New Year, Same Problem? Rewrite Your Hyperpigmentation Story in 2020
The start of a brand new year. Are you still trying to figure out how to get rid of stubborn hyperpigmentation? It is one of the more difficult skin issues to defeat, but with the right regimen and a bit of patience, it’s a battle you can win. Let's make this the year you say goodbye to dark spots, and hello to brightness.
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Start by taking stock of your current regimen and habits to make sure you’re not doing anything to encourage or prolong hyperpigmentation.
Sun Protection is a Must
Since UV exposure both stimulates new melanin production and deepens existing pigment, protecting your skin from the sun is the easiest way to guard against hyperpigmentation. Make sure you’re protecting your skin daily with SPF even during the winter months. Day Treatment Lotion SPF 15 is a non-greasy moisturizer with SPF that can be used under makeup or on its own for daily defense against damaging UV.
Enhance your sun protection routine with a vitamin C & E serum. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that helps defend against environmental stressors, and its benefits are reinforced when paired with vitamin E. Together, these antioxidants provide enhanced protection from free radical damage and support a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
Vivant’s Pure C+E Serum takes advantage of this potent synergy by combining the two antioxidant heroes in one high-performance formula to neutralize free radicals, protect from damaging UV, and brighten the skin for an even tone and radiant glow. Use it as a booster for other targeted serums.
Calm
Hyperpigmentation is often the result of trauma to the skin. Breakouts, bug bites, even scratching or picking at your skin, initiate an inflammatory response that stimulates pigmentation.
If you experience breakouts, avoid picking at blemishes. Instead, rub ice over the blemishes for two to three minutes to constrict blood vessels and calm inflammation.
Look for calming ingredients to sooth.
Aloe is widely known for its calming and soothing properties, and certain compounds found naturally in the plant—such as aloin and aloesin—have been studied for their potential to support a more even-looking complexion. These components are associated with helping improve the appearance of discoloration and uneven tone.
Make Totaloe Soothing and Hydrating Gel part of your regimen to help calm the skin, support recovery from visible irritation, and complement your overall brightening routine.
Mandelic acid is an excellent choice for helping reduce the appearance of excess pigment. It’s especially good for dark or irritation-prone skin because it’s larger molecular structure gives it a slower absorption rate. That translates to minimal irritation.
Increase Cell Turnover
Pigment resides in the base of the top layer of skin, so the removal process requires increasing cell renewal to break down excess pigment. Physical exfoliation a couple of times a week will help speed the process of fading dark spots by removing dead skin cells. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, which can irritate and weaken the skin barrier. Avoid harsh products and overly coarse pads or brushes.
Try Vivant’s Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Exfoliating Cleanser with antioxidant and naturally brightening mandelic acid, plus polyphenol-rich green tea extract and grape seed oil for the ultimate cleanse.
Daily Repair Pads help tone skin and improve the appearance of discoloration with a blend of mandelic acid, niacinamide, zinc peptides, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. These textured, single-use pads gently exfoliate to help break up the look of excess pigment and support a brighter, more even-toned complexion. Use as step two (the toner step) for a consistent mini-resurfacing effect and enhanced absorption of serums.
Use a targeted serum formulated to support healthy skin renewal. Vivant’s Retinyl Propionate helps improve the appearance of discoloration by gently encouraging surface exfoliation, which helps reduce the look of excess pigment over time. As a gentler vitamin A derivative, it offers a more comfortable option for those seeking visible brightening and smoothing benefits.
Derm-A-Gel brings together Retinyl Propionate with niacinamide, lactic acid, and kojic acid—an ingredient blend that helps visibly refine texture, brighten uneven tone, and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a more even-looking complexion.
Try a Peel
Support your at-home regimen with regular visits to a skin care professional who can recommend treatments tailored to your needs. Professional exfoliating treatments—such as chemical peels—can enhance the appearance of skin by helping to smooth texture and improve the look of uneven tone. These treatments also help prepare the skin so it can better receive the benefits of your daily products.
Because chemical peels do not rely on heat or mechanical abrasion, they are generally suitable for a wide range of skin types. While you may notice an immediate visible refresh after a ProPeel®, the most noticeable improvements typically come from a series of treatments performed six to eight weeks apart.
Be Consistent & Patient
The good news for hyperpigmentation is that with the right products and consistent application, you can see a difference in four to six weeks that will continue to improve over time until you reach the dramatic difference you’re seeking.
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