Facial spots: our tips for treating hyperpigmentation
Back from a beach vacation or simply exposure to the sun during the warmer months, after the summer months skin can appear dry, dull, prone to acne or hyperpigmentation. This is a completely natural phenomenon. In this article, we give you our tips and tricks for repairing your skin at the start of the new school year, and entering the autumn months with peace of mind.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a natural skin process. Exposed to the sun, without appropriate sun protection, the skin produces excess melanin to defend itself. The skin tans, but can then show excess pigment, in patches or patches. We presented an article dedicated to the prevention of hyperpigmentation this way. Didn't take the time to read our advice and now you've got sun spots on your skin? Don't worry, it's reversible with the right routine.
Our tips for treating hyperpigmentation
The double cleaning imperative
In the evening, double cleansing is essential for impeccable skin. There's no point in scrubbing with aggressive cleansers, or even worse, grainy scrubs, thinking they'll get rid of the blemishes. The skin is just attacked. The important thing is to cleanse regularly, and to do so without exception every day, to eliminate all impurities and bacteria, and to prepare your skin for subsequent treatments.
Gentle, regular exfoliation
Use a gentle chemical exfoliator once or twice a week to renew the skin and remove dead cells from the surface. Don't use aggressive exfoliants or micro-grains: opt for very gentle active ingredients such as lactic acid and mandelic acid. You can also use AHA/BHA-based exfoliants. Use in moderation, however, to avoid burning the skin.
The star active ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation to include in your routine
Alpha-arbutin
Arbutin is a molecule found in the leaves and bark of many plants. It's a derivative of hydroquinone, an active ingredient banned in France for being dangerous, but don't panic, alpha-arbutin is very safe. This active ingredient acts on melanogenesis, the process by which melanin is produced and synthesized. In a nutshell, alpha-arbutin slows down the formation of pigmentation spots, but I particularly like this ingredient because it's a really powerful anti-spot active ingredient, while at the same time being suitable for all skin types. Perfect for helping to fade sun-induced hyperpigmentation, but also post-inflammatory spots linked to acne scars, for example. Not to be confused with beta-arbutin, its much lighter cousin.
My alpha-arbutin recommendation
Tested and approved The Inkey List alpha-arbutin serum. Use very regularly, every day, to see results in around 12 weeks. Don't hesitate to take a before and after photo with a strong light and up close! You'll get a better idea of the results: nothing's more motivating! I recommend applying it in the morning, just before your moisturizer and sun protection. If the serum suits you, you can then add a vitamin C serum to give this anti-hyperpigmentation routine a real boost!
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Tranexamic acid
L'tranexamic acid is also an excellent active ingredient for treating spots and evening out skin tone. I really like this active ingredient, although alpha-arbutin works much better for me.
My tranexamic acid recommendation
Tested and approved The Inkey List's tranexamic acid serum once again! Like its alpha-arbutin companion, it should be used daily on a very regular basis to guarantee long-term results. The Inkey List reformulated its tranexamic acid serum just over a year ago, and it's a success. Whereas before the serum could only be used in the evening, it can now also be used in the morning.
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So, as part of your anti-spot routine, you can imagine using a vitamin C + alpha arbutin serum in the morning for a powerful combo, and tranexamic acid in the evening! Guaranteed results if you're patient enough to wait for the results and apply them regularly.
The recommended products have all been personally tested, have not been offered as gifts and are not the subject of a sponsored article.
