Bye-Bye Brown Spots

What is Hyper-Pigmentation?

Pigment (brown) spots on the skin are called “hyper-pigmentation.” Hyper pigmentation is characterized by a darkening of an area of skin caused by the overproduction of a pigment in the skin known as melanin. It is relatively common and usually harmless, but for cosmetic reasons, it is a nuisance to those who have it. Hyper-pigmentation is usually the result of three factors:

• excessive UV radiation (sun exposure).
• hormone-induced pigment spots, which are normally found as unpleasant blotches on the forehead and cheeks.
• Acne and scars

Is There a Cure for Hyper-Pigmentation?

There is no ‘cure’ for hyper pigmentation. There are, however, options to treat this condition by lightening the appearance of it. Look for this essential ingredient in your skincare if you are looking to lighten your brown spots.

Actipone Nutgrass is a plant extract that gradually fades excessive, uneven pigmentation. Biodroga MD Anti-Pigment Spot Serum optimally treats pigment disturbances with this important ingredient.  With regular use, the development of new pigmentation, or age spots, are prevented by disturbing melanin synthesis. Glycolic Acid (included in this product) helps to diminish pigment spots and to counter the development of new spots.

Are There Other Active Ingredients Which Help Combat Brown Spots?

Yes, the following ingredients are good for hyper-pigmentation.

Watercress Extract lowers melanin production.
Niacinamide (a variant of Vitamin B3) is effective against hyperpigmentation, reducing the amount of melanin dispersed throughout the skin
Lupin Extract inhibits melanin deposition in the upper layers of the skin
Actipone® Nutgrass is a plant extract which is able to gradually fade excessive, uneven pigmentation.
Alpha-Arbutin counters the enzymatically-induced breakdown of the preliminary stages of melanin. As a result, the enzyme tyrosinase is not able to start the procedure which is responsible for the development of pigmentation.
Glycolic Acid helps diminish pigment spots and counters the development of new ones.
Vitamin C has brightening and antioxidative effect.
Retinol (vitamin A1) fades pigmentation

I Have Dark Spots On My Skin. Is This Hyper-Pigmentation?

Possibly. Any area of the skin that is darker than the rest is potentially considered hyper-pigmentation. It can occur on any area of your body (even the feet) but hyper-pigmentation usually tends to appear on the face or hands.

What is Post-Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation?

Post Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation occurs after a pimple, burn, cut, abrasion or a minor injury, leaving a mark on the surface of the skin (epidermis) that is darker than the rest of the skin.

What is the Difference Between Acne Scars and Hyper-Pigmentation?

Sometimes it can be difficult to clearly distinguish between an acne scar and hyper pigmentation. However, some ‘acne scars’ are not true scars but rather a type of Post Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation. If a mark that has developed from an acne lesion does not heal and go away after 6-12 months, that mark is a true scar. In other words, if it’s a permanent mark, it’s a scar; if it eventually fades, it is only a type of Post Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation.

How Can Hyper-Pigmentation be Prevented?

1) Prevent your skin from sun-exposure. Wearing a sunscreen (at least SPF 30 daily) is crucial in preventing hyper pigmentation. Make sure to re-apply it every 2 to 3 hours. Stay away from the sun as much as you can and wear a hat, sunglasses, and a long sleeve shirt.

2) Exfoliate regularly. Be mindful that discoloration is also in dead surface cells so it is imperative to exfoliate regularly to slough off the build-up. It is best to exfoliate 1-2 times a week with a mild exfoliant.

Does Biodroga Carry Products that Help with Hyper-Pigmentation?