Q: Why is sun protection important to effective treatment of hyperpigmentation?

A: When a hyperpigmented area is exposed to UV light, more melanin production is triggered on a cellular level, causing further darkening.

Ironically, melanin production and further darkening of skin is just your skin trying to protect itself from UV light. But this can cause the strictest of brightening regimens to fail to produce results. Daily application of a minimum of SPF30, such as Dermalogica's Pure Light spf30, will help shield skin from UV light to control melanin production on a cellular level.

Q: What is hyperpigmentation?

A: Hyperpigmentation is the result of an overproduction of melanin.

Melanin is what gives skin and hair its color, and amongst other benefits, helps protect skin against damaging UV light and absorbs heat from the sun.  However, an overproduction of melanin leads to a mottled, uneven skin tone. Overproduction of melanin is stimulated by excessive sun exposure, hormones, or scarring. 

1)  Sun exposure: When skin is repeatedly exposed to UV light, sun damage occurs. Brown spots appear as a result of too much melanin being produced to help protect skin from UV light.

2) Hormones: Melasma is hormone-related hyperpigmentation caused by increased hormone stimulation.  It is most commonly experienced by women who are pregnant (which is why it’s also known as the “mask of pregnancy”) or taking contraceptives, but can also be a product of reactions to cosmetics or medications.

3) Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This is a darkening of skin that’s the result of acne scarring or skin injury due to inflammatory response in skin. The cells associated with melanin production are closely linked with the skin immune system cells; meaning you can’t stimulate one without stimulating the other.