidence.
The good news about hyperpigmentation: there are a range of tips you can use to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation on skin! Colour-correcting makeup can go a long way towards improving the look of dark spots and other forms of skin discolouration, but there are also other habits that can improve the look and feel of skin.
We break down the best ingredients for helping to fade pigmentation in skin, to level up your routine! To find out what causes hyperpigmentation and our golden rules for pigmentation, read on.
What is Pigmentation & Hyperpigmentation?
Let’s start at the beginning. We’re all familiar with our skin tone – be it light, fair, medium or dark. Your skin tone is your top or ‘surface’ colour, and we mostly only consider that when picking a shade. However, your undertone figures just as importantly into how true a foundation shade will be.
Your undertone is what it sounds like. Sitting underneath your skin tone, an undertone will present a cool, warm or neutral colour that doesn’t change when you tan. Read below to find out how to know what undertone you have.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
When melanin overproduces in skin, an increase of colour appears in patches across our body or parts of it. There are a few causes of increased melanin – the most common being exposure to the sun. Especially in Australia, our harsh UV rays can have a range of effects on skin. Other causes of hyperpigmentation can include genetics and changes to hormone levels.
How to Address Hyperpigmentation
Addressing how to get rid of hyperpigmentation comes down to the consistent steps you take. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits and proactive ingredients into your daily skincare regimen, you can avoid hyperpigmentation or work towards fading the appearance pigmentation. If hyperpigmentation is a concern for you, or if it’s something you’ve struggled with for a little while, we suggest consulting a professional. For our best daily tips for how to address hyperpigmentation, read on below.
Apply SPF regularly
Any dermatologist will tell you that the best way to avoid hyperpigmentation and help prevent future discolouration is by protecting skin daily with SPF. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF30 or higher each day, and reapply every two hours. Other sun safe measures that will help to reduce pigmentation increasing include wearing hats, sunglasses, and clothes that cover your body. And always remember to seek shade, even when indoors! UVA rays can permeate through glass, so stay across these tips wherever you are.
Incorporate Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3. A potent antioxidant, this hero ingredient packs a whole range of skincare benefits. Chief amongst them: the ability to help visibly reduce dark spots and discolouration! Include niacinamide in your morning and evening routine to improve not only the look of skin but the overall healthy look and feel too. Alongside hyperpigmentation, this ingredient protects against signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. That’s too many benefits to ignore! We also have our Bye Bye Dark Spots Serum, which is 4% niacinamide and is perfect for reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation!
Incorporate Hydrating Ingredients
Hydrated skin is happy skin. When our epidermis (the surface layer) is properly moisturised, we’re better protected against external stressors like pollution and extreme weather. To get the most out of a moisturiser, look for those that include especially hydrating skincare ingredients. Our Confidence in a Cream Face Moisturiser & Day Cream includes ceramides and skin-firming collagen for all-day hydration. If you prefer oil-based moisturisers, we’ve also got you covered! Apply the Confidence in a Gel Lotion Moisturiser , with cell-renewing glycerin and ceramides for plumped, dewy skin.
Use a Highly Pigmented Concealer
When it comes to covering dark spots and discolouration, one of the most effective tools at your disposal is a highly pigmented concealer. Our Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer provides all-day coverage, so you can swipe and go with confidence! It also provides buildable coverage, since it can sometimes take more than one layer to cover dark spots. For the best application, use a makeup brush with dense, tapered hair. This will give you the ability to ‘stipple’ the concealer, so you get the coverage you need exactly where you need it.
Include Retinol In Your Regimen
You’ve most likely heard of this staple skincare ingredient. It’s commonly known for its ability to reduce blemishes in acne-prone and oily skin types, but it also packs a punch in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation! A form of Vitamin A, this potent anti-ageing ingredient helps stimulate skin renewal. Our Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream has been formulated for daily use and visibly reduces dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. If you are new to retinol though, introduce it to your skin gradually and accompany with a high SPF daily. Consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns.
Shop Dark Spots Products
Even out your skin tone with IT Cosmetics! Shop the full range to help reduce the appearance of dark spots from sun damage, acne scars and aging.
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