Treating Hyperpigmentation and Melasma
by Suzanne
Filed under Skin Care, philosophy
Unfortunately, I am an expert on hyperpigmentation and melasma (dark spots or areas on the face). As a teen sun goddess living in the south, I had frequent and intense sun exposure (but did I ever look good in my white bikini, sigh).
When I turned 30, the damage started showing up as dark splotches, especially across my cheekbones and upper lip. When I was pregnant it got worse. I still have the discolorations, but they are significantly faded and I am able to cover them up with my mineral foundation.
Here is what I have learned is important to lighten up those dark spots:
Sun Protection is the single most important item. I have had the heartbreak of undoing years of lightening with one single sun exposure. It is so disheartening. Your sun protection should be used religiously, 365 days a year. I recommend a day cream with SPF and also a foundation with SPF, just to make sure you are protected.
My two favorite day creams are Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough SPF 20 and Dr. Denese’s Day Cream with SPF.
I would recommend the philosophy day cream if you have oilier skin and Dr. Denese if your skin is normal to dry. Dr. Denese’s is pigmented and imparts a slight color and a matte finish to the skin.
Exfoliation of the pigmented areas is very important. Exfoliation challenges skin and it stimulates healthy skin to “turn over” more rapidly. The damaged, pigmented cells cannot turn over as fast as healthy cells and the damaged cells are gradually replaced by healthy ones.
In fighting dark spots, you cannot over-exfoliate. Exfoliate these areas as much as you can without irritation. Your tolerance to exfoliation will increase over time – I now exfoliate twice a day.
The best exfoliants are microdermabrasion and AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid). I recommend you use both methods.
For the AHAs, I really like to use the pads. They are so easy to use and are very effective. My two favorites are Dr. Denese’s 10% Glycolic Pads and Philosophy Microdelivery Peel Pads (Lactic Acid). I alternate between these two, I usually use one in the AM and the other in the PM.
I use a microdermabrasion treatment twice a week. My two favorites are Philosophy Microdelivery Peel Kit and Mary Kay Microdermabrasion Set (you can always get a great deal on this on eBay).
Vitamin C – you know how lemon juice on apples keeps them from turning brown? It it the vitamin C that does this and it has the same effect on your skin. There are many, many vitamin C products on the market, but vitamin C is not stable when exposed to light or when mixed with some other items. I use and highly recommend Philosophy Hope & A Prayer Powder – it is pure vitamin C powder. You mix a tiny scoop (the scoop is included) into your day cream or serum. I like this because I know it is always fresh and I don’t have to add another cream or lotion to my regimen. This little bottle lasts and lasts. I use it every day and it lasts me over nine months.
If you have oily skin or break out easily, I would recommend Philosophy A Pigment Of Your Imagination Serum for hyperpigmentation and melasma or Philosophy A Pigment Of Your Imagination SPF 18
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Erasing hyperpigmentation is a marathon, not a sprint. It took years to develop and it will not go away overnight. If you stay vigilant in your approach, it will eventually go away!
Tags: Beauty Tips, Dr. Denese, philosophy, Skin Care Reviews
[...] across my cheeks. Although it has faded considerably with meticulous skin care (See Treating Hyperpigmanetaion and Melasma), it is still there and I have tried every method I can think of to conceal [...]