Preventing Hyperpigmentation is Easier than You Think

Consider this:

1. Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin. Melanin is stimulated by UVB radiation. The purpose of Melanin is to prevent DNA skin damage that is responsible for malignant melanoma and skin cancer. (The highest rate of melanoma affects women between the ages of 25 and 29!)
2. Hyperpigmentation is always worse during the summer months. In the summer, the sun's rays are more concentrated because of the angle that they strike the Earth. Even if you are not sunbathing, your typical activities may over expose you to UVA and UVB.
3. The single, most important thing you can do to prevent hyperpigmentation is to wear sunblock.

What type of sunblock should you use?

1. I only recommend a physical sunblock. The SPF must be at least 30, it must be PABA-free, paraben-free and petroleum-free. It should be hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (will not block pores) and fragrance-free.
2. Burnout Clean and Clear Zinc Oxide Sunblock meets all this criteria. It is an oil free cream that provides complete broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with no chalky whitening. Instead of chemicals, it uses Zinc Oxide as its active ingredient. People love Burnout products because the cream can easily be absorbed into the skin without leaving any visible residue.

Should you use a chemical peel to treat hyperpigmentation?

1. It is easy to over react when faced with hyperpigmentation. But being overly aggressive can just make the situation worse. Keep in mind that melanin is there to protect you. If you confuse your body by using harsh chemical peels, your skin will react as if it's trying to prevent sunburn in the only way it knows how: by producing more melanin.
2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) that are in most chemical peels actually increase your sensitivity to the sun. This doesn't mean that you can't use a chemical peel, but you should only use it at night and you should always wear sunblock.
3. If you want to do a chemical peel at home, make sure that the acid concentration is mild. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids are the perfect exfoliants, particularly for skin that has raised acne or is already hyperpigmented. They remove dead and damaged cells without physical exfoliants, so there is no risk of skin tearing. As long as the acid is gentle, you can do it safely and effectively in your own home.