What exactly is hyperpigmentation?
Here’s an interesting fact; about 4 out of 5 questions we get about skincare concerns are related to hyperpigmentation! That’s why we’re passionate about creating hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. If you noticed parts of your face or body looking visibly darker than others – yup, that’s hyperpigmentation!
In more scientific terms… (you need to know this), hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin caused by an abnormally high amount of the skin pigment melanin resulting in spots or patches that appear darker than surrounding areas. The best part is that hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya are available.
The skin consists of layers of tissue. The dermis is found deeper in the skin, and hyperpigmentation can affect the epidermis, dermis, or both! While hyperpigmentation is harmless, it does become a cosmetic concern and can affect self-confidence. It also typically lasts longer and is more severe in melanated skin.
Read on to know more about hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya.
Types of hyperpigmentation:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common in darker skin tones. It occurs when overproduction of melanin from inflammation results in dark brown pigmentation. When it does occur, the underlying inflammatory conditions should be sought and treated as the first step to reducing inflammatory and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2017).
When the epidermis is affected, PIH may persist for months to years without treatment but does tend to improve over time as the underlying inflammatory disorder resolves. On the other hand, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may be permanent when the dermis is affected, making some hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya seem ineffective.
- Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE)
Post-inflammatory erythema is common in lighter skin tones. It occurs when blood cells are damaged, resulting in red-pink hyperpigmentation, resolving over time.
Simple tips to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring:
- Avoid direct sunlight
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The body works overtime to produce more melanin to protect the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun. This can be a problem for people living in hot areas as the skin darkens over time hence the high demand for hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya.
SPF is your skin’s BFF! A standard recommendation by many public health agencies is to reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours (Diffey, 2001). Alternatively, it can be applied in the morning, noon, and late afternoon.
Sunscreen supports hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. It acts as a shield that prevents the overproduction of melanin. Guys, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. The best sunscreen options are tinted with iron oxide or titanium dioxide, which block natural light.
PS: Wearing hats and avoiding direct exposure to the sun between 10 a.m and 3 p.m also supports hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. It reduces exposure to direct sunlight.
2. Resist picking pimples
We know just how tempting it can be to pick, pop and itch pimples! But don’t! That’s a NO-GO zone – instead, use our Uncover skin care “I Am Spotless” pimple patches (coolest new-bee in town) made just for this – shop here.
Our pimple patches are one of the most innovative hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya! They work on ripened pimples to suck out the gunk, heal pimples faster, protect pimples from the external environment, and prevent you from picking and popping them.
PS: In case you missed it, check out how we created this much-needed product and contributed to hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya here.
3. Avoid irritants
If you have sensitive skin, this is for you… avoid harsh ingredients when experimenting with different hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. Hyperpigmentation can also be triggered by a wide variety of medications. If you have adverse reactions from using a product or medication, stop using it immediately.
4. Seek treatment for underlying skin conditions
Underlying skin conditions when treated, can reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation occurring and increase the effectiveness of hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. Some of these conditions include melasma, chloasma (a type of melasma that occurs during pregnancy), age spots, sun spots, acne, eczema diabetes, Addison’s disease, hereditary hemochromatosis and hyperthyroidism. For more on thyroid and its connection to the skin click here.
Treatment for hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can be treated or controlled to a certain extent, even if not gotten rid of completely. There’s quite a number of hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya that you could try.
Here are 6 ingredients to look out for when treating hyperpigmentation:
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant which helps fade and prevent dark spots from forming making it one of the most common hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. It also lightens pigmentation without lightening surrounding skin by preventing melanin production which is perfect! Include it to your daily routine as it also protects the skin from UV rays (an added plus). Our vitamin C sheet mask is a force to reckon with when it comes to hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya, and is the ULTIMATE everyday option but we’ll let you be the judge 🙂 – shop Uncover skincare here.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica)
If you are regularly exposed to direct sunlight (premature photoaging prospect alert) or have acne-prone skin, this is a go-to ingredient for you! Cica is a medicinal plant with antioxidant properties that has its stake in effective hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. It’s among the few herbal extracts that get absorbed into the skin really well, and synthesised for efficient use by the body. This makes it a hyperpigmentation warrior – as we like to call it. Cica-infused serums, toners and cleansers (based on your personal preference) are great hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya.
Shop our hero cica range; Neulii Cica – Pepta Repair Serum, Neulii Derma Ecto-Cica 12 Serum, Beausta Cica Recipe Cleansing Foam or Neulii Derma Ecto-Cica 11 Toner.
Fun fact – tigers naturally roll around the cica plant (one of the key hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya) after a fight to heal wounds.
- Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid tops the list of hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya in darker skin tones. It is also pregnancy-safe. Azelaic acid eliminates post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma by sparing normal pigment cells and acting on abnormal pigment cells which makes it qualify to use on the entire face! If you have sensitive acne prone-skin, incorporate azelaic acid (in lower concentrations) into your routine when trying to find hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya that work for you.
P.S: Post-inflammatory pigmentation caused by acne, and acne itself are treated by azelaic acid.
- Arbutin
If damage control was an ingredient it would be arbutin! Hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya are versatile. Arbutin fades hyperpigmentation by applying the brakes on any extra production of melanin! It is a safer, more natural derivative of hydroquinone – check out 6 ingredients to avoid in skincare products here. If you’ve already been exposed to the sun, arbutin is among the best hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. It is the secret to ultra-bright skin, can be used twice a day and works wonders for all skin types!
- Niacinamide
Another ingredient that is clearly on the beauty radar is niacinamide! Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B on the list of best hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. Regular use fades hyperpigmentation. If you have dry or sensitive skin that easily gets irritated – you won’t regret using it.
Pro tip – opt for our Niacinamide 10 Brightening Ampoule if you’re on a self-loving journey of using gentle products even as you try out hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. Shop Uncover Skincare here.
- Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid reduces hyperpigmentation on the surface and deeper layers of the skin by inhibiting melanin production making it to the list of hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya. It’s non-irritating, which makes it perfect for darker skin tones prone to overproduction of melanin after irritations or injuries.
PS: If you spot any unusual changes in your skin pigment at any point consult a dermatologist.
Have you struggled in finding hyperpigmentation solutions in Kenya that work? Let us know in the comments below.
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