Old scars, Sun spots, melasma, new scars, dark spots and dark areas, all of these words are often used to describe hyperpigmentation. This buzz word has become a well-known term in the beauty community in recent years. Many people acknowledge that they have hyperpigmentation on their skin, and some take steps to fix this, be it home remedies with ingredients from their kitchen cupboard, to more heavy-duty professional chemical peels and concentrated products that are sold on the market.
The most basic explanation for hyperpigmentation is collagen production after a disruption in the layers of skin. A number of things can disrupt the skin: injury, ingrown hairs, eczema or psoriasis, keloids, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) or surgery, and it tries to heal itself by producing collagen. In turn, “This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin”, put simply by the experts at the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD).
Typically, the more melanin one has, equates to the more melanin that will be produced once the skin heals. So, hyperpigmentation is as a result of the body doing what it was naturally made to do- heal itself. However, we understand; the championing of smooth and glossy skin all over social media and beauty campaigns can make the marks on your body look less than desirable. We’re here to tell you whilst most images of single-toned skin is thanks to the help of photo editing, it is not impossible to fade hyperpigmentation gradually – should you choose to.
It is important to note that only you should decide what you want to change on your body. Your body is yours to love and be kind to. Here at KB, being kind to our body means showing up in our best skin and we do that by understanding how to show up for our bodies holistically through body care. This can sound very lofty and airy-fairy, however we believe that serving ourselves in this way is practical and effective without being pretentious or shallow. The Body Collection was created with this in mind – indulging in a body care system that is complete and gentle, helping to fade hyperpigmentation over time with consistent use, all whilst engaging in physical touch and tenderness with yourself. Giving your body that much more attention due to how you’ve adapted your showering experience to be just that – an experience.
The Body Collection includes The Wash, The Creme, The Scrub and The Mask. With its own unique formula and properties, every product in the Collection plays a role in fading hyperpigmentation, adding hydration and radiance for more even-toned and smoother skin with chemical exfoliants, physical exfoliants and body nourishing oils and extracts. (Note that these products work best when they are used consistently: similar to most products that fade dark areas and hyperpigmentation.)
In an age of body positivity and accepting oneself for who you are, think about how this looks to you with regards to beauty treatments. The line between what seems to be nitpicking and exercising agency over your body and the choices you make for it are hazy and can seem like it’s only getting hazier. At KB one of our central beliefs is confidence that is within and without, so as long as you exude that and are able to show up as your best self everyday, we say live your life with spaciousness and agency; as long as you aren’t harming yourself or anyone else.
Below is a how-to-use guide on this 4-step system where we show you how to use The Body Collection as a full set.
Some areas of stubborn body hyperpigmentation may only be treated with professional procedures such as micro-needling, body chemical peels and UV treatment. However, it is good to know that there are things that can be done if you would like to brighten dark areas and scarring on your body.
