Hyperpigmentation: Types, Causes, & Treatments

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the number one complaint of women with melanin-rich skin. Although these ladies are most prone to developing dark patches on their faces, it also presents in fair females, males of every ethnicity, and basically anyone who has ever been exposed to the sun! Usually harmless, hyperpigmentation can be emotionally distressing and some individuals may even find themselves avoiding social situations, especially if they involve activities that are usually done bare-faced. No wonder people spend millions of dollars on skin care to help eliminate their dark patch dilemma.

What Are the Different Types of Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is when there is too much pigment is some areas of the skin. Different “patterns” can be caused by different “triggers”. Here are some common ways that problematic pigment presents itself:

Melasma

This is also referred to as the “butterfly effect” as it can appear as two larges patches on the forehead and two on the cheeks resembling the wings of a butterfly. You will also see it exhibit as a “moustache” when the upper lip darkens. This is most common due to hormone shifts such as that experienced during pregnancy and menopause.

Age Spots

These are literally spots that appear on the skin; most commonly on the forehead, cheeks, and backs of hands where sun exposure is greatest. Photo-aging is the primary cause of age spots.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

This type of darkening is caused by the inflammation that occurs after there has been trauma to the skin. A blemish, picking at the skin, and laser hair removal gone awry can all be causes of PIH.

Hyperpigmentation Causes

You were born to two other humans and your DNA, which dictates a lot about your coloring, was inherited from them. We are all born with different amounts of melanin and even slightly different types of this potentially problematic pigment which leads to varying vulnerabilities for different ethnicities; darkly pigmented persons are the most at risk for dyspigmentation. And along with your skin tone, you also inherited whether or not (and to what degree) the triggers for hyperpigmentation will affect your skin. You can’t control your hereditary predisposition to hyperpigmentation, but you can control what your skin is exposed to and if you do develop hyperpigmentation, you can choose whether to relinquish or kick it to the curb. In addition to a person’s hereditary predisposition to hyperpigment, there are three main triggers. They are:

1. The Sun – photoaging can lead to extensive discoloration.
2. Skin Trauma – breakouts and skin picking are the top causes of trauma to the skin.
3. Hormones – an estimated 50% - 70% of women in the US develop melasma while pregnant.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

The best treatment for the eradication of pesky hyperpigmentation is a combination of exfoliation (to get rid of darkened skin cells) with ingredients that calm the melanocytes down (so that they do not continue to overproduce pigment).

Best Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation

For excellent exfoliation, try products with ingredients such as Retinol or Retinyl Palmitate. These Vitamin A derivatives are the gold standard for helping to reduce excess pigment while offering other benefits such as collagen formation and the reduction of breakouts! Fruit enzymes such as the ones that are extracted from Pineapple and Papaya are a gentle way to remove dead skin cells while fruit acids such as Glycolic and Lactic offer a more aggressive exfoliation. To calm melanocytes, check out ingredients such as Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Licorice Root, and Vitamin C. These actives help brighten skin while presenting a less irritating alternative to hydroquinone.

Best Products for Hyperpigmentation

Trilogy Laboratories offers private label skin care products that have been designed to help alleviate dark spots. You can brand one or a combination of a few to offer your clients a bright solution for their skin: Glycolic Gel Cleanser: Exfoliates, improves skin freshness, and enhances complexion with 10% Glycolic Acid and Grapefruit Peel oil. This foaming gel cleanser deep cleans without stripping natural oils. Vitamin A stimulates regeneration while Coconut and Sunflower Seed oils lock in moisture. Glycolic Toner: Treat overexposed skin with this multi-functional anti- aging elixir. Glycolic Acid chemically exfoliates helping to improve the appearance of skin tone and texture. DetoskinTM from Peony detoxifies and rejuvenates the skin and promotes a youthful glow. Hydrating AHA 12% Exfoliating Gel: This skin renewal product hydrates while exfoliating with a powerful 12% combination of Glycolic and Lactic Acids. Marine Algae increases cell turnover and elasticity while locking moisture into the skin. This pleasant, light serum can be used on its own to remove dead cells and impart a smoother, softer surface to any skin type. Kojic Acid & Peony Brightening Serum: Say “bye-bye” to brown spots with this hydroquinone-free brightening serum containing 7 powerful ingredients. Blending Arbutin and Kojic Acid with powerful plant extracts such as Peony and Licorice Root, this elixir promotes even skin tone by helping to suppress the appearance of dark spots. Both Vitamins B3 and C undo over exposure helping to repair and ward off sun damage. Brightenyl® attacks hyperpigmentation on three levels helping to suppress tyrosinase (decreasing melanin production), prevent UV-induced DNA damage, and reduce in inflammation in the skin. Vitamin C 20% Serum: An intensive, professional strength Vitamin C treatment with additional antioxidants from Green Tea. Wine extract, rich in Resveratrol, helps to scavenge free radicals reducing the effects of environmental stressors. Amino Acids accelerate collagen and elastin synthesis and boost skin cells’ immune system arresting skin aging. The result is smoother, firmer, plumper skin with diminished visible lines, reversal of sun damage, and a healthy, radiant glow. Glycolic 10% Cream: This resurfacing cream delivers a powerful punch of 10% Glycolic Acid helping to deeply moisturize and exfoliate. A unique blend of Passion Flower, Pineapple, Grape, and Lemon extracts enhances the removing of dead cells while delivering antioxidants that protect against the effects of environmental exposure and aging. Turmeric & Ginger Brightening Mask: Turmeric, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy, has powerful anti-inflammatory qualities that illuminate and calm skin helping to ward off hyperpigmentation and pre-mature aging. Carrot oil contains fatty acids, improving hydration and the barrier function while Ginger naturally invigorates the look of dull, fatigued skin restoring it to its youthful, glowing appearance.

Find Hyperpigmentation Skin Care Products for Your Private Label Skin Care Line

In addition to private label skin care products designed to eradicate hyperpigmentation, Trilogy Labs utilizes many active ingredients including Vitamin C, Retinol, and AHAs stimulating positive visible changes in your client’s skin…ensuring repeat sales for you! Learn how to quickly private label these products by contacting our Project Consultant at customerservice@trilogylaboratories.com or calling 239.939.5454.