Today discussions on skincare tend to be about wrinkles, wrinkles and wrinkles. But ask most women what their number one concern is and you’re likely to hear about hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is the fancy name for what most people refer to as age spots, discoloration and skin that appears freckled and scarred. You may not know the condition by its name, but chances are you have it. Just take a look at your face, chest, arms or hands. Any dark spots or splotches? You may call them age spots, sun spots, freckles or scars, but they all fall into the category of hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is actually an overproduction of melanin (skin pigment) and results in an uneven skin tone. Hyperpigmentation drives women nuts because it often makes the skin look older by creating a dull, splotchy complexion.
Why does it happen?
There are three primary culprits when it comes to hyperpigmentation:
Sun: Sun spots occur from repeated exposure to UV rays where the skin tries to protect itself by producing more pigment.
Hormones: Hormone-induced hyperpigmentation, called melasma, is the result of increased hormone stimulation, which occurs during pregnancy or when taking contraceptives.
Inflammation: Inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin from acne scarring or other skin injuries.
So, what’s the good news?
