These Causes Of Hyperpigmentation Are Sort of Your Fault. Find Out Why!

Skin covers our entire body, varying in thickness, and is the largest external organ in the body. So we’d like to believe you’d want to take care of it the best way you can. This includes stopping some really bad habits that could be adding to the causes of hyperpigmentation. If you want to know more about these mistakes, keep reading.
Skincare mistakes could be the difference between having clear, flawless skin and being riddled with hyperpigmentation like dark spots and scars. Besides some causes of hyperpigmentation like UV ray exposure and hormones, there are some causes that have your name written all over it. Take a look at our list to discover what you need to stop to have clear skin.

1. Popping pimples

Look, we get it. There’s something oddly satisfying about pressing a ripe pimple and watching the oil and excess sebum gush out. Some might even say it’s therapeutic. But popping your pimple can and does do more harm than good. When you have a new pimple, the skin sees it as an injury and wants to heal it. if you beat your skin to it and start picking at a pimple you will trigger inflammation. This inflammation forces melanin production which then leads to that area becoming really dark. Hello, hyperpigmentation!

2. Skipping sunscreen

We mentioned earlier that UV rays from the sun can be a cause of hyperpigmentation. And the reason why it’s affecting you is that you seem to always skip the sunscreen. Sunscreen is your friend and wants to help. Think of it as a shield protecting your flawless skin from intruders. Extended sun exposure leads to inflammation, which eventually leads to excess melanin production. With so many types of sunscreen for different skin types, getting one to protect your skin should be easy.

Read more on sunscreen and how you should use it here.

3. Over-exfoliating

Granted, exfoliating gives our skin silky smooth texture and removes dead skin. But, too much of it will lead down the path of hyperpigmentation. When you exfoliate too often, you cause inflamed irritation and weaken your skin’s moisture barrier. When your skin lacks moisture, it cannot fight away pollutants and your skin is exposed to risks. In addition, the inflamed skin will trigger excess melanin production which will lead to hyperpigmentation. Try exfoliating 2 – 3 times a week instead of daily to give your skin breaks in-between.

4. Harsh cleansing

There is a common misconception that preaches that harsh cleansers work faster and better. That’s not true. Harsh cleansers strip the skin of its moisture and leave your skin parched, dry and strained. When the skin feels this way, it produces excess oil to make up for lost moisture. This leads to clogged pores and eventually acne.

Also, the harsh cleanser can irritate the skin so much that it leads to inflammation and eventually hyperpigmentation. Instead of this, use a mild/gentle cleanser with a low pH level that won’t dry out your skin.

5. Not testing new products

Did you know that using new products without patch testing them could lead to hyperpigmentation? When adding a new product to your routine, it is important to test it out first. This ensures you do not have any irritation, allergies or general adverse reactions to it. If your skin becomes inflamed because of a product your skin rejects, you won’t be too far from hyperpigmentation.

Try testing new products on the side of your face (near your jawline) to see how your skin reacts before using it on your entire face. See how to do a simple test patch here.

Stop these bad habits that are definite causes of hyperpigmentation today for more radiant and flawless skin. And see how you too can have an awesome skincare routine.

(Featured Image: Instagram via @MoCheddah)