By Temo Mpodi
Let’s be real… no one’s a fan of dark spots, splotches or uneven patches of skin. It’s one of the most common skin concerns people bring up with dermatologists. While it’s usually harmless, it can still knock our confidence. The good news? These days, there are more options than ever to help you achieve a beautifully even skin tone.
What is hyperpigmentation?
According to Eucerin South Africa, hyperpigmentation is one of the top five skin disorders affecting South African men and women. It is a skin condition that can often cause distress and a loss of confidence when it is very noticeable. “Exposure to sunlight, hormonal influences and ageing can cause an increase in melanin production and trigger dark marks and dark spots that make skin look uneven.”
How to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation
There are products that are created to tackle dark hyperpigmentation, dark spots and all that. Enter NIVEA Perfect & Radiant LUMINOUS630®. According to NIVEA, their top scientists tested more than 50 000 molecules to find the most effective treatment to help reduce dark marks. The molecule number 630 was by far the most effective. NIVEA Perfect & Radiant LUMINOUS630® is formulated with this ingredient and is proven to visibly reduce 10 years of dark marks.
Sun protection is also a crucial part of treating any kind of pigmentation. Unprotected sun exposure can set your pigmentation treatment plan back significantly. So be sure to use a broad-spectrum sun protector and look out for harmful chemicals in sun protectors that might stimulate melanin production. I recommend the Sknlogic Protect SPF 40, a broad-spectrum sun protector that uses both chemical sunscreens and physical sun blocks. Plus wear a hat whenever outside for long periods of time.
Stubborn hyperpigmentation is best thought of as a chronic skin concern – one that tends to settle deeper into the dermis the longer it sticks around. While it’s something that can be managed, it isn’t always curable. And because that pigmentation might stem from those deeper layers, things can sometimes look worse before they improve. The trick? Stick with it and don’t lose heart. Consistency is everything.




