Hyperpigmentation: Fade those sun spots, mama!

On a recent trip back from Phuket, I realised just how much sun I had gotten when I accidentally stumbled past my reflection. Gasp! What was that dark blotch on my face? It couldn’t be hyperpigmentation… Could it? It’s not that I had never experienced this before. When I was pregnant with my first child, I had a distinct dark line sprout from my belly button, apparently overnight. This blotch however was out there for the world to see and I was not impressed.

There are many causes of hyperpigmentation, including damaged or stressed pigment cells, chemical-filled fragrances, anxiety, pregnancy, taking the Pill, menopause or the (naughty) squeezing of spots. But what is the resolution to this common problem? For me, the first solution that sprung to mind was to invest in chemical peels or laser therapies. In the hands of a reputed therapist these therapies are quick and help solve the problem relatively quickly. For many however, it can be expensive, time intensive, invasive and (depending on the treatment and therapist) has the potential to be uncomfortable.

Luckily, there are other at-home options available these days, so here I share my top five options for treating hyperpigmentation!

Organic Pharmacy’s Virgin Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil

Easily my all time favourite company from my six years spent in London, this gorgeous scented nourishing organic oil is packed with all sorts of goodies to help fade scarring, wrinkles and sunspots. Be warned, a little goes a long way!

Where to buy: Luckily for us in the ‘Kong the Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel carries Organic Pharmacy products. Those outside of Hong Kong can check out the website for stockists.

Absolute’s Remodeling Serum

A unique aftercare range developed by Hong Kong-based Absolute Laser Skin Care, this serum is bursting with pigment-busting ingredients and collagen-stimulating formulae to stimulate faster healing and skin repair. In fact, all of Absolute’s range has some degree of skin brightening action, so it’s definitely worth checking out the other products in their range.

Where to buy: Absolute products are available to buy at 8A Times Centre, 53-55 Hollywood Road, or you can email [email protected] for delivery options.

Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

Multi-award winning and one of the most popular and well-known serums on the market, this lightweight milky serum is filled with brightening ingredients, exfoliants and antioxidants to banish those pesky spots and even skin tone. Use twice daily alongside your favorite moisturiser. You’ll need to use it diligently for at least 6 weeks before you start to see results. You’ll want to keep up with the sunscreen application too whilst using this one!

Where to buy: At most major department stores plus stand-alone Clinque stores all over Hong Kong. Click here for locations.

StriVectin-EV Get Even Brightening Serum

With Vitamin B3 to slow down melanin production and Vitamin C to fade existing pigmentation and brighten the complexion, this unscented non-greasy serum is useful for targeting specific areas instead of the entire face. It’s worth checking out their Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum as well — it’s designed for nighttime use only and is brilliant for treating pigmentation at its source, one spot at a time!

Where to buy: Available at Harvey Nichols and Lane Crawford.

Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx Extreme C

A unique brightening powder treatment designed to be combined with your daily moisturiser, it diminishes existing pigmentation and halts fresh blotches in their tracks! Working on the cellular level, it contains an exclusive blend of peptides, minerals, and botanical extracts.

Where to buy: Various stockists around Hong Kong. See the Dermalogica website for more details.

It only takes a quick survey to realise there is an abundance of creams, serums and spot treatments on the market all promising blotch-free complexions. At the end of the day however, you know your own skin mama so be prepared to not only follow through on your new regime but also make sure you don’t sabotage your own efforts by doing a spot of sun-worshipping either!

Sassy Mama Tips:

1. It will take a few months of dedicated daily application for noticeable results.
2. Become best friends with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 (or higher). Keep the morning routine quick by using a facial moisturiser with a built-in sunscreen.
3. Use after exfoliation (where possible) to ensure maximum absorption into clean skin.