Hyper-WHAT?! Hyperpigmentation is a big fancy word that basically means discoloration of the skin, usually due to too much sun exposure, post inflammation and exacerbated when certain hormones are elevated. The ultra violet radiation causes your skin to produce more melanin in order to protect you from the sun, and the extra melanin transfers up to the surface of your skin.

 

Unlike a tan that typically fades a little over time, hyperpigmentation can leave unwanted dark spots on your skin that are very difficult to get rid of. Hyperpigmentation is one of the hardest skin conditions to treat long term and successfully. There are many short term “fixes” that then result in something called rebound hyperpigmentation when the skin is exposed to the sun, or even just heat and reflective rays again. Having patience and a good skin care regime with targeted ingredients will deliver results in a few months. Ingredients are important as there are 5 steps in the production of melanin that needs to be addressed:

1. Block Those Rays! Step 1 is simple; block UV light to prevent it from making more damage. This means not only sunscreen every day of the year but also sunglasses and a big hat. When the sun’s rays hit the eyes, the retina transfers a signal to the brain saying, “Make more melanin! Make more melanin!” That is why you will see me out at 6 A.M. with my Oakleys on.
2. Topical Phenylalanine. This amino acid is great for disrupting the transfer of melanin in the hyperpigmentation process. Phenylalanine can also be found in eggs, chicken, liver, beef, milk, and soybeans. Chow down!
3. Topical Vitamin C. Apply serums that are rich in Vitamin C. This vitamin is known to inhibit the production of melanin, so use it morning and night.
4. Topical Vitamin B3, aka Niacinamide.  This is another vitamin that disrupts the process of hyperpigmentation.
5. Topical Vitamin A. This vitamin (instrumental in general skincare, as well) helps to stabilize melanocytes in your skin.
6. Topical Azelaic Acid, Melanostat, Sulphoraphane, Glucosamine, Arbutin, Paper Mulberry, Glabridin, L-Dopa Inhibitor, Aloesin are all options to add, as they inhibit melanogenisis.

Hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat, but it IS possible with consistent treatment, sunglasses and hat.