What causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation — when skin becomes darker — can happen to anyone, including men, women, young and old and people from all ethnic backgrounds. It may appear as age spots or freckles on a small area of your face. Or as blotchy brown or gray patches that cover bigger areas.

What’s responsible for hyperpigmentation? Exposure to UV rays, hormonal changes, acne or other skin trauma can cause the body to generate too much melanin — pigment that gives skin its color. Specifically, an enzyme called tyrosinase activates excess melanin in the dermis, or the inner layer of skin. Melanin works its way outward to the surface layer — the epidermis —where skin discoloration, spots or patches appear.

SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator: Safe, superior ingredients

Unlike many products and treatments for hyperpigmentation, Pigment Regulator doesn’t contain hydroquinone. This ingredient can cause skin irritation, peeling, redness and lightened patches of skin called hypopigmentation. Also, hydroquinone may not be safe for all skin types or skin tones, such as people with dark complexions.

A study on men and women aged 25 to 60 found that Pigment Regulator delivered similar skin lightening results to 4 percent hydroquinone, except without the irritation and other potential side effects of hydroquinone. Pigment Regulator contains a special blend of ingredients that works together to lighten existing hyperpigmentation and stave off future discoloration:

• Kojic acid , made from fermented rice, inhibits production of tyrosinase and melanin. Plus, it lightens and fades dark spots.

• Emblica is a natural extract from gooseberries that keeps melanin from reaching skin’s outer layers. It also helps heal and prevent additional environmental damage from UV rays.

• Glycolic acid and aminosulfonic acid slough off existing melanin deposits that cause hyperpigmentation, spots and discolored patches. These ingredients also remove dead surface skin cells to reveal fresh, smooth, even-toned skin. By getting rid of dead skin that can serve as a barrier, glycolic acid and aminosulfonic acid also allow other active ingredients to penetrate skin more easily.

Using Pigment Regulator

Want to know more about Pigment Regulator? Here’s a list of facts:

• Pigment Regulator is ideal for small, localized trouble spots, or the whole face.

• In addition to treating hyperpigmentation, Pigment Regulator is recommended for skin conditions such as melasma, acne scarring and freckling.

• Pigment Regulator can be combined with other specialized moisturizers and treatments as part of an overall regimen to address skin tone and texture.

• It can be used daily and long-term, all year long.

• It can also be used prior to professional procedures — like chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments — but check with your dermatologist first.

In addition, here’s a list of tips on using Pigment Regulator:

• Start with a cleanser appropriate for your skin type, and gently pat your skin dry.

• Once or twice a day, use a small amount of Pigment Regulator on discolored areas.

• If you use it in the morning — and if you don’t already — apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage, which can cause additional hyperpigmentation. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 daily to ensure adequate protection.