Growing up in Florida, spending time in the sun has contributed to many memories and experiences throughout my lifetime.
Let’s face it, I LOVE the beach!
Up until I a few years ago I hadn’t noticed any dark spots or hyperpigmentation on my face, but had definitely collected my fair share of sporadic freckles on my shoulders.
However, after working on the beach full-time a few summers ago (being exposed to the sun for 8+ hours each day) I began to notice light spots developing on my face, even with the continuous use of daily sunscreen.
Wah, wah, wah… what do I do NOW?
Hyperpigmentation is a very common skin concern that is generated from sun exposure as well as several other causes including hormones, heredity, & picking at the skin.
Fighting hyperpigmentation for spotless skin as a Floridian is challenging, but it can be done!
Research has shown hyperpigmentation can make someone look up to 20 years older than they really are! Wowsers, we do NOT want that.
When treating hyperpigmentation, you MUST practice patience because the darker the spots, the longer they take to fade.
There are no overnight, miracle cures despite what some may insist upon.
The bright-side is, there ARE exceptional methods available to take on these spots when in conjunction with consistency from the consumer - which is you!
Below are three practical ways you can counter hyperpigmentation in your daily routine:
1. Form a healthy relationship with exfoliation.
In order to free the skin from these spots, we must incorporate a resurfacing strategy (exfoliation) to rid the the discolored cells on the surface layer.
Remember to keep your exfoliation routine at bay because too much exfoliation may cause an overstimulation of the melanin in your skin which is what produces the darker pigment.
I typically recommend exfoliating 2x per week with a physical exfoliant such as a scrub or facial brush (Ex; Clarisonic) and one night on/one night off for a chemical exfoliant serum with active ingredients.
Always observe your skin and be sensitive to it’s needs! It may require more or less exfoliation depending on your concerns and skin type.
2. Research the skin lightening ingredients you use.
There are skin lightening ingredients galore in the marketplace, so I will share with you some of my favorites.
Once you’re on a regular exfoliating regimen, you will also need to integrate products with lightening agents that will really suppress that melanin production and brighten the skin.
You can never go wrong with some good ole vitamin C!
Aside from slowing down melanin production, vitamin C offers anti-aging benefits by boosting collagen levels & decreasing inflammation in the skin.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) greatly contributes to evening out the skin tone and escalating firmness.
Licorice is additionally used a lightening mediator and impressive anti-inflammatory.
3. Wear sunscreen daily to fight hyperpigmentation.
As I spoke of in my first post (and I will probably reiterate this throughout several posts) your first line of defense against hyperpigmentation is SUN PROTECTION!
Let’s say you are committed to exfoliating regularly and using lightening ingredients on your skin, without wearing SPF daily, you will have wasted your time, my dear.
I say this because I genuinely care about you seeing results and maintaining the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Practice these helpful tips and you will be well on your way to shimmering, spotless skin.
In the meantime, do your best to cultivate self-love by accepting imperfections as their own kind of beauty.
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