Fade Your Hyperpigmentation Before Summer.

Summer is fast approaching, and with our hibernation soon over, you’re probably looking at or have started thinking of ways to get the best makeup-free, beach-ready skin. It can be tricky to treat and remove stubborn dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which are caused by an overproduction of melanin- triggered by several things such as acne (post-inflammatory), hormones, medications, and sun damage. Dark spots will naturally fade over time, but this can take from a few weeks to a few years- yes years!

If you’re more pressed for time, then here’s how you can fade those pesky dark spots fast before summer for beach-ready skin.

Firstly, you need to have a solid skincare regimen which incorporates skin-lightening or brightening agents with the right balance of skin regeneration, exfoliation, hydration, and protection. Together these will aid in removing hyperpigmentation and maintaining lasting results.

Your skin-brightening products should include certain ingredients created to give you more even-toned skin and reduce hyperpigmentation with consistent use.

Here are some of the best ingredients to look out for:

Kojic Acid- an amazing tyrosinase inhibitor, which blocks the production of the melanin-forming enzyme Tyrosinase, and in turn stops melanin from being over-produced. Try the Garden of Wisdom Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid Serum which amongst others contains 1% Kojic acid, the recommended amount needed for desirable results.

Azelaic Acid- derived from grains, this ingredient has great anti-inflammatory properties and is a good option if you’re dealing with both active acne and hyperpigmentation. It’s also great for treating conditions such as melasma. According to Dr Shinjita Das, MD, Azelaic acid at 15 to 20% cream can be used in place of hydroquinone, which although powerful, is known to have hazardous effects on the skin. We’d recommend The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or for something stronger Dermatica’s Azelaic Acid 20% cream.

Alpha Arbutin- another great tyrosinase inhibitor, which again helps to brighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Have a look into The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA. The water-based serum is specifically designed to target uneven skin tone and visibly improve pigmentation.

Retinol- This vitamin A derivative is a wonder for hyperpigmentation, because of how it encourages skin cell turnover while also inhibiting excess melanin production, diminishing dark spots. Depending on strength, build up your tolerance to products with retinol and watch your skin transform. Start with The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5 in Squalene, which is a water-free formula that glides onto your skin, reducing the signs of ageing and improving skin tone.

Tranexamic Acid- a lesser-known skin-lightening agent. This ingredient is also a member of the tyrosinase inhibiting group and will help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brighten tired skin. We like The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Serum, packed with 2% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Acai Berry extract to promote even skin tone and 2% Vitamin C, boosting overall skin brightness and evening skin tone. If you’re looking for the perfect cocktail of ingredients, a must-have is the Faded Serum by Topicals. Worthy of the hype, this contains several active ingredients including Tranexamic Acid, Kojic acid Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid, all aimed at visibly reducing stubborn discolouration, post-blemish marks, scars, and spots.

Be sure to not forget your exfoliators, which will help to slough away dead skin cells and therefore fade dark spots. Our Super Skin Exfoliant is a liquid exfoliating solution that contains a unique blend of azelaic acid, BHAs and AHAs. Each of these, combined with Liquorice Root Extract, are formulated to remove dead skin cells and minimise hyperpigmentation and acne.

And last but certainly not least, if you are serious about fading your hyperpigmentation, you need SPF-no ifs, no buts.

Sun damage is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation and continuous sun exposure will further darken hyperpigmentation.

There’s no point in purchasing products to fade dark spots when continuous sun damage will bring them back again. Prevention is key. Look for an SPF 30 or higher that works for your skin and ensure you reapply it throughout the day.

As The Style and Beauty Doctor, Danielle Gray says, “One of the biggest ways to treat hyperpigmentation is to never get it at all”.

Happy summer skin!