One of the most common skin concerns is hyperpigmentation. But what is it exactly? Hyperpigmentation is a term used to describe patches of skin that are darker in tone. This occurs when excess melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its colour) is produced.
There are various types of hyperpigmentation and the cause can vary from age, sun exposure, hormonal changes and injury to the skin. So, what can you do about it? Here are our tips…
SPF is key. Regardless of what’s caused your hyperpigmentation, SPF is non-negotiable. This will help to both prevent and stop existing hyperpigmentation from getting worse. Make sure you are using a broad-spectrum SPF50 daily and reapply every 2 hours, especially when in the sun for long periods of time. Equally, if you know that you suffer from melasma, consider wearing a hat.
Invest in a targeted product to use daily. Incorporate a serum into your routine that contains tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme needed in melanin production and these ingredients will work to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring. Look for the following ingredients in the formula/on the label: liquorice root extract, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, niacinamide and hydroquinone.
Resurface and renew. Adding exfoliating actives into your routine suchas glycolic acid can be beneficial for helping to fade surface-level pigmentation faster. A retinoid serum can also make a great addition to your routine as it encourages skin cell turnover.
Support your skin barrier. To reduce the risk of irritation which can lead to hyperpigmentation, you will want to ensure you are treating your skin with care – particularly if you are prone to pigmentation issues. Ensure you keep your skin well hydrated, avoid the use of harsh, drying products and be careful not to overuse high-strength actives and exfoliants.
Don’t pick! If you are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (pigmentation left behind after a breakout or skin injury) it is really important to avoid picking/squeezing spots. This can hinder the healing process and exacerbate the issue, increasing your likelihood of discolouration being left behind.
Go professional. In-clinic treatments such as chemical peels, micro-needling, IPL and laser are all suitable for treating stubborn hyperpigmentation. Which route you go down will depend on your skin tone and the depth of the pigmentation, so it is best to book a consultation with qualified skin professional to help you decide.
Manage your expectations. It’s important to note that treating hyperpigmentation can take time and requires consistency. Most topic skincare products can take several skin cycles (a typical cycle is 28 days but this increases with age) before making a visible difference. The fading process can also take months to a year depending on the severity. Please bear in mind that with melasma, re-occurrence is probable.
While the summer season brings hotter temperatures and sunnier weather, the downside is for many, hay fever sharply follows. Although hay fever itself is a medical condition, all that itching, sneezing and irritation can take a toll on your skin – particularly around the eyes. If that's you, keep reading as we share our advice for looking after skin affected by the symptoms of hay fever.
As travel restrictions begin to ease and temperatures rise, many of us are jetting off to tropical beaches and sunny resorts all over the world. So, to help you decide which skincare to pack and how best to look after your skin while on your summer holiday, we've broken down our advice for each step of your routine.
Cleansers
Cleansing is more important than ever whilst on holiday. Over the course of a day, your skin will experience a build-up of sebum (oil), sweat, SPF and general grime from being in the sea/pool. Many of us also cleanse our skin more frequently whilst on holiday (e.g., in the morning, before dinner and before bed).
As you will be washing your face more often, choose a gentle formula to use in the morning and before dinner – milky cleansers are a great choice that won’t strip your skin. You can then reserve your double cleanse for your PM routine to remove any makeup and SPF. Use an oil cleanser as your first cleanse (as this will be lighter and may be more comfortable than a balm in the heat) and your usual cleanser as your second.
As the temperature heats up, the warmer weather and humidity can cause changes in your skin. Regardless of your skin type, here are some pointers to keep your skin happy in warmer climates.
Make sure you double cleanse in the evening. Increased sweat and SPF use will mean one cleanse isn’t enough. Use a balm or oil first and follow with a gel or cream. Or, you can use a single cleanser twice.
Regardless of your skin type, lightweight moisturisers, such as gel, can help to reduce that greasy feel you may find from a thicker cream.
Thinking about launching your own skincare clinic? We asked Aesthetician and Founder of West Room Aesthetics, Dija Ayodele, to share her top business advice and all that she has learnt along the way.
Tell us about how West Room Aesthetics came to life?
The dream was to create a space where we could execute skincare to the most professional level but also educate and build a supportive community around women and skincare, especially black women. I wante
While the summer season brings hotter temperatures and sunnier weather, the downside is for many, hay fever sharply follows. Although hay fever itself is a medical condition, all that itching, sneezing and irritation can take a toll on your skin – particularly around the eyes. If that's you, keep reading as we share our advice for looking after skin affected by the symptoms of hay fever.
As travel restrictions begin to ease and temperatures rise, many of us are jetting off to tropical beaches and sunny resorts all over the world. So, to help you decide which skincare to pack and how best to look after your skin while on your summer holiday, we've broken down our advice for each step of your routine.
Cleansers
Cleansing is more important than ever whilst on holiday. Over the course of a day, your skin will experience a build-up of sebum (oil), sweat, SPF and general grime from being in the sea/pool. Many of us also cleanse our skin more frequently whilst on holiday (e.g., in the morning, before dinner and before bed).
As you will be washing your face more often, choose a gentle formula to use in the morning and before dinner – milky cleansers are a great choice that won’t strip your skin. You can then reserve your double cleanse for your PM routine to remove any makeup and SPF. Use an oil cleanser as your first cleanse (as this will be lighter and may be more comfortable than a balm in the heat) and your usual cleanser as your second.
As the temperature heats up, the warmer weather and humidity can cause changes in your skin. Regardless of your skin type, here are some pointers to keep your skin happy in warmer climates.
Make sure you double cleanse in the evening. Increased sweat and SPF use will mean one cleanse isn’t enough. Use a balm or oil first and follow with a gel or cream. Or, you can use a single cleanser twice.
Regardless of your skin type, lightweight moisturisers, such as gel, can help to reduce that greasy feel you may find from a thicker cream.
While the summer season brings hotter temperatures and sunnier weather, the downside is for many, hay fever sharply follows. Although hay fever itself is a medical condition, all that itching, sneezing and irritation can take a toll on your skin – particularly around the eyes. If that's you, keep reading as we share our advice for looking after skin affected by the symptoms of hay fever.
As travel restrictions begin to ease and temperatures rise, many of us are jetting off to tropical beaches and sunny resorts all over the world. So, to help you decide which skincare to pack and how best to look after your skin while on your summer holiday, we've broken down our advice for each step of your routine.
Cleansers
Cleansing is more important than ever whilst on holiday. Over the course of a day, your skin will experience a build-up of sebum (oil), sweat, SPF and general grime from being in the sea/pool. Many of us also cleanse our skin more frequently whilst on holiday (e.g., in the morning, before dinner and before bed).
As you will be washing your face more often, choose a gentle formula to use in the morning and before dinner – milky cleansers are a great choice that won’t strip your skin. You can then reserve your double cleanse for your PM routine to remove any makeup and SPF. Use an oil cleanser as your first cleanse (as this will be lighter and may be more comfortable than a balm in the heat) and your usual cleanser as your second.
