As any woman with uneven skin tone knows, hyperpigmentation of any kind is the bane of our skincare lives and we are forever in search of that holy grail product to give us the clear uniform skin tone we dream of. 

It’s one of those things that can completely knock your confidence and send you straight to a bottle of full coverage foundation. Now, I love a good foundation but like most women, I don’t want to feel like I have to hide my skin. Instead, I want to be comfortable - no scrap that - happy with and in my skin.

However, add to that the problematic bleaching creams on the market, plus the confusion around terms like lightening, brightening, and whitening, which are often used interchangeably, as well as the large range of products all promising the world and figuring out how to treat hyperpigmentation can feel like a minefield to navigate.

First, Understand Why Hyperpigmentation Occurs

Hyperpigmentation is a term frequently used for any type of visible dark discoloration on the skin and often ranks as one of the most common beauty complaints for women with darker skin tones.

It usually occurs following an injury or inflammation (think breakouts, excess sun exposure, ingrown hairs, allergic reactions, or picking at your skin), which results in the skins overproduction of melanin. 

Darker skin can also be prone to having a higher sensitivity response to inflammation and our hyperpigmentation can be more challenging to treat as the marks usually have a higher pigment, and also take longer to fade away.

So, How Do You Treat It?

When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation the phrase ‘it takes a village' comes to mind.  No one miracle product that can effectively fade all your dark marks. Instead, it often requires a multi - pronged approach, which involves protecting the skin from sun exposure with a high-level broad spectrum SPF.

Preventing environmental damage and new hyperpigmentation from occurring with antioxidants. Fading the dark marks with treatment products containing tyrosinase (an enzyme in pigment production) inhibiting ingredients to tackle pigmentation and reduce the excess melanin production.

What Is A Good Hyperpigmentation Skincare Routine?

A good hyperpigmentation skincare routine also includes a great cleanser to properly cleanse the skin. Hydration products to keep the skin moisturised and protect the moisture barrier.

Chemical exfoliation products to exfoliate and remove surface dead skin cells. vitamin A products to stimulate collagen production and if possible additional in-salon treatments to have any real effect. 

It also requires patience; consistency and a commitment to achieve lost lasting skin improvements. 

In the second part of this feature I will be covering specific tried and tested products, which incorporated into your skincare repertoire will have a noticeable impact in treating your hyperpigmentation.