Fact: Your outer glow starts from within. But we get it — uneven skin tone, patches, and dark spots can sometimes dim the vibe. The good news? Hyperpigmentation and other uneven skin conditions are totally treatable. Our Cerologists are here to help you feel good in your skin with our trusted services and treatments — and a little TLC. Let’s talk about common types of hyperpigmentation and how to treat them. We’re covering:
- Dark spots vs. hyperpigmentation
- Causes and signs of hyperpigmentation
- How to prevent hyperpigmentation (and treat it)
- Our secret weapon for treating uneven skin tone
Is hyperpigmentation the same as dark spots?
First things first: Is there a difference between dark spots and hyperpigmentation? Short answer: not exactly. While both can cause uneven skin tone and discoloration, the difference lies in the details. We’re here to break it down.
The difference between dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a general term for any skin condition that covers a large area and causes dark patches to appear. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, a natural substance that gives your skin color. A dark mark (or dark spot) is a specific area that appears darker than the surrounding skin.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
Why the blotches? Hyperpigmentation doesn’t play favorites — it can pop up thanks to a mix of lifestyle factors and diet. Causes include:
- Acne and acne scarring
- Birth control and other medications
- Injury or inflammation
- Pregnancy
- Sun exposure
Signs of hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin tone
Hyperpigmentation may cause uneven skin tone on any part of your body, including your face.
Dark marks
Dark marks like freckles may also pop up, especially if your skin gets lots of sun exposure.
Colored patches
Hyperpigmentation can appear in the form of black, brown, gray, pink, or red colored patches on your face and body.
Note: If you notice changes in the shape, size, or colors of a dark spot on your skin — or you’re wondering if it could be something more serious than hyperpigmentation — consult a dermatologist or skin professional.
How to prevent hyperpigmentation
So, what helps with hyperpigmentation? While some causes of hyperpigmentation are out of your control (looking at you, hormones), these expert-backed tips can make a big difference:
- Make SPF your new best friend: Sunscreen isn’t just for summer. Apply SPF 30 every single day (yes, even when it’s cloudy or cold).
- Accessorize: Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with wide-brimmed hats and oversized sunglasses to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Use brightening skincare ingredients: Look for products with powerhouse ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract to help brighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
- Resist the urge to pick at your skin: As tempting as it is to pick blemishes, resist! Picking can lead to scarring, inflammation, and — you guessed it — hyperpigmentation.
- Add a gentle exfoliator to your skincare routine: Adding a gentle chemical exfoliator to your skincare routine helps slough away dead cells and reveal a brighter, more even complexion.
Enter: Bryght® Skin Brightening Treatment
It’s time we introduced you to our holy grail for treating hyperpigmentation, discoloration, dark marks, and uneven skin tone: the Bryght Skin Treatment. The brightening skin treatment is our game-changing, all-natural, dermatologist-backed solution for hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It works by inhibiting a skin enzyme called tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production. Bryght uses a four-step process that’s safe for all skin types:
- Cleanse: Removes dirt oils, and other impurities from the face and neck and naturally numbs the skin to prep for the next steps.
- Exfoliate: Preps and polishes the skin to even tone with an antioxidant-rich combo of ingredients.
- Bryghten®: Treats and prevents hyperpigmentation with a unique combo of plant extracts to illuminate and reveal your natural skin tone.
- Set: Cools, hydrates, and seals in the first three steps.
The result: brighter, happier skin and a wow-worthy glow. Depending on your skin type, you could see results after just one treatment.
Once they’re treated, do dark spots get darker before going away?
One of the most common questions our Cerologists get when it comes to dark marks is, “Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?” The answer is sometimes, yes — and that’s actually good news!
Here’s why: When you’re undergoing treatment for hyperpigmentation, certain ingredients and exfoliating products can accelerate skin cell turnover or bring darker skin cells to the surface. As a result, dark patches may appear darker before they fade. Once those surface cells shed, you’re left with a smoother, more even-toned glow.
A final note on dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Patience is your secret weapon in the journey to even-toned, glowing skin. Dark spots don’t appear overnight, and they won’t disappear overnight either. Stick with your skincare routine (plus, consult one of our expert Cerologists!) and you’ll get your glow back faster than you can say “hyperpigmentation.”
More skin treatments and tips for you
Ready to reveal your glowiest, dewiest skin yet? Find the Waxing The City studio nearest you to visit one of our expert Cerologists.
