7 Skincare Products to Help Fade and Prevent Pigmentation

Whether you’re concerned about sun spots or post-acne marks, we round up high-performance products that claim to fade and even prevent pigmentation... What is hyperpigmentation you may ask? Pigmentation, or the darkening of a particular area in the skin, is caused when there is an overproduction of a the pigment melanin. Although a great deal of people who suffer with pigmentation may inherit the condition, it can also be triggered by hormonal changes, such as melisma, otherwise known as the ‘pregnancy mask’. There are a number of factors such as overexposure to the sun or inflamed, post-breakout skin that can promote hyperactive melanocytes, which in turn leads to pigmentation. When trying to tackle pigmentation, there are two main things you can do for your skin to help the natural fading process on its way; treat and prevent. ## Treat Exfoliating the skin, whether it be with a physical or chemical exfoliator, is key to helping the skin cells turnover. However, if you are suffering from active breakouts that are obviously irritated, try to avoid facial scrubs which can be too abrasive and worsen the condition. Chemical acids that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic and glycolic, eat away at dead skin cells and stimulate better collagen production, revealing fresh layers of (unmarked) skin. These acids can also help reduce inflammation, speed up a blemish's recovery and plump wrinkles and fine lines. Win, win!

## Prevent Avoiding intense sun exposure and wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily is crucial to preventing further hyperpigmentation. And it goes without saying, but as tempting as it may be if your marks are a result of a spot-picking attack - leave them alone! Incorporating proper cleansing and exfoliating steps into your routine will not only help treat pigmentation, it'll keep skin healthy and spots at bay to avoid future disasters. Products containing buzz words like 'antioxidants' and 'vitamin C' are your new best friend, thanks to their advanced skin-protecting properties, so be on the lookout for these.