I’m just like most people when it comes to clear skin. I want it! Finally, I figured out how to improve my skin, avoid breakouts, and fade dark spots from previous breakouts long ago. Here are a few tips and tricks on how I cleared my skin, and faded my dark spots.
Exfoliation:
As a woman of color, I am very prone to hyperpigmentation. At times, I didn’t fear the pimple as much as I feared the dark spot it would leave behind. Those spots were very hard to get rid of. Exfoliation was extremely important in helping to fade dark spots. Whether it’s a physical exfoliant like Origins Modern Friction or a chemical exfoliant like Ren Glycol Lactic Acid, the top layer of your skin needs to be removed to properly treat any dark spots, and to reveal even tone skin.
There are different types of chemical exfoliants. Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) exfoliators such as salicylic acid penetrate deeper into the skin, and are considered unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, they are safe to use otherwise and are very effective against breakouts and acne. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) exfoliators, such as glycolic acid, exfoliate the top layer of the skin to show the more even and better textured skin. At times, AHA’s can make pores appear smaller because the dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin makes pores look bigger.
If you have never tried chemical exfoliants before then please consider the strength of the exfoliator before applying. The higher the percentage, the stronger the acid. You may become sensitive to the higher percentage acid, or you may be using it too often, which can cause irritation. This happened to me the first time I used glycolic acid. I was a Sales Associate at Neiman Marcus while I was a college student, and walked to the beauty section during a break with a fellow employee. The beauty associate sold me on an amazing glycolic acid peel, but failed to warn me about the strength of the peel and how frequently I should use it. She just told me HER regimen. She was about 50 years old and I was 19 years old. She was white and I was black. She had dry skin. I had combination skin. We had completely different skin needs! Needless to say, the peel was overused and my skin broke out. For years I thought that I couldn’t use glycolic acid. I learned from that experience and I am here to tell you that my skin loves AHA’s. I have never had a problem since. Don’t let this be your experience! Take your time, do your research and consider your individual skin needs.
Treatment Serums:
Once you have properly exfoliated your skin, it’s time to apply a topical treatment specifically created to combat hyperpigmentation. Many, many years ago I used DDF Protect and Correct moisturizer, which was created for fading hyperpigmentation and protecting the skin with an SPF. I would purchase it from Sephora or Ulta, but once it was no longer available as an easy purchase at the stores I frequented, I was on the search for something else. This led me to serums, which are more concentrated. I have tried Origins Mega Bright (I purchased it at Sephora). I plan to try other brands in the future whenever I get a new dark spot.
Also, remember to apply the treatment serum on freshly cleansed skin, and before your moisturizer. These serums are placed all over the skin to treat current dark spots as well as reduce the appearance of new spots.
Spot Treatments:
If exfoliation and serums aren’t enough you can use a spot treatment to do the trick. Spot treatments are highly concentrated and created to attack the overproduction of melanin in a specific area. I have tried Skinceuticals Pigment Corrector (I purchased from thedermstore.com and from blumercury.com).
Now you know what I have used in the past to get clear and even tone skin by fading dark spots. Patience was an important factor, because some spots took several months to completely disappear. However, I remained consistent because I wanted my results. If all else failed, I would have sought out an esthetician to get my skin in shape.
Share in the comments section any tips you may have on maintaining even skin and getting rid of any hyperpigmentation.
