There are a number of products on the market that are being touted as having the ability to remove or lighten dark spots.  And because there are so many of you that have challenges with dark spots and uneven skin tones, the market has opened up to at-home use of these products.

Hyperpigmentation is a natural occurrence that takes place in skin of color.  There are things that you can do to minimize the damage that occurs to your skin as a person of color.

For At-Home Use of Reversing the Damage of Hyperpigmentation, Here Are A List of Product Ingredients to Look For.
Kojic Acid – This a mushroom derived skin brightener that inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase.  Kojic acid works best when it’s used in conjunction with glycol acid.

Alpha hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) – These are exfoliating acids that release the buildup of dead skin cells where you have trapped pigment.

Niacinamide -This is a vitamin B that stops the transfer of pigment from the melanocytes to your skin cells.

Vitamin C – is an antioxidant that evens out your skin discoloration and creates healthier, stronger skin.  High levels of Vitamin C can brighten and improve your skin tone.

Mandelic Acid – is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that brightens and gently exfoliates your skin’s outermost layer.

What to Avoid or At Least Think Twice About When Looking At Treatments for African American Skin

Chemical Peels – Yes there are mild chemical peels that can be performed on African American skin. But there are two in particular that should be used with caution, TCA and Jessner’s solutions.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – These treatments are best for sun damaged skin and they work by sending a beam of light through the skin that seeks out melanin. As this light is absorbed by the melanin, it breaks up the pigment so it’s less visible on your skin.

In essence Intense Pulsed Light is used to breakup dark spots or meliorated pigment.  What if your entire being is melanin?

You must also remember that adding any type of intense light to dark skin can be challenging to say the least.  It could cause more damage than expected.

Laser Resurfacing Treatments – This treatment can work wonders to correct hyperpigmentation for certain skin tones.

IF, this treatment is used by people of color it must absolutely be used on a low-energy frequency.  It must also be done by someone who understands skin of color.

Lasers can damage skin of color and when used improperly it will actually cause more pigmentation.

Hydroquinone – You’ve all heard of hydroquinone if you have any type of skin discoloration or dark spot.  Yes, it will helping lightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation but it has its disadvantages.

If used for longer periods of time hydroquinone will have a reverse effect and cause your skin to turn darker.  It  causes gray spots in your skin.

Hydroquinone stops the production of pigment but once you stop using it, you’ll need to be extra careful of sun exposure.  Sun exposure will cause discoloration to resurface.

Remember …

As a person of color, melanin will always be part of your daily concerns. Keep your skin and your colon clean.  Stay away from harsh products and don’t run after every treatment offered, they are not always geared to the care of dark skin.

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel
Aesthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care