How to Combat Pigmentation from the Sun
Ever noticed little dark spots on your skin after sunny days out? Most likely, you're seeing hyperpigmentation, stimulated by several different triggers such as UV exposure, heat, hormones, genetics, and even medical conditions and certain medications.
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can trigger an excess production of melanin, leading to these noticeable changes in skin tone. Read on to find out how to prevent it, the role of skincare in managing this skin concern, and The Secret to smooth homogenous skin!
Hyperpigmentation From Sun
As previously mentioned, hyperpigmentation is all about melanin - what gives your skin its colour. When spending too much time in the sun, your skin can go into overdrive, accelerating the process, producing extra melanin and voilà – dark spots! These can be age spots, melasma, freckles, or random patches. These spots, varying in size and shape, can appear on any body part but are most common in areas frequently exposed to the sun.
As we enter the summer season, we should note that repeated or long-term exposure of the skin to heat can cause worsening redness, thinning skin, colour changes, and thickening. Heat triggers certain pathways in the skin that increase melanin, leading to darker spots, and could affect blood vessel development in the skin.
Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Bestie
First things first - always remember sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to skin protection. Preventing hyperpigmentation begins with comprehensive sun protection, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF is crucial. Sunscreen not only protects the skin against sunburn but also acts like an invisibility cloak against those sneaky UV rays that can worsen hyperpigmentation. Don’t forget, hats and sunnies aren’t just accessories, they’re your sun armour to reduce the risk further. Making these preventive measures a part of your daily routine is essential in keeping hyperpigmentation at bay.
At The Secret, we highly recommend our Solar Serum SPF50 - a luxurious blend offering robust UVA and UVB defence. Its lightweight, hydrating formula with a universal peach undertone enhances your complexion, providing a radiant finish. Ideal for daily use, this serum combats photoaging while keeping your skin nourished and luminous.
The Role of Skincare in Managing Skin Hyperpigmentation
#1: Cleanser
An effective skincare routine is vital in managing hyperpigmentation. Let a gentle cleanser be the starting player to remove impurities without irritating the skin, and our Secret is The Cleansing Balm. It's a buttery balm-to-oil formula perfect for all skin types, turning your cleansing routine into a luxurious self-care ritual morning or night. Infused with camellia oil, olive squalene, and Vitamin E, it melts away impurities and makeup, leaving skin soft, soothed, and deeply hydrated.
#2: Night Cream
Second in line is the Cellular Repair Night Cream. It's The Secret to radiant skin with our prescription-strength formula designed to rejuvenate and create healthy skin cells. This intensive cream promotes rapid cell turnover and regulates melanin production, revealing a smoother, more even-toned, glowing complexion night after night.
#3: Day Cream
Our third recommendation is a moisturiser rich in ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin, and niacinamide, known for its brightening properties. The Day Brightening Elixir, a luxurious blend of active ingredients, is your daytime secret to a luminous complexion. Enhancing the effects of your Night Cream, this Elixir regulates melanin (therefore targeting pigmentation), boosts cell regeneration, and fortifies skin barriers. Perfect for daily use, it pairs seamlessly with sunscreen and makeup, ensuring radiant, healthy skin.
For Real Results (like the ones below) from The Secret Skincare products and our patients' testimonies, view them here and select Pigmentation in the "Skin Concerns" drop-down menu.
Lifestyle Tweaks: Small Changes, Big Impact
Beyond sunscreen and other skincare products, certain lifestyle habits can help in managing hyperpigmentation. Eat the rainbow, they say. We’re talking fruits and veggies for a diet packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E to support skin health.
Hydration is equally important. Drink water like it’s your job, as it will help maintain the skin's elasticity and overall health. When it comes to lifestyle habits, avoiding additional heated environments like saunas, minimising sun exposure, as well as seeking shade when being out and about, and wearing a hat can help inflammation stand at bay and make a difference in the long run. And last but not least, ease up on the stress. Your skin will thank you!
Tackling hyperpigmentation is like training for a marathon – it's all about that consistent, multifaceted approach. Keep up with your sun protection, healthy habits, and skincare to address this concern.
In your journey to combat hyperpigmentation from the sun, patience and persistence are your best allies. With the right care, precautions, and routine, achieving a balanced and radiant complexion is within reach, and The Secret is here to guide you on your journey to clear, glowing skin.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact us online.
