Have you tried the freckles filter on Instagram? It makes you look cute and even gives your skin a flawless glow. However, real hyperpigmentation is not cute at all and can affect your confidence. Some types of hyperpigmentation have a more permanent effect on your skin and are definitely not as easy to remove as a filter.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the increase of melanin in excess due to sun exposure or changes in hormones in the body. This excess is uneven and irregular, resulting in some areas of the skin appearing darker than the rest. In this article, we will be sharing more about the three common types of hyperpigmentation: freckles, sunspots, and melasma.
1. Freckles
Freckles are harmless hyperpigmentation that tends to fade away with age or seasons. Sun exposure and genetics are the main causes of these tiny brown spots. They usually appear on the face and arms – any areas regularly exposed to the sun.
2. Sunspots
Sunspots are hyperpigmentation that is caused by ageing and UV exposure. Also known as age spots or liver spots, they usually appear when you are older – around the time you hit your forties. They are larger than freckles in size and a more permanent feature that requires skin treatment to get rid of.
3. Melasma
Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, discoloured patches on your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90 percent of people who develop melasma are women. Pregnancy and UV exposure are the two leading causes of melasma. Unfortunately for us, Asian skin is also more prone to developing melasma. It is a challenging issue to cure as recurrence after treatment is quite high.
Treatment for Hyperpigmentation such as Freckles, Sunspots and Melasma
Laser treatment is one option to remove hyperpigmentation. However, the preparation and post-care for the laser treatment can be an inconvenience – your skin will be swollen and very sensitive post-treatment. Fortunately, there are easier ways to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation.
Regular use of Vitamin C, sunblock and skin lightening topical creams can help reduce the effect of hyperpigmentation. However, while Vitamin C can help reduce the effects of melasma, it may be limited when the condition is caused by hormonal changes. When it comes to melasma, avoiding the sun is the best prevention.
Vitamin C Tablet & Vitamin C Drink
Vitamin C works as an essential antioxidant that reduces potential cell damage. Unfortunately, our bodies do not produce Vitamin C and we have to obtain it from our diet. A diet filled with citrus fruits, berries, potatoes and tomatoes will give your body this much needed nutrient. Vitamin C supplements are also a convenient way to ensure you get healthy amounts of this essential antioxidant in your diet regularly.
The Hakubi White C Japanese tablets by Sato Pharmaceutical is a supplement that you can start incorporating into your lifestyle easily to maintain healthy levels of natural Vitamin C in your body. It is also a highly effective Japanese product that helps whiten skin, as much as 1.6 times*, while promoting skin re-generation. Simply pop our Hakubi White C Tablets into your mouth three times a day to ensure your skin remains healthy and suppress the irregular production of melanin.
Another way of getting the recommended amount of Vitamin C is from a Vitamin C-rich drink. The Hakubi White C drink is a better option for people who dislike or have trouble swallowing tablets. It is also a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink with added benefits of boosting your body’s natural collagen levels.
Both the Hakubi White C drink and tablets offer antioxidant and anti-ageing properties to boost the health of your skin. They are formulated with Vitamin B6, an essential nutrient which helps to enrich the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E.
In addition to our Japanese manufactured Vitamin C tablets and drinks, you can use Hakubi C gel to help prevent spots and freckles. The non-greasy gel helps soothe sunburns and can also be used to spot-treat pimples.
Sunblock and Protective Clothings
It is often said that the best offence is a good defence. Taking care of your skin and protecting it from overexposure to the sun, especially when it is at its strongest, is essential in preventing hyperpigmentation.
We can’t stress this enough – sunblocks are your best friend when you have to be out in the sun. An SPF of 50 is adequate enough to protect you from most of the UV radiation. You should apply it at least 30 minutes before heading out and even when you are at home as UV rays can penetrate windows. Reapplication is advised if you perspire heavily or are doing water activities.
Your choice of clothings can also offer added protection. Opting for hats and protective clothings go a long way in shielding you from the harmful UV rays. Unlike sunblock, you do not need to worry about reapplying.
Caring for Your Skin and Preventing Hyperpigmentation in Singapore
Living in a sunny country like Singapore requires conscious efforts on your part to prevent hyperpigmentation on exposed skin. You should always practise sun safety, such as keeping out of the afternoon sun, and incorporate a healthy diet into your lifestyle to nourish your body with adequate levels of Vitamin C. Developing good habits to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation will go a long way in keeping your skin looking young and healthy.
*Research done by R&D C*Research done by R&D Centre, Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Japanentre, Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Japan
