How To Prevent Hyperpigmentation And Minimize It

Written By Jennifer Raskin / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

When you look in the mirror, do you see dark patches of skin? That’s what is known as hyperpigmentation in the world of dermatology. It happens when your skin creates more melanin which pigments your skin. When it gets a little overzealous, you wind up with spots or patches of darker skin.

It’s most commonly caused by unprotected sun exposure and tends to get worse with age. Sometimes, it can be caused from an injury or skin inflammation. Other times, hormones can bring on another form of hyperpigmentation called melasma. While it’s often harmless, most people feel less confident with those dark spots and patches.

Many use makeup to cover it up, which is a good short-term solution. If your skin is clear now, you should take steps to prevent hyperpigmentation and save yourself the trouble.

Preventing Hyperpigmentation

To avoid hyperpigmentation in the first place, your best bet is to prevent it. Staying out of the sun is advised, though it’s not always possible. Protect your skin by using a broad spectrum sunscreen to block UVA and UVB rays that has SPF 30 or higher.

If you’ve had an injury, don’t pick at your skin where scabs are present. For those with acne, all that picking at blemishes can also lead to hyperpigmentation so keep your hands off.

Minimizing Hyperpigmentation

When you’re not wearing makeup, you can work on fading hyperpigmentation away. Here are some ways to minimize its appearance.

Topical Creams to minimize hyperpigmentation

The skincare products you use can excel at fading hyperpigmentation, if you know what to look for. You should choose products that contain ingredients that lighten the skin. Hydroquinone, retinoids, kojic acid, and vitamin C are just a few of the most popular skin lightening ingredients out there that can help.

Cosmetic Procedures to minimize hyperpigmentation

If you’re up for it, you can undergo non-invasive skin treatments that will minimize hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and intense pulsed light are all viable options that may be suitable for you if your dermatologist agrees.

Natural Remedies to minimize hyperpigmentation

If your hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy, you might not be able to use certain ingredients or treatments. Natural options like aloe vera are said to be helpful, though more research has shown green tea and its bounty of antioxidants might be an even more effective natural remedy.

Hyperpigmentation happens to many people. If you have it, you’re not alone. It won’t harm you but if you feel less confident in your appearance without makeup because of it, you may want to try minimizing it using one of the ways detailed above. When you feel confident in your own skin, it’s easy to glow from the inside out.

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.