Hyperpigmentation refers to dark spots and patches of uneven skin tone. What causes hyperpigmentation is actually the excessive production of melanin, which is a naturally occurring pigment that gives skin its color. When your body produces too much melanin, it can cause skin hyperpigmentation on the face, hands, and other parts of the body. While hyperpigmentation isn’t dangerous on its own, it can be caused by underlying health conditions, and may also lead to feelings of insecurity.
The Hyperpigmentation Problem, Explained
Now that you understand the bodily function that causes hyperpigmentation, you’re probably wondering why the body might produce more melanin than usual in the first place. In other words, what is hyperpigmentation a byproduct of within our day-to-day lives?
One of the leading causes of hyperpigmentation is avoidable: spending too much time in the sun without proper protection. Melanin protects the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet light. Excessive amounts of sunlight cause melanin to clump together to protect the inner layers of the skin, producing dark spots.
When the sun’s ultraviolet light penetrates the skin to the inner layers, it creates what we identify to be sunburn. Aside from discomfort, sunburn can also damage skin cells and even lead to skin cancer. Therefore, in taking steps to protect your skin from ultraviolet light, you’re naturally reducing hyperpigmentation while simultaneously preventing other harmful skin conditions.
So, what is hyperpigmentation caused by, besides spending too much time in the sun?
- Blue light from screens on phones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices
- Hormonal changes, especially due to medical conditions or pregnancy
- Genetics
- Pollution
- Repeated use of some cosmetics or exposure to certain topical products
- Skin conditions or trauma
- Inflammatory diseases
Finding Solutions
Cysteamine
Cysteamine is an antioxidant that has been used as a skincare ingredient for over 50 years. If you’re wondering what hyperpigmentation solution you can use every day, cysteamine is an excellent choice because it’s well tolerated, safe for long-term daytime and nighttime use, less irritating than prescription-strength solutions, and backed by numerous studies. Additionally, there’s no rebound effect if you stop using it.
Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector is known as “the hyperpigmentation solution.” It contains novel pigment correctors, antioxidants, and our patented heparan sulfate analog technology to effectively and gently improve the appearance of dark spots while restoring natural skin tone without the risk of hypopigmentation.
Heparan Sulfate Analog
There are several key ingredients and steps dermatologists recommend to reduce hyperpigmentation, including hydroquinone, retinol, and antioxidants. For inflammation-induced hyperpigmentation, there is a novel solution: heparan sulfate analog (HSA) that helps boost the skin’s immune response to inflammation.
Heparan sulfate is a natural molecule that our bodies use to mend damaged, inflamed skin. As we age, the amount of heparan sulfate in our body decreases, which leads to chronic inflammation. HSA is the modified version of the heparan sulfate molecule that helps decrease inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier. Senté is the first and only brand to successfully design a modified version of heparan sulfate, providing a natural boost to your skin's immune response to inflammation and enhancing its ability to renew itself. We infused this revolutionary HSA technology into our medical-grade skincare collection.
Mineral Sunscreen
The most effective way to keep hyperpigmentation at bay is to use a mineral sunscreen whenever you’re out in the sun. After all, what is hyperpigmentation caused by most often? That’s right—the sun’s ultraviolet light.
Even with these key ingredients and novel solutions, sunscreen is a must to prevent hyperpigmentation and should be worn every day. Mineral sunscreens, in particular, are important, because they sit on the surface of your skin and reflect the ultraviolet and visible blue light to naturally prevent them from being absorbed into your skin. This simple step can make a tremendous difference, not only in stopping what causes hyperpigmentation so often but in improving your overall skin health.
Experience Visible Improvement in Hyperpigmentation With Senté Products
What are hyperpigmentation solutions going to do for you? Quite simply, they can help achieve an even skin tone for every complexion by addressing the inflammation that can cause discoloration. We encourage you to check our Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector and to read more about its benefits and solutions for healthy, even-looking skin.
The views or external links featured on this blog represent the opinions of their respective contributors and may not necessarily reflect the position of Sente. All content is provided for informational/educational purposes and is based on personal experiences, observations, or research. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Sente makes no representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the information presented. The information and opinions shared on this blog do not constitute medical advice. Readers are encouraged to independently verify information and should consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
