have stubborn dark scars and marks that just seem to last forever? Well you’re in luck, because today we’re gonna talk about how to beat hyperpigmentation all 2023. This new year is all about renewal and self care. You owe it to yourself to try these strategies to help clear your skin. First let's identify what hyperpigmentation is. Hyperpigmentation is a common condition where certain skin cells create too much melanin, causing a noticeable darker discoloration when compared to the skin surrounding it. It happens frequently when damaged skin heals, leaving some people with dark scars that take a long time to fade. There aren’t too many treatment options when dealing with this skin condition. However, some methods include using over the counter creams, retinol and high-tech options. The best way to help manage hyperpigmentation is staying moisturized and using your sunblock. Lotion daily helps keep your skin moisturized and improves cell turn. With summer right around the corner, it’s time to stock up on sunblock. UV rays from the sun cause pigmentation in scars to develop darker. I recommend using a SPF of 30 or higher. You can also achieve this protection by wearing clothing with more coverage on cooler summer days. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, between the hours of 10 am to 2 pm is when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. It's best to limit the amount of sun exposure during these hours or use alternatives like sunblock. Over the counter scar creams are the most accessible method. They come in a wide variety of brands, shapes and sizes. When choosing a cream, you want to keep three key ingredients in mind: silicone, retinoid, and niacinamide. Silicone helps heal raised scars and retinoids remove scar texture. Niacinamides are paramount to fading scar related hyperpigmentation. I would recommend finding a multi-step skin care system that contains these ingredients. That way, you don’t have to put much thought into it and it will seamlessly fit into your daily routine. Retinols are another easy over the counter method that also have prescription alternatives if you need an extra boost. The most important thing about using retinoids is to limit sun exposure. Retinol accelerates the formation of new skin cells. Due to this acceleration, the new skin is sensitive and more prone to sunburn. What good is clearing our skin if we’re going to burn it and damage it further? Keep that sunblock close and wear appropriate attire that helps block pesky UV rays from that fresh baby skin. High tech options also exist if the previous two options are not sufficient. Derma pen micro needling for instance, is a great solution especially if you have a darker skin tone. Micro needling involves inserting pinpoint needles into the skin. This results in the creation of micro channels which triggers the wound healing response in our skin cells. An added benefit to this method is the ability to adjust the depth according to the unique characteristics of the scars. Also, when compared to peels or laser treatments, it has minimal downtime. On average, healing from this treatment takes about 24 hours. However, discuss with your practitioner what your
down time would be based on your unique skin condition. For some needing more intense treatment, it can take two to three days to fully heal. Remember, 2023 is all about renewal so let's renew our skin. Take your time and do your homework when deciding on which option is best for you. However, take advantage of your research period and start using sunscreen and lotion now. That way by the time you find a good skin care system or step into the dermatologist office, you're already giving your skin its best chance to succeed.
