The umbrella term for the dark spots that - for many of us - develop across our faces and bodies as we age, hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the natural brown pigment that lends our skin its colour.
The exact reasons for this excess production of melanin vary hugely, from hormone fluctuations, to inflammation, allergies, wound healing, medications and mechanical damage (from repeated actions like plucking, waxing and shaving), essentially anything that inflames or irritates the skin. Most dark spots, however, are caused by sun exposure.
As Skin Rocks launches the new The Hyperpigmentation serum (£85, skinrocks.com) a targeted, active-packed serum that works to help fade dark marks, red marks, sun spots and melasma (with clinicals reporting that dark marks and sun spots were reduced by up to 24 per cent after 8 weeks), we spoke to founder and skincare expert Caroline Hirons about her top tips for managing these symptoms.
First and foremost use SPF
“No matter what causes your hyperpigmentation, daily sun protection is non-negotiable, as it will help to stop existing marks from getting worse, as well as helping to prevent new ones. Use the correct amount (1/2 a teaspoon for face and neck), of a facial SPF 50+ in a formula you like, every day, year-round, and reapply when in direct sunlight for long periods. If you suffer from melasma, consider also wearing a hat and avoiding direct sunlight and heat. That means saunas and steam rooms, not just beaches.... Any products or treatments you use to combat hyperpigmentation will be a waste of time if you don’t use sun protection.”
Invest in a targeted daily product
“Skin Rocks’ latest product, The Hyperpigmentation Serum, is an absolute powerhouse. It contains tyrosinase inhibitors (tyrosinase being the enzyme that plays a massive role in melanin production; hyperpigmentation occurs when too much tyrosinase is produced by melanocyte cells in the skin), plus antioxidants. All the ingredients work to reduce hyperpigmentation across 8 different pathways, as well as preventing it from reoccurring, no matter the cause of your hyperpigmentation. Use daily in the morning and/or evening – if you really want to go in with the big guns, combine with Retinoid 2 at night and The Antioxidant in the morning.”
Exfoliate regularly
“Using an AHA toner 1-3 times a week will fade surface-level hyperpigmentation and give a more radiant, even skin tone. Mandelic acid is a great choice for this, as it also acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor.”
Please don’t pick at your skin
“This is particularly important for those with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the type that occurs after skin injury such as a breakout. Picking at skin can introduce bacteria, hindering the healing process and increasing the likelihood of a mark being left behind. I know it can be tempting, but just don’t do it. Use a spot sticker on breakouts if you can’t ignore it.”
Remember that consistency is key
“Treating hyperpigmentation can take time and requires consistency, as a typical skin cycle is 28 days, and this increases with age. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see results in a week – be patient. The Hyperpigmentation Serum clinical trials saw results within four weeks, with huge improvements by the 8 and 12-week marks. And keep using the product if you want to maintain results, particularly with melasma.”
