Let me break down my simplistic way of how to treat hyperpigmentation, specifically post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Take note that I don’t have acne-prone skin; however, if my skin becomes irritated, I will have small and barely noticeable pimples. Honestly, I’m certain more now than ever that my skin concerns were hormonal breakouts.
How does hormonal imbalance cause hyperpigmentation?
The underlying hormone responsible for triggering the melanocytes is melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). This hormone increases the production of melanin, which is responsible for darkening your skin.
– Skin Perfection London
I’ve dealt with stubborn hyperpigmentation in the same spot on my lower jawline for years. I’ve tried many skin care remedies, and I couldn’t figure it out until I focused on my gut health and skin care products. I honored my body by learning what my body loves, tolerates, and dislikes.
My diet was as simple as dramatically limiting sugar daily, drinking more water, and moving around daily to sweat, allowing my skin to breathe better. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated; it just needs to make sense for you and your lifestyle.
How do you treat hyperpigmentation in three phases?
Process of elimination
Phase 1:
- Remove foods that are hard for your body to digest: Usually, those foods are the ones that leave you bloated and have noticeable irritation on the skin, itching, a small rash, and pimples within a 3-day window. There are more ways to figure this out, especially with your doctor and getting tested for allergies to foods, animals, nature, etc. You could also meet with a nutritionist to better understand what your body needs to improve your skin health.
- Stop using products that aren’t made for your skin type: I have combination skin, and I treat my skin more for preventative skin care than focusing on acne, oil, dryness, etc. It’s become more clear over the years that an active breakout doesn’t want to be bothered, and if you can normalize a routine to stop irritation daily, you’re skin will remain healthy. Declutter your skin care products, and treat your skin type as best you can.
How do you heal your hyperpigmentation with a simple routine?
Phase 2:
- Focus on your moisture barrier and hydrate your skin. It took a learning curve for me to understand my combination skin and to notice my hyperpigmentation was located in the dryer areas of my face. I had to intake more water daily but also moisturize my face for my skin type.
- Listen to your skin. I used to follow the 7-step Korean skincare routine, and it didn’t work for me in the beginning. I was overworking my already problematic skin with too many treatments. I had to simplify everything until my skin understood each product. I focused on clean and moisturized skin until I could introduce targeted treatment products.
Phase 3:
- Merge into preventative skin care products. Once your skin has shown signs of healing and there are fewer breakouts and irritation, you can start product treatments for your skin type. I focused my treatments on eliminating breakouts, fading hyperpigmentation, and maintaining a healthy moisture barrier.
Skincare product recommendations for treating hyperpigmentation.
Products I used to minimize breakouts:
Products I used in Phase 2:
- I used the Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Gold Bar Soap. This soap helped my skin stay clean while eliminating any bacteria daily. I used it twice a day, and I made sure to massage this soap into my skin for at least a minute before rinsing. It’s perfect to get a deep cleanse but it’s gentle on your skin.
- My moisture barrier was sensitive so I had to be careful with the type of moisturizer I used in this phase. I tested a few, but overall, the Ponds Dry Skin Rich Hydrating Facial Moisturizer Cream was my choice. Yes, this was targeted for dry skin, but I needed a heavy cream, and my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was in the dry areas on my face. This cream-based moisturizer worked amazingly.
Products I’m currently using in Phase 3: Preventative Products to heal and fade my hyperpigmentation
- Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil-Free Facial Cleanser with Brightening Vitamin C for all Skin Types
- Estee Lauder Nutritious 2-in-1 Foam Cleanser
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
- Good Molecules Brightening Toner
- The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Hyperpigmentation Serum
- Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Serum
- belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
- NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Water Cream
- Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Maintaining your skincare routine for treating hyperpigmentation
Having a skincare routine is vital for treating any skin concerns. You can try different ways to treat your hyperpigmentation, but consistency is what leads to clear skin. I’ve discussed how my gut health needed to improve to address my hormonal breakouts, and how simplifying my skincare products helped fade my hyperpigmentation.
Learning your skin type and tolerances could be your phase one, so during phases two and three you can focus on maintenance and treatments. The goal is to understand what works best for your skin concerns, and less about being a skincare hoarder because of hype and vanity. Skincare can be affordable at every stage, but it all depends on how quickly you want results.
I treated my skin concerns with patience and a single goal of fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Everyone’s skin has different needs and it’s okay to allow yourself space to figure it out. You can treat your skin with natural remedies, drugstore skincare products, Estheticians, and skincare professionals like dermatologists.
Do what works best for you at every stage of your skincare journey. If you find this blog post helpful, let us know your favorite skincare products and skincare tips for your skin type in the comments.
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