Treating hyperpigmentation whether its dullness associated with sun damage beneath the surface of your skin or obvious pigmented changes that are visible for all to see, you will best served by treating the whole face. The approach is to exfoliate, lighten and brighten, and protect.
The regimen we are about to recommend has proven time and again to make a real difference in the complexions of those who maintain it. Although it requires both patience and dedication of at least 2 to 4 months, and sometimes a year to start noticing changes that will make you feel much more confident and help you look years younger. And even when your goal is to banish melisma or an age spot you’ll be best served by treating your full face to tackle the changes that lurk beneath the surface. Keep in mind that it is important to incorporate all the following steps, because as many of our patients confirmed, any one treatment will not work effectively.
STEP ONE: EXFOLIATE
- Removing dead skin cells helps to accomplish at least 3 important functions.
- It accelerates turnover of the dead skin cells that contain excess melanin.
- It clears the way for penetration of active treatment ingredients.
- It refines skin’s surface for a more even light reflection and luminosity.
By using a cleanser that contains exfoliation properties, particularly those with gentle cleaning grains, alpha hydroxyl acids, acetyl glucosamine, and retinol, it’s easy to incorporate exfoliation into a skincare routine. Exfoliation offers a simple way to get your skin to act like it’s younger than it is. Once you discover the right kind of exfoliation, your skin will look a million times brighter and healthier.
STEP TWO: LIGHTEN AND BRIGHTEN
To do this, use a hydroquinone as the anchor ingredient. We’ve found it’s best to layer lightening and brightening agents onto the skin via varied delivery system.
- With a liquid exfoliate, hydroquinone quickly penetrates into the cells to interrupt the activity of an enzyme involved in the production of excess pigment. Using a toner that contains hydroquinone is an effective way to provide a rapid dose of this highly effective lightening agent to the skin.
- Following the above apply a hydroquinone lotion or cream, which provides supplemental skin brightening benefits. These cosmeceutical- brightening agents in the base formation of liquids or creams that contain hydroquinone provided supplemental skin-brightening benefits. These cosmeceuticals may be forms of vitamin C, plant extract such as bearberry or licorice, or ingredients such as retinol or Kojic acid.
STEP THREE: PROTECT
Treating skin for hyperpigmentation without diligently protecting it from further UV exposure is like going up and down an escalator. The UVA radiation will be triggering more pigment to be released as you are trying to slow it down: Thus, broad-spectrum sun protection containing zinc oxide is MANDATORY during the treatment process. And furthermore if you want to keep the unwanted pigment from returning, In addition, wear protective clothing when in the sun. A SINGLE DAY OF UNPROTECTED SUN EXPOSURE CAN VIRTUALLY UNDO MONTHS OF TREATMENT!
This simple skincare strategy should help restore the skins clarity and brightness in the course of 60 or 90 days. However, many people tell us they see a positive change in their skin much sooner than that…and their friends notice as well. Once the maximum lightning and evening of their skin have been achieved and the benefits have stabilized, you may want to change you’re your routine to address another skin care issue ( if any).
PATIENCE AND COMMITMENT
Remember that your brown spots and discolorations took a lifetime to acquire, so a little patience in treating them will go a long way! While you may be tempted to jump right in, hydroquinone is a powerful medicine even at a low dose. To get best results, introduce it to your skin slowly to allow your skin to accommodate.
“The real secret to long term management of hyperpigmentation is strict, daily, year-round use of sunscreens and as needed hydroquinone therapy to lighten the abnormal pigment.”