Hyperpigmentation and Sun Safety Skin Care Tips 2023 Guide

We are well aware of how to protect, prevent, and treat the skin from sun damage. This blog will address information related to skin tone that seems all too relevant once spring and summer arrive. As always, reach out for any of your personalized questions with our expert skin care team.

What Hyperpigmentation Is and Is Not

Many individuals will experience hyperpigmentation in their lifetime. Hyperpigmentation is where an area of skin appears slightly darker than the surrounding skin. This is because of an excess production of a chemical called melanin. (Melanin is what gives the skin the appearance of color in the first space.) Hyperpigmentation spots are also called “age spots,” or “sun spots” aptly, as typically they are more visible in older adults or visible on individuals who have spent a lot of time in the sun.

a close up of a person wearing a hat

Common etiologies (causal factors) for hyperpigmentation spots on the skin:

These dark spots or splotches often occur after years of unprotected sun damage.
Another reason hyperpigmentation may occur due to increased melanin production may be because of hormones (i.e. a surge of hormones during pregnancy).
Acne, skin diseases, and freckles can affect the appearance of skin tone and sometimes appears in a way that resembles hyperpigmentation.

Melasma, however, a similar skin coloration condition, looks similar to hyperpigmentation spots but often affects a larger skin area. Read this for more information about preventing and treating melasma.

Solutions: Sun Protective Factor | SPF

Diligent use of a sun protection product is important to prevent the creation of new dark spots or make existing dark areas even darker. A broad-spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is recommended. Re-apply every 90 minutes while out and about. It doesn’t take the sun long to make a lasting effect on the skin.

Many makeup foundations are formulated with SPF in them, though we recommend using an SPF product first before applying makeup. Better safe than sorry; the makeup compounds may decrease the benefits of sun protection despite what the SPF factor on the container reads.

Wear sunscreen all year long. Summer or winter, the sun never sleeps, and neither should your skincare diligence!

Ask us if we have our expertly formulated ISDIN sunscreen in stock to reserve yours today. Eryfotona Actinica is a lightweight, all-mineral broad-spectrum sun protection. The formula contains DNA Repairsomes®, naturally occurring enzymes that are clinically proven to repair existing sun damage.

Lightening vs. Brightening

There is a difference between skin lightening and skin brightening treatments. A lightener will actually lighten the look of areas of hyperpigmentation or larger melasma areas, effectively fading the appearance of dark spots and patches to reveal a more even-looking skin tone.

If dark spots aren’t an issue, but your skin looks dull, lackluster, or just blotchy, a skin brightening treatment will be the recommended course of action. A brightening formula will likely help resurface the skin to reveal a youthful-looking vibrancy and overall glow.

Skin Care Ingredients for Sun Protection

Several products on the market lighten skin with an active ingredient called hydroquinone, essentially bleaching the skin by reducing the number of melanin-makers, and melanocytes. Long-term use can result in side effects. Skin care products with a more gentle formulation are recommended to decrease the effects of melanin production and to brighten dull, blotchy skin. That is where some Environ products have been created and utilized for this exact purpose.

chart The first step should always be to normalize the skin with a Vitamin A skincare routine (see the blog- New to Environ) and then add focused products with lightening and brightening agents. Such gentle yet effective ingredients are Vitamin C and E, arbutin, mulberry extract, licorice, neem leaf, honeybush, and niacinamide (a form of B3). All target and work together to decrease the visible signs of pigmentation or other concerns without the detrimental effects of harsh chemicals.

Long-Term Skin Tone Maintenance

How can you keep your skin looking light and bright, you ask. Many people utilize lightning and brightening treatments over the course of the year to maintain a glowing, radiant look. A daily regimen of toning and exfoliating the skin with a natural chemical exfoliator like hydroxy acid (AHA), or beta hydroxy acid-based (BHA) product is a good way to remove dead skin cells. Environ’s AHA Toner and the Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream is a great way to introduce this gentle exfoliation to your daily routine. Then follow with a skin brightener or skin lightener before using your daily moisturizer and/or serum.

Tri Bio-Botanical Revival Masque, jar, and brush included

Resulting in dramatically glowing skin, the gently resurfacing Revival mask is a longtime favorite for Environ regulars. Utilizing a unique and effective combination of lactic acid, asiatic acid, and mandelic acid, this masque will leave your face brighter, smoother, and more even-looking than ever before. After pre-cleansing, cleansing, and toning, apply the masque with a thin, even surface. Leave the masque on for 10-20 minutes, starting using it twice a week. Rinse with tepid water. Follow with your favorite Environ moisturizer and serum combination.

You may also leave overnight as an intensive overnight masque. Apply about 20 minutes after your normal Environ moisturizer combination, and rinse it off in the morning.

Multi-Bioactive Mela-Prep Lotion

This silky toner lotion contains an expertly formulated solution of ingredients: niacinamide, and Vitamins A and C, which will strategically improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and visible sun damage. After using it diligently, your skin will look brighter and more even-toned over time. To use, pre-cleanse, cleanse, and tone. Then apply the Mela-Prep Lotion only to the darkened areas of the skin, morning and evening. Follow with Intensive C-Boost cream (see below description) and then finish with your moisturizer and sunscreen or night cream during the day or night respectively.

Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream

This cream is a special, oil-soluble Vitamin-C-infused cream that helps reclaim the appearance of younger, healthier-looking luminous skin. Pre-cleanse, cleanse, and tone with your preferred Environ products. Use this cream in conjunction with your serum, and apply it after using your cosmetic needling on the recommended area. Apply in the morning and evening. Finish with your Environ Vitamin A moisturizer and sunscreen if it is daytime.

How to Fix Skin Pigmentation and Melasma Concerns

The best outcome for pigmentation is a combination of effective home care products and professional in-office services.
Consider your sun safety options– sunscreen and clothing protections
At home, use products rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, skin brightening boosters, and serums specific to your skin care needs.

Ask your skincare expert which services will best address your skin pigmentation or melasma concerns in conjunction with your daily skincare routine.