How to Treat Hyperpigmentation Caused by Sun Exposure

How to get rid of dark spots

Life’s a beach, isn’t it? One moment you’re frolicking under the warm, inviting sun, and the next, you’re staring at your reflection and spotting signs of an unwelcome visitor: hyperpigmentation. It can manifest as age spots, also known as sun spots or liver spots. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation.

How does the sun cause hyperpigmentation?

First things first: how does the sun cause hyperpigmentation? Let’s delve a little into that science class you might have slept through. The skin protects itself from sun exposure by producing melanin, a pigment that absorbs the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. This is the process that leads to a tan, which is nothing but a distress signal your skin sends out. If your skin is exposed to the sun without sufficient protection, i.e., sunscreen, the result is an overproduction of melanin in some areas, leading to darker patches of skin. These patches are commonly known as age spots, sun spots, or liver spots.

Which dermatological treatments fade hyperpigmentation?

Fortunately, we live in an age where skin care has gone beyond homemade masks and cucumber slices. Two non-invasive dermatological treatments, in particular, can help address existing hyperpigmentation: IPL photo facials and Clear + Brilliant

IPL photo facials

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photo facials use, as the name suggests, intense pulsed light to penetrate deep into the skin. This light targets the melanin, breaking it up into tiny particles that eventually rise to the surface and flake off. It’s a bit like your skin is saying, “Adios, unwanted melanin!” IPL is non-invasive and usually requires multiple sessions, but the results can be quite dramatic.

Clear + Brilliant

Another treatment that evens out skin tone is Clear + Brilliant, a laser skin resurfacing procedure which encourages your skin to generate new, healthier skin cells to replace the damaged ones. This treatment can improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of pores, and fade hyperpigmentation.

How can you prevent hyperpigmentation?

The old saying, “prevention is better than cure,” is true, especially when it comes to hyperpigmentation. So, what’s the game plan?

Sunscreen Is your BFF

Repeat after us: sunscreen is not just for the beach. Wearing sunscreen consistently every day, no matter the weather is the most effective way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent hyperpigmentation. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and make it a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine.

Other protective measures

While sunscreen is crucial, it’s not your only line of defense. Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing can also shield your skin from the sun’s rays. If possible, avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.).

A balanced diet

Finally, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can boost your skin’s health from the inside out. Foods like berries, oranges, spinach, and nuts are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can help protect your skin against damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays.

In conclusion, the sun is a tricky companion. It offers warmth, vitamin D, and beautiful days at the beach, but it can also leave you with lasting reminders, such as hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, with the right preventive measures and dermatological treatments, you can tackle these unwelcome spots. Now, go and enjoy the final days of summer!