Hyperpigmentation, despite being completely harmless, is a skin condition that affects millions of individuals, often affecting their self-esteem. Thankfully, there are a number of different ingredients that can help tackle the look of these marks, allowing you to manage your pigmentation issues by using the right skincare.
While no over-the-counter product can match the results you would see from our in-clinic pigmentation treatments, the ever so popular Derma White Treatment or even our Laser Pigmentation Treatments, the following ingredients can help to lighten existing hyperpigmentation issues when correctly used as part of your existing skincare routine. Of course, you should beware of hydroquinone and similar illegal lightening creams as these can actually make hyperpigmentation worse.
Alpine Herbs
Alpine herb blends, like the ones found in the Zaheda skincare range Ultra Smooth Sea Polish and Ultra Light Derma White lightening cream, have been proven to gently yet effectively tackle pigmentation issues in the results of a research programme. Ideal for anyone looking to keep their skincare as natural or organic as possible. Alpine herbs not only slow down the synthesis of melanin and fade existing discolouration but they also brighten and even skin tone as well as reduce the colour intensity of age spots. They also hydrate the skin, making it a gentle but effective active ingredient to look out for.
In in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo tests this blend of Alpine herbs has an effect on the tyrosinase-inhibiting mechanism involved in melanin biosynthesis. The main functions being; Skin-lightening activity, Reduction of age spots colour intensity and Evening of skin tone.
Aloe Vera
Well-known for its soothing properties, aloe vera contains a natural compound – aloin – known for its skin lightening properties. This naturally occurring depigmentation agent gently lightens skin, making aloe vera ideal for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, in combination with aloe vera’s soothing properties.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Derived from the seeds of rosehip fruit, this nutrient-rich oil works wonders on both scarring and hyperpigmentation. Tackling dark spots while also moisturising dry skin, this multitasking ingredient is also wonderful for healing and protecting against future damage as it helps to fight the free radicals which are responsible for hyperpigmentation in the first place, while also improving cell turnover.
Seaweed Extract
Made famous by its inclusion in prestigious Creme de la Mer skincare line, seaweed is full of powerful natural actives, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants – all of which make it a real hero ingredient when it comes to skincare. Like rosehip seed oil, seaweed extract also protects cells against free radical damage, while also improving the look of existing hyperpigmentation. If you’re someone who suffers from hyperpigmentation due to acne, then consider this your new hero product. Well known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, along with tackling pigmentation, it tackles both acne and the associated hyperpigmentation that can often come with acne scarring.
Not only are all of these ingredients excellent for treating hyperpigmentation but they are also naturally-occurring, making them far more gentle than chemical treatments for hyperpigmentation. They also come without the wide range of side-effects that can accompany other lightening ingredients.
