How to Clear Dark Spots with a Simple Night Routine Nemngwa Masekela: Those pesky dark spots are a challenge when wanting clearer skin. With warmer weather approaching, the effects of UV damage on the skin can possibly worsen your dark spots. Since that is the case, how can you prevent further damage and heal your skin? A nightly skincare routine will eliminate all daily factors.

(Thank the moon and the stars!)

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Well known as Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation is the result of the production of the pigment melanin, going into overdrive. As we all have a concentration of melanin in our skin, UV radiation and the most persistent, acne, are prone to increase the production of melanin as an after-effect reaction. We also can see hyperpigmentation on other parts of our body. But our faces are exposed to the most sunlight, and sweat which makes our skin work much harder. Gladly, both UV radiation and acne can be prevented and protected.

Why at Night?

As the sun takes its rest, stressors of dark spots such as increased sweat and bacteria can be eliminated at bed time. Increased sweat during the day can possibly clog pores and increase the likelihood of acne. As you sleep, sweat production will decrease on the surface of your skin, therefore lowering the chances of acne significantly.

Factors that can slow the healing process of hyperpigmentation, but can be preventable at night:

• Lower production of sweat, which can potentially cause acne
• Eliminating the Sun’s UV rays
• No frequent contact of your hands and face.

Nightly Skincare Routine to Heal Hyperpigmentation

1. Use a Hydrating Cleanser

To ensure that dry skin won’t get in the way of making your products the most beneficial, use a product that includes moisturizing benefits. Products that lather up with water are great choices. As some of us might overlook the importance of hydration (having oily skin), Every skin type could benefit from it.

2. Exfoliate (Twice a Week at Most)

During the day, accumulation of dead skin cells can pile up. At times, they can appear as little dark bumps across the forehead. As well as the increase of texture on the skin. Weekly exfoliation can decrease the appearance of these issues over time.While getting you back to an overall even complexion. There are two common types of exfoliation:

• Chemical
• Physical

Chemical exfoliants in products could contain BHA or AHA. When applied to the skin the chemicals react and exfoliate your skin. Be sure to patch test a chemical exfoliant, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Physical Exfoliants work by using a coarse product, to exfoliate the skin by using circular motions. Sugar or beaded ingredients would be included in most common exfoliants. Make sure to use even and light pressure when exfoliating your skin.

3. Follow up with a toner along with a cotton pad

Toners are widely available in almost every formula. Some toners claim to even help treat hyperpigmentation! Your toner should be water-based to increase the ease of absorption. Most toners help remove excess residue your exfoliator or cleanser left behind. Avoid toners with a long list of complicated words, or ingredients, to ensure your product does not strip away moisture. Cotton pads are very inexpensive and are great to glide on your skin.

4. Opt-in for Vitamin C!

As the previous steps focus on cleansing and prepping the skin, a vitamin C serum is ready to help even out those dark spots. Vitamin C is well known for its nutrient factors, when eating oranges or bell peppers. When used topically, Vitamin C can brighten skin, improve texture and over time, heal signs of hyperpigmentation. One rule of thumb is to not expose Vitamin C to sunlight, especially when applied on your skin. What’s awesome is that it’s friendly to the most sensitive skin and can be applied several times throughout the week.

5. Use a Hydrating Moisturizer

To lock in that Vitamin C, a hydrating moisturizer will come in handy. Light moisturizers will be beneficial since some creams might overcompensate in heaviness. There are an array of formulas dedicated for sensitive, oily, and dry skin types. Selecting one that meets your skin type needs to ensure a good balance of moisture.

Taking control of dark spots might seem almost impossible, especially when dealing with acne. But with consistency and time, hyperpigmentation has no chance! What was your favorite step from the routine? Share with us down below!