How can I prevent summer hyperpigmentation?

Overexposure to the sun, pregnancy, blemishes: in summer, skin is even more exposed to the risk of hyperpigmentation. Once they've set in, these brown spots can be hard to get rid of. So it's best to prevent them. Here are a few tips and tricks to help prevent summer hyperpigmentation.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a natural skin process. Exposed to the sunWithout appropriate sun protection, the skin will produce excess melanin to defend itself. The skin tans, but can then show excess pigment, in spots or patches.

The different forms of summer hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is largely influenced by many factors, including age, gender, sun exposure, genetics and hormonal changes. Prolonged exposure to the sun can encourage the development of brown spots, and can also worsen existing spots by making them darker and therefore more visible. When pregnant, beware of melasma, commonly known as the "mask of pregnancy", which can lead to spots all over the face. Melasma can also appear in certain cases when taking contraception.

How can hyperpigmentation be prevented?

The right sun cream

We say it over and over again. A appropriate sun protectionSPF 50, applied regularly throughout the day, is the best weapon in the fight against hyperpigmentation and premature skin aging. It is therefore essential to protect your skin with sunscreenWhether to prevent hyperpigmentation or to avoid aggravating existing dark spots. It's essential to choose a broad-spectrum SPF50 sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Even when protected, avoid direct and prolonged exposure to the sun: an even, luminous complexion is guaranteed!

Regular chemical exfoliation

There's no need to rush to the exfoliation aisle of the supermarket or drugstore, because when we talk about exfoliation, we're talking about chemical exfoliation! Forget micro-grains, sugar, lemon and anything else that's been used on the skin for years. Use only a lotion or serum exfoliant. These are non-aggressive and gentle, and avoid the micro-cuts that can lead to skin imperfections.

Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells responsible for dullness, and can also help fade existing spots. With a very light hand, you can use active ingredients such as BHA, but also lactic or mandelic acid. The right rhythm? 1 to 2 times a week to start with. This will allow the skin cells to renew themselves, enabling better absorption of all cosmetics. In summer, exfoliating is best used in the evening to avoid sunburn. And don't forget your sun cream the next day.

Targeted active ingredients

The star ingredient in the fight against hyperpigmentation? Vitamin C ! A perfect antioxidant, vitamin C combats the free radicals that cause dark spots. Incorporating vitamin C into your routine means more radiance. Personally, I recommend using vitamin C in the morning, preferably as a serum, before your day cream and sun protection.

My recommendation vitamin C serum:

The radiance boosting C-Capsule serum from Make:Prem. A jewel in its formulation, I find it very moisturizing since it contains glycerine and hyaluronic acid, it's soothing thanks to panthenol, and it contains traxenamic acid and arbutin, essential ingredients for treating spots already present. The texture is fluid and super-light, and the pump packaging makes application easy.

Niacinamide is also an active ingredient in preventing the appearance of dark spots while fading those already present. Most day or night creams contain it, but for a boost there are concentrated lotions or serums. The latter are not my favorites, as I tend to have redness.

Other active ingredients are great for treating hyperpigmentation, but it's best to use them in the autumn, as they are photosensitizing. I'm talking in particular about retinol, which would be perfect to introduce, but preferably after summer to avoid sunburn on sensitive skin.