This may be an overused buzz word but sunscreen is a skincare necessity for everyone but especially those with Hyperpigmentation because it will protect you from further sun damage. Unfortunately not all sunscreens are great for hyperpigmentation and could actually trigger more pigment to produce.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Being half Filipino and half Aussie (dad is a freckly redhead) I’m one of those people prone to pigmentation. As a Facialist it really is one of the hardest conditions to treat without intensive resurfacing treatments & long term treatment time.
It is important to take you through what it actually is, hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the condition in which the skin darkens, usually it is not harmful, but in some cases, it may indicate medical problems.
There are several types of hyperpigmentation including:
- Melasma
- Lentigines (sun/age spots)
- Post- Inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Ephelides (freckles)
- Smokers Melanosis
- Faculative (uneven skin tone that changes during life)
What are the Triggers and Activators of hyperpigmentation?
- UV Radiation (Sun exposure)
- Hormones
- Genetics
- Trauma / Heat
What I learnt about daily Sunscreen & Pigmentation
- Pigmentation is mainly triggered by trauma, heat or sun exposure. Sunscreen is essential.
- A mineral SPF is a better option because some chemical SPFs can be stressful to your skin which may trigger more pigment. For example an SPF containing oxybenzone which is known to be hormonally active may trigger hormonally darkened skin.
- SPFs that contain antioxidants further protect your skin from free radical damage which can trigger hyperpigmentation.
- ingredients like Tomato Fruit extract in a functional dose (found in Super Sun & Glow Filter SPF50) are clinically proven to reduce the melanin producing response.
- Fragrance free products are less stressful to the skin and a better option for those with pigment
- Pigmentation may be a sign that your barrier & skin structure needs strengthening. This may be where a professional can step in to prescribe the correct treatment plan.
- A Vitamin C serum applied under your SPF provides an extra blanket of free radical damage protection & boosts the power of your sunscreen. Vitamin C is great for pigmentation so I would recommend pairing a Vitamin C serum with your SPF.
During the formulation process of Super Sun SPF50 these key areas played a huge role to create a formula that not only protected hyperpigmentated skin but reduced as many potential triggers as a topical solution could.
If you are experiencing hyperpigmentation and want to learn more about how to treat it I have recently started using a new treatment from the USA called Bryght which is now available in Australia and my progress is now up on the Sunny Skin blog. Full before & after photos with the step by step. This is the only product I’ve ever used that has given me fast results without peeling like a snake for 7 days & seriously compromising the barrier.