Do you find the dark spots on your skin have increased as you have aged? Do you find your skin appearing older than you feel? If you answered yes, you might have a skin condition called hyperpigmentation. While the look of your skin can be concerning, there is no reason to be alarmed as there are many ways to help regulate your skin tone woes and restore your skin to its true beauty.

But first, let’s explore the condition itself to understand the causes and most common forms of hyperpigmentation and how we can control them. 

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the direct effect of increased melanin production – the pigment that gives skin its colour. Melanin appears due to the over production of melanocyte skin cells, which occurs for a number of reasons including sun exposure, trauma to the skin including acne scarring, as well as medications.

Hyperpigmentation may appear on the skin in the form of darkened areas of both the face and body. When it comes to sun exposure, many women notice sunspots as they age. Sunspots are a common form of hyperpigmentation which appear as darkened circles on the face, chest and hands, and are known for ageing the appearance of the skin dramatically.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation which is triggered further by hormonal changes in the body’s cellular makeup. This can be caused by contraceptives, medications, as well as naturally occurring hormonal changes during pregnancy, nursing, and menopause.

Melasma will commonly appear on the areas of the skin which have been exposed to the sun, such as bridge of the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chest, and can appear in obscure shapes and sizes and depths of colour.

When the skin is compromised by hormones and stress, UV rays can trigger melanocytes to increase and produce darkened patches on the skin in the form of melasma. When this occurs for women who are expecting, we refer to this as the “mask of pregnancy”. 

How to repair damaged skin?

Skin Whitening Creams have been known to even skin tone and tackle the appearance of hyperpigmentation and melasma effectively. However, the market is crowded with products that promise to brighten the skin. It is important to avoid using creams that bleach or damage the skin. Some popular whitening ingredients have been deemed unsafe for ongoing use, such as Hydroquinone. It is recommended to use a natural tyrosine inhibitor, to safely manage uneven skin tones.

Neutriderm Skin Whitening Crème aims to deliver real results with scientifically proven and safe ingredients for those struggling with uneven skin tones.

Neutriderm Skin Whitening Crème is formulated to:

• Inhibit 88% of Tyronsinase formation
  Tyrosinase is the enzyme found within Melanocytes. This enzyme plays a major role in melanin production and therefore the colour of the skin.
• Increase hydration
  Moisturised skin is proven to function better than dehydrated skin. When skin functions at its best it appears brighter, shinier and healthier. Hydrated skin can better protect itself from environmental damage.
• Tackle dark spots and patches 
  Antioxidants are utilised for their ability to slow down melanin production through Tyronsinase inhibition, resulting in an overall brighter and lighter skin tone.
• Act as an anti-inflammatory
  Anti-inflammatory activity helps to control Tyronsinase production while encouraging a natural, soft looking skin.

Neutriderm Skin Whitening Crème contains effective Tyrosinase inhibitors including tetrahydrocurcumin, tetrahydropiperine, and glycerine which have been delivered in a cream for effective daily use on areas of hyperpigmentation.

How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation & Melasma

Pigmentation-related skin conditions can be minimised with adequate sun protection. It’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, even in winter, and this includes areas such as your hands to avoid those age-telling sunspots.

If you are on the contraceptive pill, pregnant, nursing, or experiencing hormonal changes, covering up when in the sun is vital as this is the time when your skin will be the most vulnerable to an increase in melanocyte production and hyperpigmentation and melasma.

It is always important to be consistent in taking care of your skin. Staying hydrated and using sun protection along with a skincare routine, using the right products, will benefit your skin health in the long term.