It’s even said that they make you look older than wrinkles do, and studies show that they can cause low mood or even depression in 80% of those affected. So it’s only natural that anyone who’s experienced them will do anything to put an end to the problem quickly. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple—once they appear, they tend to keep coming back. And every dermatologist will agree that this is a skin condition that is much easier to prevent than to treat later.
Where do they come from? The skin has an innate ability to protect itself from the sun: melanocytes, or pigment cells, are not only responsible for the skin’s specific color, but also act somewhat like a natural filter—a shield against UV rays. When UV radiation is intense, the skin tans as a defensive response—this is how melanocytes protect cellular DNA from degradation or damage. But when we overdo it in the sun, they sound the alarm—so discoloration is nothing more than a warning signal that the skin’s tolerance for solar radiation has just been exhausted.
They are extremely sensitive to hormones, especially any fluctuations in hormone levels. You could even say that the combination of hormones and sun exposure will almost certainly result in skin changes. That’s why melasma is almost a given during pregnancy, and hormonal treatments—even if generally beneficial and well-tailored—carry the risk of this skin condition. But that’s not all: an accumulation of our natural pigment—or hyperpigmentation—can also occur as a result of trauma, i.e., damage to the epidermis, such as from a burn, injury, or inflammation, as well as under the influence of photosensitizing substances, such as perfumes or certain medications. And then there are lentigines, somewhat inaccurately called “age spots,” as well as the slightly darker “liver spots,” which “adorn” the skin of even thirty-year-olds. Long hidden in the deeper layers of the skin, over time they rise to the surface, becoming hard to miss.
Although we don’t like to admit it, we also contribute to the appearance of spots ourselves, for example, by “treating” acne lesions on our own. Meanwhile, squeezing not only exposes us to inflammation and exacerbation of the condition, but also to hyperpigmentation. On top of that, smoking and the aforementioned carelessness when sunbathing are at the very top of the list of risky behaviors.
The good news is that we have plenty of tools to combat hyperpigmentation. This applies to both at-home skincare and in-office treatments—these two approaches should complement each other. However, it’s worth being patient—this will be a long battle, and for it to yield results, you’ll need mindfulness, consistency, and one sacrifice (and I mean it): staying out of the sun. Because as the main culprit, it will “bring out” spots on your skin even after you’ve managed to get rid of them.
That’s why a sunscreen with the highest possible SPF will be an essential—if not the most important—item in your makeup bag, all year round. It’s also a good idea to stock up on products that inhibit melanin synthesis in cells, such as tyrosinase inhibitors, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and retinoids. Many creams and serums also contain niacinamide, which evens out skin tone and reduces wrinkles, as well as licorice root or the well-known vitamin C. Regular exfoliation is also essential. Peeling The RENEW ME AHA-based rejuvenating facial peel, formulated with a blend of three acids—glycolic, lactic, and citric—suspended in a lamellar gel, works ultra-gently without causing irritation, visibly evening out and unifying skin tone. The peel owes its brightening effect to Lansium Domesticum extract, which inhibits the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme. This is a remarkable discovery in the field of epigenetics that reduces melanin production in the skin. Its therapeutic effect on skin with discoloration is best reinforced in the next step of your skincare routine. Vitamin C Serum The SMOOTH ME⠀ Vitamin C Face Serum, with its anti-wrinkle and brightening properties and the aforementioned brilliant extract, also provides long-lasting hydration, strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier, and has a rejuvenating effect thanks to its biomimetic moisturizing complex and hyaluronic acid. Because while dark spots are one thing, to keep your skin radiant and in good condition, you need to take comprehensive care of it.
Treatments at a dermatologist’s office also offer a wide range of options. We can address hyperpigmentation with deep chemical peels (the most popular ones include Cosmelan and Dermamelan). A thulium laser is also effective; it penetrates deep into the skin and, by delivering high energy, allows for a profound restructuring of the skin’s structure starting from the basal layer. A dermatologist may also recommend microneedling with a Dermapen and IPL light therapy, which heats up pigment cells and destroys them. A specialist will select the appropriate treatment based on the specific needs of your skin, but it’s important to remember that the success of the therapy largely depends on us.
