Let’s talk about Hyperpigmentation. This is one of the most commonly revealed skin conditions that we hear about. Most of us can identify it quite easily when we see it. But let’s define what Hyperpigmentation a little more clearly: It’s an area of skin significantly darker than your skin’s natural pigment base. Simply put, it’s skin discolouration.
Did you know that skin discolouration can actually add up to 12 years of our perceived age?
So if you say 35, you will look 47+ years. That’s over a decade of ageing that can be, for the most part, prevented/and or improved with the right treatments. How is this the case you may ask? Well, it’s all about light bouncing off the skin and when it bounces off discoloured darker skin, the complexion looks dull and significantly unhealthier.
Although there are other causes known, hyperpigmentation is mostly produced by sun exposure to the skin. And damage from the sun also causes a host of other unfavourable skin conditions, including premature lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, dryness, sagging skin and the list goes on.
So, if we put that all together, we can safely assume that the multiple effects of sun damage will probably bring about more than 12 years of one’s perceived age. Just some food for thought.
So, getting back to Hyperpigmentation. While we are very aware that exposure to sunlight is the major cause of hyperpigmentation, did you know there are many other ways it can come about? Other triggers include various skin disorders, hormonal disruptions, acne scarring, ingrown hairs, and reactions to facial waxing or intensive facial procedures.
So how does this darker excess skin pigmentation form?
Your skin gets its colour from a pigment in the body called Melanin. When the triggers mentioned above increase melanin production, the skin becomes darker. Essentially, it’s a side effect of the way in which the skin naturally defends and repairs itself.
Now let us focus on hyperpigmentation that is caused from the sun. This increase in melanin production causes the skin to become overall darker (a tan), and while this is the desired effect for many, a tan is actually a sign that your skin is working really hard to naturally defend and protect the body from the consequences of excess sun exposure. It’s a warning sign of the dangers that can occur.
Now, let’s understand a sun spot. These uneven darkened patches of the skin are caused by melanin skin cells dispatching melanin-less evenly to the surface of the skin, in spot form. These cells have been affected by damaged DNA which can potentially cause a host of other problems.
While prevention is always better than a cure/reversal effort, we know that it happens. And obviously, depending on the cause, hyperpigmentation can be addressed with advanced cosmetic technologies and topical treatments to see an overall improvement in skin tone and fading benefits.
2 steps to prevent/treat Hyperpigmentation:
1. When exposed to the sun, always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a hat (even on cloudy days!)
2. Invest in good quality antioxidant protective skincare to keep your skin hydrated, balanced, restored and healthy.
5 things to consider when looking for the right skincare:
1. Use serums/treatments that are melanin-inhibiting and brightening i.e. vitamin C.
2. Regularly exfoliate and conduct routine peel treatments i.e. AHA’s.
3. Get into the habit of using a nourishing and reparative night cream.
4. If your neck is frequently exposed, be sure to use a neck and décolletage cream.
5. Don’t forget to treat and protect your hands with a good quality hand cream.
Let’s work to keep the skin healthy and protected. We know the many documented serious health dangers of excess sun exposure. So, be smart about your skin. And by doing so, you may also just look 12+ years younger than you really are!
For organic biocompatible targeted skincare designed to treat pigmentation, please visit our Complexion Perfection range.
Origani is an Australian luxury organic skincare brand. We proudly formulate and produce cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan skincare and makeup.
