Every year, Google searches for the terms “dark spots”, “sun spots” and “hyperpigmentation” increase all over the world. Whether you have very light, fair, dull or dark skin, you can be affected by a common skin disorder caused by an overstimulation of melanin in the skin, which results in dark spots or patches on your face or body. Yes, it is hyperpigmentation. It is a real scourge of our time. Although these dark spots that appear on the skin have no consequences on our health and lifestyle, their very unattractive appearance can cause some discomfort. Here are some figures that should speak to you

• Almost 2 out of 3 women say preoccupied or very preoccupied with their tasks.
• 8 out of 10 women are affected by skin tone irregularities.
• 10 years older than his real age, this is the appearance that pigmentary disorders can give to a woman

What should you know about dark spots of hyperpigmentation of the skin?

Sorele tells you all about what hyperpigmentation is, how to avoid it and how to treat it.

WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION?

Indeed, hyperpigmentation is indeed a term that we see flourishing in beauty articles. Concretely, it is a overproduction of melanin, you know that pigment that gives color to your skin, your hair and your eyes. These spots are not all the same and vary in size from simple sun spots to large patches of discoloration and in color as they range from light brown to black. They can develop on any part of the skin and concern all types of complexion.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND/OR TRIGGER FACTORS OF HYPERPIGMENTATION?

·       Sun exposure is the main cause of hyperpigmentation, as it triggers melanin production. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen for your skin, protecting you from harmful UV rays, which is why people tan in the sun. But excessive sun exposure can disrupt this process, leading to hyperpigmentation.

·       Hyperpigmentation can also appear due to hormonal influences natural or hormonal treatments.

·       Age spots appear on the body due to a reaction to UV rays. Commonly known as sunspots, these are brown to black macules that usually appear on sun-exposed skin after the age of 40 and are due to excessive or uneven production of melanin.    

·       Hyperpigmentation sometimes occurs at the following a skin injury or inflammation as a result of which the skin darkens and becomes discolored after healing e.g. cuts, exposure to chemicals, acne or psoriasis.

·       Hyperpigmentation is also symptomatic of certain diseases such as certain autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies.

·       It can also be triggered by certain medications : chemotherapy, antibiotics, antimalarials and antiepileptic drugs.

WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY ARE AFFECTED BY HYPERPIGMENTATION?

Hyperpigmentation of the skin results in the presence of brown spots. It can darken in small touches or cover large areas of the body such as: The face, in particular the forehead, the cheeks, the wings of the nose, the lips, the chin, the eye contour; The cleavage ; The backs of the hands; The belly in the case of pregnant women; The forearms; Shoulders ; The back.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION

There are four main types of hyperpigmentation:

lentigines
Lentigines include sunspots, freckles, age spots, and liver spots. When melanocytes overreact and release too much melanin, pigment spots result, usually in the form of freckles or larger age spots.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
One of the most common types of hyperpigmentation caused by injury or trauma to the skin, such as a cut, burn, scrape, or acne.

Melasma or Chloasma
Primarily affecting women, melasma is triggered by hormonal changes, pregnancy, or certain medications. It usually appears as patches of uneven darker colored skin on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip that usually appear darker right after sun exposure.

Hyperpigmentation due to disease
such as Addison's disease, an endocrine disorder that causes an overproduction of melanin resulting in dark spots or darker skin tones.

HOW TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE EXISTING PIGMENT MARKS ON THE SKIN?

Prevention is better than cure

Sun protection remains the most important action to prevent hyperpigmentation. Remember that the sun's rays act on the skin, even on cloudy days. So be sure to protect your skin on a daily basis. Even if your dark spots are linked to genetic or hormonal causes, or damage from free radical pollution, they can darken when exposed to UV rays. Sunscreen should be applied as part of your morning skincare routine, as the last step before makeup (if you wear it), 15 minutes before sun exposure. Remember to reapply every two hours of exposure, and more frequently if you're exercising outdoors or enjoying a day at the beach.

• Limit skin exposure to the sun will also help reduce instances of hyperpigmentation. Try to protect yourself from the sun during the most intense hours and wear protective clothing as much as possible, including hats and sunglasses.
• Good nights sleep. Lthe quality of your sleep plays on the quality of your skin.
• From balanced meals – even if of course you have to know how to have fun from time to time.

Although prevention is best, once you have dark spots, there are steps you can take to lessen them and prevent them from coming back.

The illuminator range has been specially formulated to reduce hyperpigmentation for more even and radiant skin. Six of the seven products of the illuminator range, illuminating eye contour cream, illuminating radiance serum, The brightening day cream – supreme radiance, night lightening face cream – high power night and illuminating micro-exfoliating powder contain at least bearberry, kojic acid, flower acids, rumex extract. These effective ingredients act on hyperpigmentation by reducing the production of melanin. They have been clinically and dermatologically proven to significantly reduce dark spots. The first results are visible after a few weeks and improve continuously with regular use.