Expert Advice: Dos & Don’ts for treating Hyperpigmentation
Cynthia Adjei shares what to do, and what not to do, when treating dark spots, sun exposure, post acne and melasma.
Dark spots, sun exposure, post acne, melasma – all are different types of hyperpigmentation. Whilst being one of the most common skin conditions that many of us will experience, hyperpigmentation is also one of the trickiest to effectively treat, as time, patience and the right knowledge are needed to achieve long-lasting results.
Do: Use Sunscreen daily
We often underestimate the importance of using SPF products year-round on a daily basis – yes, even indoors and during the winter months.
For those who already have hyperpigmentation, sunscreen can prevent the condition from darkening further and help to avoid any future dark spots appearing.
For those without hyperpigmentation, it is important to wear sunscreen to minimise the risk of it occurring. It is especially crucial to wear sunscreen when using other corrective complexion products.
Don't: Use products with Salicylic Acid if clients have Melasma
Salicylic acid is considered an effective ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation on post-acne skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, salicylic acid can actually cause more harm than good for skin that is affected by forms of hyperpigmentation such as melasma, damaging the skin even further.
Recommend that clients use a gentle exfoliant or peeling product once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells so as to prevent them from blocking treatment products from penetrating the skin.
A product such as DW Aesthetics' Glo Enzyme Peel contains fermented Pomegranate enzymes which help to eat away dead, old and dull skin cells, encouraging the regeneration of healthy new skin cells to brighten and tighten skin complexion.
After an exfoliation or peel, the skin will be primed for other treatment products and more receptive to the benefits offered by their active ingredients.
Don't: Sunbath after visible Hyperpigmentation is gone
Unfortunately, hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage tends to come back over time, even after any visual marks or blemishes on the skin have disappeared. This makes it a lot harder to control skin tone, especially during the summer months when damage is more likely to occur. To avoid the reappearance of dark spots, make sure to recommend clients always wear sunscreen on a daily basis and continue with their hyperpigmentation treatment routine, even when the skin tone looks even.
Do: Try corrective complexion products
In order to achieve an even skin tone, it's important to add to skincare routine products specifically formulated to correct skin tone and complexion. Offer your clients products that target all types of hyperpigmentation, including cleanser, serum and lotion to fade blemishes, discolouration and sunspots, refine skin texture, promote collagen production and protect against environmental damage.
Cynthia Adjei is founder of DW Aesthetics, a UK-based skincare brand that uses natural ingredients and powerful formulas to cater to various skincare issues.
