How to get rid of hyperpigmentation on brown and black skin?
It is possible to reduce or eliminate pigment spots on dark skin. There are several products against brown spots. Some contain potentially dangerous ingredients like hydroquinone and cortisone. Plus, they whiten your skin.
But there are also properly formulated products that remove your dark spots while preserving the color and health of your skin. Here is a routine that you can adopt to treat hyperpigmentation spots on black skin effectively and safely.
First, we need some background on how dark spots and hyperpigmentation are formed.
The melanocyte at the heart of skin pigmentation
The skin organ is made up of a multitude of cells that are very different from each other and have very specific roles. Among them, melanocytes are the defense weapon against the sun.
In the melanocytes are small corpuscles, the melanosomes, which manufacture melanin. It is this melanin that colors the skin. This molecule is a pigment that is transported to the upper part of the skin in order to absorb the rays of the sun. Also, to protect all skin cells from UV rays.
Melanin is present in greater quantity in darker skin. Therefore, skin cancer is found more rarely in people with black skin. In people with very fair skin or redheads, the melanosomes produce a slightly different substance called pheomelanin. It is often red, sometimes yellow, and provides very little protection against UV rays.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a phenomenon resulting in a darker color of the skin in certain places, due to an overproduction of melanin.
What causes hyperpigmentation on black skin?
Black, brown, and mixed people have a high concentration of melanin which allows them to age better and less quickly than Caucasian skins. However, this high concentration of melanin also makes them very sensitive to external aggressions.
in the event of aggression, black skin defends itself by overproduction of melanin (hyperpigmentation) resulting in the appearance of black and brown spots. You must therefore take this specificity into account in your care routine.
Different factors can cause the appearance of pigment spots:
Inflammation: acne, pimples, wounds, burns, eczema, etc. We talk about post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun without suitable sun protection
A wound, sore or burn
A hormonal disorder as is the case during pregnancy. This is called melasma or pregnancy mask
Aging, in this case it is age spots or lentigo
Rebound Effect from the use of certain harsh products such as hydroquinone and certain acids
Dark phototype skin in which black melanin is important.
Shaving: In black men, shaving sometimes leads to pimples and ingrown hairs that darken the lower face.
Having to adapt to specific climatic conditions to protect the body from external aggressions. when black and brown skins find themselves in dry and cold climates, the skin becomes very dry and dehydrated.
How long does it take to fade hyperpigmentation spots?
The length of treatment for hyperpigmentation varies from person to person. Several factors are also considered: the extent of the spots, since when they are present, their gravity, your treatment. But, the treatment of hyperpigmentation takes several months
- Avoid whitening products
Whitening products attack, weaken and unbalance the skin. They also cause the appearance of spots in addition to being potentially dangerous for your health.
- Deeply cleanse your skin
Morning and evening, gently cleanse your face. Cleansing rids the skin of impurities and fatty substances and promotes cell renewal. If you have sensitive, dry skin, we recommend https://www.morgannasalchemy.com/product/morgannas-brew-cleanser/.
For combination to oily skin https://www.morgannasalchemy.com/product/algae-cleanser/.
- Use an antioxidant-based cream on pigment spots
Antioxidants can act on the skin of face and body. These active ingredients are useful for delaying the appearance of signs of aging and for maintaining beautiful skin for longer. Vitamin E, Astaxanthin, Resveratrol, coq10 provide, for example, a targeted action that helps fight against the production of free radicals. These can cause health problems by causing a certain disorder within the cells themselves, this is oxidative stress. The oxidation of cells is a natural phenomenon, the latter can fight it thanks to their natural defenses. Free radicals are also responsible for the appearance of wrinkles, loss of elasticity or pigmentary disorders such as dark spots on the skin.
Antioxidants are great allies for reducing cell inflammation, limiting dark spots, smoothing wrinkles, and protecting against skin aging. barrier molecules, antioxidants stop and minimize oxidation. Integrating antioxidants into your skincare and beauty routine is recommended.
- Use a brightening serum
After cleansing your skin, apply an anti-blemish serum to the spots.
- Hydrate or mattify depending on your skin type
In temperate climates, black and brown skins suffer from dehydration. They are destabilized and try to adapt. Black skins also produce more sebum than others. It is therefore necessary to hydrate them without greasing them. Choose your treatment according to your skin type (dry, normal, combination, oily).
- Avoid fiddling with your pimples Even though it may be tempting to touch your pimples, you absolutely must avoid it, as this could cause the lesions to become superinfected and lead to the appearance of black spots.
- Use sunscreen
Contrary to popular belief, dark skin also needs sun protection. Use SPF 30 and try to go for a Zinc Oxide based lotion
- Space out shaving
It is recommended that men space out shaves and moisturize the skin daily with appropriate products.
- DERMATOLOGIST OR ESTETHICIAN? Choose one that specializes in black skin.
How long will it take for hyperpigmentation to fade?
If you are undergoing treatment for acne-related hyperpigmentation, be aware that it may take time. Some spots may fade without treatment, count 6 to 12 months. Hyperpigmentation that is deep in the dermis can be more difficult to treat and may even be permanent.
