We’ve all seen it: discoloration on our faces or the backs of our hands. It’s called hyperpigmentation, age spots, liver spots and more. It can be caused by aging, sun damage, injury, disease, hormonal changes and genetics. People with darker skin tones also seem to be more prone to hyperpigmentation.
There’s no way to avoid hyperpigmentation completely, but there are things you can do to minimize its appearance and prevent it from getting worse.
Block it out
Wear sun block every day, no matter what. Sun block blocks the sun; sunscreen filters the sun. To keep sun from damaging skin, use a sun block with a SPF of 30 or higher. You should also wear a wide-brimmed hat any time you’re in strong sun as an extra precaution.
‘Brighten’ skin
Use products with skin brighteners such as alpha-arbutin, peptides and alpha hydroxy acids, among others. These can help reduce melanin production that results in hyperpigmentation.
Treatment
Whether it’s at home, at an esthetician’s treatment room or at a dermatologist’s office, skin must be exfoliated to minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It can be done chemically or with lasers. The result depends on the severity of hyperpigmentation as well as its cause. Results can take three to 12 months, so be patient.
See a skin professional
Only an esthetician or dermatologist can tell you what’s really going on with your skin. If you want healthy, younger looking skin, see a skin professional. Doing it yourself, in the drug store or having a sales person do it in a department store can lead to unpleasant results.
You know its coming up soon and you’re dreading it.