How to treat your hyperpigmentation

One of the most common skin concerns I have been asked about recently, hyperpigmentation is the formation of dark patchy areas to the skin, caused from the overproduction of melanin (dark pigment), and largely caused from sun exposure.

New research, however, has indicated that hyperpigmentation can also be developed from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from electronic devices.

We now live in a sea of invisible electronic pollution: we all spend large amounts of our time in front of laptops, mobile phones and other electronic devices. Several studies have now shown that skin exposure to this type of radiation suffers biological alterations such as the weakening of the outermost layer of skin, increasing dehydration causing the skin to become more vulnerable and sensitive.

How to treat:

The best way to treat Hyperpigmentation is with in-clinic treatments: targeted medium depth skin peels offer brilliant results. While we wait for our clinic to re-open, it is possible to see results from at-home treatments, by incorporating speciality serums as part of your skincare routine.

Here are the best ingredients to look out for:

Licorice Root extract: this natural active not only brightens the skin but also lightens the appearance of stubborn discolouration;

Plantago Lanceolata Leaf extract: Also known as English Plaintain, this powerful plant soothes and strengthens the melanocyte environment to limit melatonin overproduction, fading age spots and pigmentation.

Vitamin C: this powerful ingredient inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase which will help prevent melanin production.

And a new superstar ingredient which we have added to our new, upcoming serum No. 5 - Fade + Balance:

Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine - Clinically proven at the levels we have included it in the serum to reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation, with 80% of volunteers showing lighter hyperpigmentation after just 2 months. 

And last but not least: if you use Retinol in your skincare regime, ensure to apply it overnight only - it makes skin more photosensitive and therefore, more susceptible for pigmentation to develop.