Hyperpigmentation occurs when skin darkens in spots or areas due to an increase in melanin.^I While hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin conditions, it can be difficult to treat.

Melanin is the substance in skin which gives it its color.^II It is produced by cells called melanocytes. When these cells produce too much melanin, these clusters of pigmentation are released to other skin cells and can form skin discolorations, dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Melanin overproduction has a number of causes including:

• Skin Irritation or Damage
• Sun Exposure
• Pollution
• Hormones and Genetics

When skin becomes irritated or damaged, it attempts to protect itself which can trigger melanocytes to become overactive and produce excess melanin. Acne blemishes are a common form of skin irritation which cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. After these blemishes clear, they may leave a post-acne markor dark spot.This form of hyperpigmentation is most common in medium to dark skin tones.

Sun exposure is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation in fair-skinned individuals.^III Even if you do not notice sunburn or damage after being out in the sun, UV rays can still cause pigment changes. In addition to forming new dark spots and discolorations, sun exposure can also cause existing hyperpigmentation to darken and become even more visible.

Pollution and free radicals can cause oxidative damage to the skin. As skin attempts to protect and defend itself from these external aggressors, melanocytes may overproduce melanin and form hyperpigmentation and discolorations.

While some forms of hyperpigmentation are permanent, many types will fade over time. A dark spot that is a few shades darker than your skin may fade within 6-12 months while a discoloration deeper in skin may take years to fade on its own.^IV Using targeted treatments like a dark spot corrector can help visibly diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation for clearer-looking skin.

To effectively treat hyperpigmentation, start a brightening skincare routine to help boost skin clarity. While hyperpigmentation will not go away overnight, using targeted serums and treatments can help speed up the process.

Healthy skin cell turnover is essential in helping visibly diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation. While exfoliating skin will not provide instant results, it can help skin’s renewal process. However, be careful not to over-exfoliate or harshly scrub skinwhich can cause irritation that may even aggravate or intensify hyperpigmentation.

In addition to treating hyperpigmentation, be sure to defend skin from the direct causes of discoloration and dark spots. Follow the steps below to help keep skin looking bright and clear:

• Wear sunscreen every day. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause dark spots but using a daily sunscreen can help prevent hyperpigmentation.
• If you have acne-prone skin use skincare products with Salicylic Acid or Sulfur to help visibly reduce breakouts and help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• If you do have a breakout, use an acne spot treatment to help visibly clear skin. Avoid picking at or popping blemishes which can increase the likelihood of post-acne marks.
• Apply an antioxidant serum along with a sunscreen with pollution protection to help defend skin from pollution and free radicals.

To help visibly fade hyperpigmentation and discolorations, look for skincare formulas with ingredients proven to help brighten skin.

• Vitamin C
  Vitamin C is an ingredient known to help brighten skin. Activated C is a Vitamin C derivative that effectively penetrates skin and remains active on skin for a longer period of time than some other forms of Vitamin C, making it ideal in brightening skincare products. Within Kiehl’s formulas, Activated C helps decrease skin’s melanin production, prevent the formation of new melanin clusters, and even slow the melanin transfer to skin’s surface. It also helps visibly fade existing dark spots for a brighter, more even skin tone.
• Salicylic Acid
  Salicylic Acid is another ingredient often found in acne skincare products that can also benefit skin with hyperpigmentation. While using an acne skincare routine can help visibly diminish blemishes which can lead to dark spots, Salicylic Acid is also known to help lessen the intensity of hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
• Peony Root Extract
  Within skincare formulas, Peony Root Extract is known to help enhance clarity and luminosity.
• Licorice Root Extract
  Known for its soothing and calming properties, Licorice Root Extract is also known to help enhance clarity within skincare formulas.
• White Birch Extract
  Within our formulas, this sugar-derived ingredient is known to help prevent future dark spots and skin discolorations.

Start your routine with an exfoliating and brightening face wash to help remove dirt and pollution and gently slough away dead skin. Follow with a soothing treatment water and then target discolorations with a potent facial serum for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Round out your routine with a skin brightening moisturizer morning and night. During the day, always apply sunscreen to defend skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.