Why You Get Hyperpigmentation and How To Fix It
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If you look in the mirror and notice spots or small patches on your skin that are darker than the rest of your face, you are seeing hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that becomes more noticeable with age. Hyperpigmentation can be more or less visible depending on a person’s skin tone.
If you are wondering why you get hyperpigmentation and how to fix it, the good news is there are many treatment options that offer real results for a fresher, more even complexion.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation stems from the word pigmentation. Pigmentation, when used in reference to the spots you see on your face, is usually a harmless condition in which patches of skin are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation is when you see dark spots that are often called liver spots, sun spots or age spots. It can also appear as small freckles or larger areas of darkened skin.
In contrast, light spots are called hypopigmentation and they are caused by a lack of melanin. Both are common skin concerns that can be addressed by skincare professionals. At Charette Cosmetics, hyperpigmentation can be improved with products designed specifically for this skin condition.
Sun Damage and Dark Spots
One of the reasons why you get hyperpigmentation is from sun exposure. Even if you use sunscreen as often as possible, the harsh UV rays from the sun can still penetrate your skin and produce high concentrations of melanin in certain places. The result is hyperpigmentation in the form of age spots or sun spots -- the little areas where pigment cells called melanocytes have soaked up sunlight.
Age spots, sun spots, or liver spots tend to appear on the skin with the most sun exposure. The most common areas of the body are the face, shoulders, back of hands, tops of feet, and upper back. At Charette Cosmetics, most of our patients start to notice dark spots in their 30s or 40s. Depending on sun exposure and skin tone, some may see them earlier or later in life.
How to Fix Hyperpigmentation Sun Spots
An ideal option for easing the look of dark spots from sun damage is using the Pigmentation Pack designed by Charette Cosmetics as part of your daily skincare routine. The Pigmentation Pack is ideal, featuring six products specifically formulated for hyperpigmented skin concerns. It is highly effective yet gentle enough to be used as part of your daytime and nighttime regimen. From morning until nighttime, these natural products work together to give you a more even, brighter complexion that fixes the look of hyperpigmentation.
$325 | Pigmentation Pack | 6-piece set
Illuminate + Purify Exfoliating Cleanser
With a combination of 2% Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Illuminate + Purify Cleanser aids in unclogging pores, opening clogged pores and removing surface oils. The ingredients in this gentle, exfoliating cleanser give you smoother skin and help to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
Activate + Tone Antioxidant Mist
With natural extracts like cucumber, rosemary, and melon, Active + Tone Antioxidant Mist helps to improve your skin’s complexion, reduces puffiness and swelling, and calms the skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. After your gentle cleansing routine, this cooling mist can be sprayed on your face in the morning and at night as part of your nighttime skincare regimen.
Nourish + Soften Moisturizer
Charette Cosmetics created Nourish + Soften Moisturizing Lotion to be used morning and night, giving your face the hydration and protection it needs in a lightweight formula that feels soft and clean. This sheer, oil-free moisturizer smooths and tones skin with Witch Hazel and protects skin against moisture loss with Glycerin.
Perfect + Preserve Sheer SPF 50
Protecting the delicate skin on your face from the sun’s harsh UV rays is an imperative part of every skincare routine. Protect + Preserve is a lightweight, gentle sunscreen with SPF 50 for superior protection and supple, smooth skin. It helps to visibly brighten areas of blemishes and discoloration.
Brighten + Enlighten Prescription Pads
Brighten + Enlighten Prescription Pads are formulated to correct uneven skin tone and ease visible discoloration due to pigmentation. The natural ingredients protect against free radicals, giving your skin a healthy barrier for optimal protection.
Rejuvenate + Reverse Retinol Serum
Retinol has been touted for years as an anti-aging skincare product. It eases the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Rejuvenate + Reverse Retinol Serum is formulated with an advanced encapsulated retinol that replenishes your skin, improves discoloration, and protects against moisture loss. It’s ideal for acne-prone skin because of its exfoliating properties.
More Triggers of Hyperpigmentation
In addition to sun damage, hyperpigmentation on the face can also be caused by hormonal changes or trauma like acne or injuries that cause scarring.
Hyperpigmentation During Pregnancy
The most common hormonal change that triggers hyperpigmentation is called melasma. This is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” because it occurs during pregnancy. It tends to appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin. This specific type of hyperpigmentation happens as a result of higher levels of progesterone, estrogen, and melanocyte, a stimulating hormone that impacts melanin production.
The good news is the darkening of the skin due to melasma tends to resolve on its own after pregnancy or after breastfeeding when hormone levels slowly start to return to normal.
Hyperpigmentation Due to Scarring
While there are effective acne treatments, scarring sometimes happens during a bout with acne. This can be extremely upsetting because after the breakouts subside, you are left with an uneven complexion due to hyperpigmentation. This is why skincare professionals advise patients with acne not to squeeze blemishes or pick at scabs. Any skin trauma can cause dark spots that take time to heal.
How to Fix Hyperpigmentation Due to Acne Scars
Charette Cosmetics offers a signature, prescription-strength MelanX Level II Chemical Peel (retail price $850) that serves as a complete at-home, skin-lightening system. The chemical peel technique speeds up the body’s natural process of sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal fresh, new skin. It lifts and lightens unwanted dark spots and evens out skin tone.
This at-home chemical peel is done virtually with one of our trained, licensed medical professionals to ensure optimal results. After purchasing the product, you will be guided virtually through an evaluation to make sure this product is ideal for your skin type and hyperpigmentation goals.
Why Choose Charette Cosmetics for Hyperpigmentation
Charette Cosmetics brings a whole new approach to the world of cosmetic treatments including products designed to ease the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Our innovative techniques and tailored approach allow us to address your skin concerns, enhancing and revitalizing your self-confidence. Our medical-grade skincare products work to protect and treat your skin, revealing the most beautiful version of yourself. For your convenience, we offer Shop Pay and Google Pay. Shop our lineup of natural products online or connect with us on socials to see amazing skin transformations from real customers.