How to treat sun-damaged skin this summer
Sun exposure can lead to long-lasting hyperpigmentation. This results in either freckles, pigment spots, or melasma.
If you’re not disciplined enough about using sun protection and taking the necessary precautions, too much sun exposure could lead to acute and long-lasting sun damage. Generally, this is harmless but could prove unsettling for others.
There are several different reasons for hyperpigmentation, but what they all have in common is the excess production of melanin (pigment) that causes an uneven skin color.
Most people get pigment spots at some point in their life, but some are more exposed to it than others:
- Women pregnant and breastfeeding
- Those prescribed medicine such as antibiotics or hormonal prevention with levels of estrogen (birth control)
- People with a lighter skin tone are more exposed to it than others because their skin does not have the same level of protection against the sun than those with a darker skin tone
- Those with inflammations, acne, and other skin damages
Why treat hyperpigmentation?
First, we want to underline that there is no “quick fix” in getting rid of hyperpigmentation and that it rarely goes away completely. It must be seen upon as a continuous problem and be treated as such using products daily that simultaneously prevent, strengthen, and brighten the skin.
Several active ingredients can positively affect pigment production. However, we recommend employing a long-term treatment plan using ingredients focused on fulfilling different purposes.
In our experience the following active ingredients/products have a positive effect:
- Kojic acid and arbutin block enzymes that facilitate for the production of pigments in the outer skin layer – can be found in the Acticlear Even Tone Serum
- Retinoids promotes better cell production and affects the hormones responsible for signaling how pigments are to be produced – found in the Retinext Daily Anti-Age Gel and Retinext Advanced Serum.
- Antioxidants like Vitamin C, resveratrol, and niacinamide reduce inflammations/free radicals and normalize the pigment production in the cells – found in the Niactil 4%, Hydractil Normalizer and the Ceactil-family.
- Fruit acids promote skin renewal and remove dead skin cells which carry pigments to the outer skin layer – found in the Glyactil-family, Niactil Advanced Pro, and Acticlear Foam Cleanser, Acticlear Pads.
The various ingredients are suitable for freckles, melasma, and pigment spots. However, when exposed to the sun too much be particularly cautious with products containing acids. Also, we want to reiterate the importance of using SPF (sun protection factor) in achieving long-term results.