When it comes to achieving radiant and even skin, spots ( hyperpigmentation ) are one of the main challenges that many people face and that lead, especially women, to seek dermatological advice from health professionals.
Hyperpigmentation is characterized by an excessive production of our natural pigment – melanin – which , when deposited in a disorganized and excessive manner, leads to the appearance of dark spots.
Among the triggering factors we find genetic predisposition, age, hormonal changes (pregnancy, oral contraceptives), post-inflammatory conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites) and as the most determining factor for the appearance and darkening of spots - sun exposure.
There are several types of hyperpigmentation , namely:
- Melasma, closely related to hormonal changes. It often appears associated with pregnancy. It can also be the result of contraceptive or hormone replacement medication, hormonal changes caused by thyroid dysfunction, among others. Dark Spots & Melasma | Healtsy
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation , arising as a result of inflammation. Inflammatory mediators are factors that stimulate the synthesis of melanin, which is why spots often appear in the affected area.
- Lentigines are typical age spots. They are closely related to excessive sun exposure, appearing mainly in areas where sun exposure is usually more intense, such as the face, hands or neckline.
To prevent the appearance of stains, it is essential to:
- Daily use of sun protection Face Sunscreen | Healtsy
- Inclusion of topical vitamin C in your skincare routine, due to its antioxidant action Vitamin C | Healtsy
- Supplementation with oral photoprotectors that prepare the skin for the sun and prevent photoaging.Sun supplements | Healtsy
Despite all the care, stains often persist in appearing.
Lightening creams are a popular option as they are specifically formulated to combat hyperpigmentation and promote a more even skin tone.
These creams contain active ingredients such as thiamidol , kojic acid , azelaic acid , hydroquinone, niacinamide , glycolic acid and vitamin C, which help inhibit melanin production, gradually lightening the spots.
In this article we suggest several ranges from different brands and with the most varied active ingredients that may be of interest to those looking to combat blemishes.
- One very popular treatment is Bella Aurora ’s Bio10 , which was specifically developed to combat and prevent unwanted dark spots. The products in this line are formulated with high-quality ingredients, such as the exclusive Bio10 complex, which combines a series of effective skin-lightening actives, including kojic acid, phytic acid, vitamin C and gayuba extract . With over 130 years of experience and continuous innovation, Bella Aurora has been a reference in the beauty industry, especially when it comes to anti-dark spot treatments . The brand has helped countless people achieve radiant, even and blemish-free
- The range Bioderma 's Pigmentbio helps reduce melanin production and stimulates cell renewal for a corrective and preventative lightening effect. The anti-UVA/UVB filters and antioxidant vitamins C and E work synergistically to reinforce the lightening action of the treatment and prevent visible signs of premature aging.
- The Ducray Melascreen range , you can reduce brown spots on the face and also help to even out, restore density and nourish the skin. Thanks to its main dermatological active ingredients, this product visibly reduces brown spots and intensely nourishes the skin, giving it a plumper and more radiant appearance.
- La Roche Posay , presents the Pigmentclar range , with a triple action: medium-high sun protection (SPF30), anti-pollution and antioxidant [Ginkgo + ferulic acid ].
- Martiderm has a renowned line of depigmenting products – Pigment Zero . The secret of the formula is the complex of depigmenting active ingredients MELA TSFK, which consists of a combination of 4 acids: tranexamic acid , salicylic acid, ferulic acid and kojic acid . It also contains niacinamide (an inhibitor of melanosome and keratinocyte transfer), vitamin C (an antioxidant) and sunscreens for high SPF and UVA protection.
- In turn, SkinCeuticals presents the products: Protect Advanced Brightening combines broad-spectrum UV protection with a potent blend of hyperpigmentation -correcting ingredients for brighter, more even-toned skin, featuring 1% tranexamic acid and 2% niacinamide to help reduce existing hyperpigmentation . And Discoloration Defense, a daily spot-correcting serum, is clinically proven to improve the visibility of hyperpigmentation , even the most stubborn types, such as post-acne marks and melasma. Formulated with 1.8% tranexamic acid , 5% niacinamide and 5% HEPES, this next-generation formula improves the visibility of hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone in just 2 weeks.
- Skin D- Pigment range from Sensilis comes to mind , which works to correct and prevent skin hyperpigmentation of any kind (melasma, solar lentigines and senile) in a safe and effective way, even on sensitive skin.
- Clairial by SVR is indicated for all types of blemishes, including those caused by the sun, skin aging, pregnancy, imperfections or uneven skin tone. This is a 2-in-1 cream that acts to prevent and correct blemishes, correcting and preventing their reappearance.
- Uriage also offers the product Bariesun Anti-Dark Spot Fluid , with a very high sun protection factor (SPF 50+), indicated to protect the skin on the face from UVA/UVB solar radiation. It contains vitamin E, filters against solar radiation, vitamin C and antioxidant active ingredients that promote the prevention and reduction of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on the face.
Finally, we highlight the brands featured in our store this February:
- Eucerin brings a new approach to combating all types of dark spots, thanks to the patented and exclusive active ingredient Thiamidol , which acts at the source of hyperpigmentation , reducing existing spots and preventing the appearance of new ones. Thiamidol ! It is a specific inhibitor of human tyrosinase, acting on the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin. It therefore acts at the root of hyperpigmentation : reducing existing spots and preventing the appearance of new ones! Thiamidol can be used all year round, including in summer, and is an ingredient adapted to all phototypes and skin types, and is also suitable for sensitive skin! Within the Eucerin offer , we recommend using a complete Anti-Pigment routine .
- Sesderma has the range Azelac RU is formulated with multi-focus depigmenting active ingredients that act on the various phases of the melanogenesis process . Formulated with nanotechnology, the active ingredients are transported in liposomes with structures similar to the membranes that make up the cells in our skin, in order to promote increased penetration of the active ingredients in depth. Thus, the active ingredients present in the Azelac RU range reach the melanocytes in excellent concentrations, for maximum effectiveness, combined with excellent tolerance.
- Boderm has its anti-dark spot products in our TOP sales, they are Acmed , Tazarene 0.05% and 0.1% . The first – Acmed - with the highest concentration of azelaic acid (20%) and Tazarene , with Tazarotene as an active ingredient, have proven to be the most loved by our consumers.
It is important to remember that each person may react differently to lightening creams, and results may vary.
When using a depigmenting cream , it is important to follow the instructions for use and be consistent in application to obtain visible results.
In more persistent or severe cases of hyperpigmentation , it may be necessary to consult a dermatologist, who may recommend additional treatments such as chemical peels , laser therapy, IPL or specific dermatological procedures.