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Hyperpigmentation is when you have excess pigment which causes spots or patches on the skin to appear darker than the surrounding natural skin tone. A variety of medical conditions, skin issues, environmental factors, and even hormone imbalances can lead to hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Understanding what kind of hyperpigmentation you have and what’s causing it will help you determine the right treatment method to correct and maintain an even skin tone safely and effectively.
Learn More: What is Hyperpigmentation & What Does it Look Like?
Hyperpigmentation is one of the most complicated skin concerns to treat, but with an intentional skincare routine dedicated to correcting and preventing dark spots, transformational results are on the way!
Click here to get a custom prescription to treat your hyperpigmentation!
The most important aspect of a hyperpigmentation skincare routine is stopping the production of excess melanin at its source. Melanocytes, the cells that make skin pigment, produce melanin via the tyrosinase enzyme. To prevent too much melanin production in response to inflammation, damage, or hormones, ingredients that stop tyrosinase from becoming melanin should be applied twice daily to the skin.
Tyrosinase inhibitors include:
With the exception of some vitamin C formulas, tyrosinase inhibitors can be combined with any other skincare ingredients to support healthy melanin production, even the skin tone, and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Not only can you soften the appearance of dark spots and prevent new ones with tyrosinase inhibitors, by speeding up the skin’s natural process of turning over new cells, pigment is lifted and brightening ingredients work even quicker!
Vitamin A and its derivatives, also known as “retinoids,” Retinol, Retinaldehyde, and prescription Tretinoin (Retin-A) all stimulate the fibroblast cell to produce more collagen and push new skin cells up to the surface.
Learn More: What is Retinol & What Does It Do?
Adding an additional exfoliation step to your weekly routine un-glues dead skin cells as they collect on the surface of the skin, lifting old pigmented cells. Alpha hydroxy acids are Dr. Lily’s go-to exfoliants, but she especially loves Mandelic Acid, which is known for its more gentle profile and larger molecule size, allowing it to work on the surface where unwanted pigmentation is visible.
When it comes to truly removing dark spots and unveiling clear, uniform skin, a short course of topical prescription medication is a game changer. Under the guidance of a dermatologist, you can be prescribed a safe, effective, Hydroquinone formula proven to lighten stubborn hyperpigmentation, including patches of melasma.
Hydroquinone is a medication that’s only accessible through your derm, meaning most Americans might not have the opportunity to get an appointment and leave with a hydroquinone prescription, leaving them exposed to the misleading, and even dangerous, unregulated skin-lighteners. Derm to Door provides access to a dermatologist and Dr. Lily’s custom-formulated prescription Hydroquinone hyperpigmentation treatments with additional high-tech tyrosinase-inhibiting and brightening ingredients. Just head to the Derm to Door Rx page, scan your skin, and a dermatologist will approve your 2-month prescription supply and ship it out in just two days!
After learning about your skin, dedicating your skincare routine to hyperpigmentation, and committing to a course of prescription treatment, it's time to make sure you’re protecting all your hard work. Yes, that means SUNSCREEN.
Wearing sunscreen every day with broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 is not negotiable if you want dark spots to fade (and don’t want new ones!). The iron oxides in tinted sunscreen shield the skin from visible, or “blue”, light which has been shown to darken hyperpigmentation. The color in make-up works the exact same way, but a make-up product with included SPF on its own is not even remotely enough sunscreen, nor is just applying it in the morning or when outside.
For true sun protection, Dr. Lily instructs patients to apply ½ teaspoon of SPF to their face and neck first-thing EVERY morning as the last step of the morning skincare routine. Then, reapply your SPF liberally with more sunscreen, a sunscreen mist, or sunscreen powder every 2 hours, as sunscreen is quantity and time-dependent.
Keep reading for Dr. Lily’s go-to skincare products for hyperpigmentation!
Here is Dr. Lily Talakoub’s exact skincare routine for correcting dark spots and hyperpigmentation:
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Over-the-Counter Skincare Routine |
Prescription Skincare Routine |
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Now that you know how to treat hyperpigmentation, you’re one step closer to clear, even-toned skin! Remember that you can always reach out to our staff at Derm to Door, and Dr. Lily or one of our skincare experts can analyze your skin and create the perfect skincare regimen customized for your specific needs, including any prescription medication you may need! Call or text us at: 703-215-3087
