4 tips for diminishing hyperpigmentation and sun spots

Over-exposure to the sun is one of the primary causes of hyperpigmentation—the uneven coloring of the skin due to the overproduction of melanin. Sun spots, a form of hyperpigmentation, result from repeated sun exposure which causes freckles in the exposed areas. As we grow older or spend long periods in the sun without wearing SPF, these freckles enlarge and darken, leaving dark brown patches on the skin, especially on our:

• Face
• Neck
• Chest
• Back
• Shoulders

While totally harmless, these dark spots often get in the way of having radiant, bright, or flawless skin; a major skincare goal for many. But don’t give up just yet. Sun spots can be reduced. Through proper sun protection and a healthy skincare routine, you can achieve an even skin tone and younger-looking skin in no time.

1 - Wear a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Since sun spots are caused by excess exposure to the sun’s UV rays, your first line of defense is going to be sunscreen. Sunscreens contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in order to block the sun's rays (which would otherwise promote the darkening of black spots on your skin).

For the utmost protection, you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply it every 2 hours, regardless of the weather or how long you’re outside. It’s important to do this because even the lowest levels of exposure will add up over a lifetime and cause dark spots.

The SPF 50 Sunscreen by Civant is an ideal sunscreen if you’re looking to prevent sun spots. It’s suitable for all skin types, so there’s no need to worry if you have sensitive skin or if you’re prone to acne.

With an SPF of 50, the sunscreen provides a high level of protection, which is necessary when your spots are already visible. And if you’re worried about your skin becoming greasy or oily, be assured that this SPF sunscreen is super lightweight and oil-free, giving you fresh-looking skin.

"This sunscreen is worth putting on! It’s not sticky, not greasy, and doesn’t leave a white residue!" Whitney

2 - Incorporate Topical Creams Into Your Skin Care Routine

You can successfully diminish the appearance of sun spots using prescription or over-the-counter topical creams containing skin brightening and exfoliating ingredients.

These ingredients include:

• Vitamin C
• Kojic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Green tea
• Retinol
• Vitamin E
• Azelaic acid

There are countless topical creams on the market, but the ones mentioned below help tremendously in removing sun spots. Make them part of your skincare routine and wear them under your sunscreen regularly for maximum protection.

Meladerm - The #1 Rated Pigment Correction Cream

Meladerm is a topical cream intended to clear up your skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Manufactured by Civant, the cream lacks harsh ingredients like sulfates and parabens, meaning you can use it without the risk of side effects or irritation. Meladerm cream boasts 10+ active ingredients that have potent skin brightening properties. Each of these ingredients will help even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of sun spots.

Let’s discuss some of these ingredients in the table below:

You can find a complete list of the ingredients we’ve used to make Meladerm here.

Unlike other skin lighteners, Meladerm does not contain hydroquinone, an ingredient that is highly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration because of its adverse effects. These include effects on the skin and on one’s overall health.

Each bottle of Meladerm contains enough cream for 100 applications and should be applied twice daily after washing and drying your skin. You should start seeing results within 2–4 weeks, but they will get more noticeable after 2–3 months of consistent use.

"I developed sun spots on my hands from tanning. The spots were completely gone after 4 weeks of using Meladerm." Justina

For the best results, use Meladerm in combination with our other dark spot correctors to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

These products include:

• Vitamin C Serum, a potent antioxidant that inhibits enzymatic processes responsible for producing melanin, brightening the skin
• AHA Exfoliating Serum which evens out skin texture and promotes its renewal
• Purifying Toner that protects, soothes, and purifies the skin
• Antioxidant Cleanser that helps the skin heal from sun damage
• Microdermabrasion Cloth that deeply, but gently, exfoliates the skin
  
  

3 - See Your Dermatologist for Professional Treatment

In cases where topical creams fail to reduce the appearance of sun spots, in-house medical procedures are your next option. Your dermatologist will recommend a suitable procedure that will work best with your skin. Below are some of the most common procedures, all of which should be performed by a trained skincare professional.

Chemical Peel Treatment

A chemical peel involves applying an acidic solution, like alpha-hydroxy, to the affected skin, creating a controlled wound that eventually peels off. Doing so will remove the top layer of your skin, making way for new skin. When the top layer of the skin is peeled off, the cells on this layer are peeled off with it, which in turn triggers the growth of a new outer skin layer—one free of hyperpigmentation from sun spots.

On the downside, chemical peels can be painful, cause a burning sensation, and increase the chance of discoloration.

Laser Resurfacing Treatment

Due to its intensity, laser treatment should be your last resort, and only be used if:

• You’ve already used prescribed and over-the-counter topical creams with no results
• You want to remove the sun spots as fast as possible
• You’ve taken all possible measures to protect yourself from the sun

During laser treatment, a device is used to deliver light beams that remove the skin damaged by the sun layer by layer, allowing a new layer to form. When done on the face, a laser resurfacing procedure can take anywhere between half an hour and two hours, depending on the intensity of the spots being treated. Recovery normally takes around ten days to three weeks.

Expert Tip: Ensure that the treatment is suitable for your skin type. Laser, for instance, wouldn’t be recommended for darker-skinned patients because they’re at a higher risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). These are the dark spots left behind after the skin undergoes trauma, commonly seen in those with darker skin.

4 - Take the Necessary Steps to Minimize Future Damage

Diligently applying a broad spectrum SPF is your biggest weapon against sun spots. You must therefore apply sunscreen every day on exposed areas. Limiting your exposure to UVA and UVB rays will also minimize the further occurrence of sun spots on your skin.

There are several ways to achieve this:

• Avoiding direct sunlight at peak hours, between 10 am and 4 pm
• Staying in the shade or covering yourself with an umbrella if you must be out during the sun’s hottest hours
• Wearing clothes and accessories, like hats and sunglasses, which protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s UV rays
• Choosing skincare and make up products that contain sunscreen
• Limiting the amount of time you spend tanning

Restore Your Shiny, Radiant Skin With Meladerm

Sun spots are dark spots caused by overexposure to the sun’s rays, but once visible, ingredients like niacinamide and Vitamin C can help minimize or totally clear them for younger-looking skin.

Meladerm, the top-rated cream for pigment correction, contains 10+ active ingredients with skin brightening properties. Made with natural, plant-based ingredients, the cream helps minimize the appearance of sun spots for clear and bright skin, and is even safe for those with extremely sensitive skin. Within two weeks to a month, you’ll notice a visible change in your skin’s composition, including improved complexion and evenness.

"I bought Meladerm and have been using it for about 2 months and there has been a huge difference." Rahim

For further inquiries, reach out to us via email and one of our skincare experts will be glad to assist you with your questions and concerns.