Hyperpigmentation is defined as spots on the skin that are darker than the area that surrounds it. It can occur as a result of excessive sun exposure, hormones, or even as a result of inflammation and injury to the area. For example once an acne bump has gone down, there is usually a dark spot left over showing exactly where the inflammation occurred on the skin. For those that suffer from occasional breakouts it may not be much of a concern, but for chronic acne sufferers it may be traumatizing and the spots are something that they are definitely looking to get rid of.
Here are some ways to get rid of those pesky dark spots once and for all and have the even toned, glowing skin that you've always dreamed of.
1. Cleansing
This step can be often overlooked and is one of the most important steps in removing hyperpigmentation and keeping it from returning. Starting with clean skin is going to be the first step to hyperpigmentation removal and just healthy skin in general and must be done either while exfoliating ie. using a kojic acid bar and exfoliating cloth to both cleanse and exfoliate at the same time (at the most once daily) or just using a gentle brightening cleanser (twice daily).
2. Exfoliating
Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin that can also cause the skin to become dull, dry, and leads to aging skin and wrinkles. The practice of exfoliating is not only important for even and glowing skin, but also for having youthful and healthy skin. It should be something that is done at least once a week but, for non-sensitive skin types exfoliating alone once every other day or even daily can bring about a dramatic change in the skin, not to mention that it helps your other skin care products work much better because there are no dead skin cells there to block pores and inhibit absorption of these products.
3. Using a Toner
Using a toner also helps to get rid of dead down dirt and debris and is especially great for those that suffer from breakouts or just want extra cleansing and fresh, clean skin. Use a cotton ball and upward strokes to apply a good quality toner, and an extra added plus is that it can also help to further exfoliate (depending on the ingredients) so try to use one with aha's or alpha hydroxy acids to help facilitate the removal of any left over skin cells.
4. Apply a Skin Lightening Cream
This is one of the most important steps to getting rid of hyperpigmentation. After cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, it is essential that a good, quality skin lightening cream is applied to the face. There are many skin lightening creams on the market but unfortunately not all are created equal. Using a skin lightening cream with sepiwhite in it is one of the best ways to get rid of dark spots using a natural ingredient and it is even more powerful than using chemicals. Another bonus of using quality skin lightening products with natural ingredients is that you don't have to fear that you're using something that is harmful to your health.
5. Using a Sunscreen
Using spf 15 or above daily is necessary to make sure that the dark spots do not return after you've worked so hard to remove them. Once they are gone make sure to continue to use at least a good spf and continue exfoliating at least once a week to increase cell turnover and to ensure that you always have fresh, bright skin.
For more information on how to use skin lightening creams to remove dark spots or hyperpigmentation, live chat with one of our knowledgeable skin care specialists 24/7 on our website www.toniqueskincare.com.