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Before I head out on baby leave next week, I wanted to share with you a post I have been working on for awhile. Many readers have asked about tips for treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots more efficiently.

I have researched many ingredients, tested out many products, and I think these are really the most important tips to address pigment, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and any other discolorations you have going on with your skin.

This isn’t something I have struggled with much, but during pregnancies I have developed more hyperpigmentation. Uneven skin tone has also been a struggle the last few years for me as I get older.

These tips are great for all ages!

Tips For Treating Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

What Exactly Is Hyperpigmentation?

If you are new to the term hyperpigmentation, it is basically dark patches that pop up on your skin. These dark patches or dark spots can be caused from a variety of things. Sun exposure and damage, hormonal changes, or certain rashes.  I experienced some of this during my first pregnancy with a hyperpigmentation called melasma.

You can get hyperpigmentation at anytime, it doesn’t have to be during pregnancy. I have several friends who experience it when they are in the sun.

Dark spots are another catch all term which includes the hyperpigmentation, but can also be caused from aging. Many of our readers have reached out to me over the years with dark spots on their face from aging. The common question is what skincare products can I use to treat it?

Ingredients That Work To Treat Hyperpigmenation and Dark Spots

 

There are many types of treatments and medical procedures you can do for hyperpigmentation, but most of our readers like to do things from home. It is more affordable and easier if you can find things to use at home. These are tips I used when I was dealing with dark spots after my last pregnancy, but these are also very researched ingredients and methods many people have had success with for hyperpigmentation!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for fun stories and posts daily. We cover a lot of skincare there too!

Vitamin C

One of the best ingredients you can use for treating uneven skin tone, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin brightening is vitamin C! Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is a popular ingredient in skincare because of how well it works. Vitamin C has been proven to be effective at depigmentation. It helps to reduce melanin production.

Melatonin

This antioxidant is really great for hyperpigmenation for several reasons. It boosts other antioxidants like glutathione, but it also is effective protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation. This study shows how it is also potent as an anti-inflammatory agent, so it can be helpful for brightening skin and reducing inflammation. This makes it a fantastic ingredient for dark spots!

Glutathione

Glutathione is an interesting skincare ingredient that is considered a “skin-whitening” agent. The important thing about glutathione is using it topically, so you get the best benefits if it is paired with other ingredients like Vitamin C and Melatonin. It brightens and inhibits pigment production gently like vitamin C does.

Niacinamide

One of my favorite ingredients for so many things is niacinamide, but it is also great for pigment. This study shows how niacinamide greatly reduced hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness. It works great paired with other ingredients too. Niacinamide is also one of my favorite ingredients for blemishes.

What Skin Care Products Contain These Ingredients to Combat Hyperpigmentation?

There are many different products out there to treat hyperpigmentation, and it can be hard to find one that contains all of these ingredients. Vitamin C serum is always a good option to use, but I also recommend Good Science Beauty’s skin brightening cream (use code brightenup33 at checkout!). I looked through all of their ingredients, and it actually contains all of the ones listed above! As you remember, I love their products because of the unique delivery system they use. It makes their creams work more effectively at delivering active ingredients, so you see better results. They also have a brighten up duo (code brightenup33 also works for this!) which comes with the cream and a purifying face mask. The mask is great for reducing inflammation, dark spots, and blemishes so it works well with the cream!

This is the product I used after my first pregnancy to combat the dark spots that developed right at the end. I had several on my cheeks and around my lips (this was in 2019). I used the skin brightening cream for about three weeks and noticed a dramatic difference in pigment.

You can use the vitamin C serum with the brightening cream too for an extra brightening effect.

Other Tips For Minimizing Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

Along with treating the spots you currently have, there are other common tips you can use for minimizing hyperpgimentation. These tips are so simple, but you would be surprised the difference it makes!

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Sunlight increases dark spots, so avoiding direct sunlight is really important for your skin in many ways. It can really help reduce dark spots too. I like to wear a hat when I am going to be outside in the sun.

Use SPF Everyday

It is also a great idea to use sunscreen daily. I use a tinted SPF alone or under makeup everyday.

Don’t Pick At Blemishes Or Anything On Your Face

If you are prone to getting dark spots from blemishes or bites, don’t touch them at all. Let them heal by using creams or just time.

I think sunlight is one of the biggest things to avoid, so I highly recommend using sun protection everyday. Even in the winter when the sun isn’t strong!

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