Skin pigmentation is completely natural, but certain types can become more noticeable after summer, when sun exposure tends to bring them out. From sunspots to melasma and post-inflammatory marks, each type of pigmentation has its own cause - and knowing the difference is the first step to finding the right care.
Types Of Hyperpigmentation
With all types of hyperpigmentation, sunscreen is the non-negotiable first step - explore our mineral sunscreens here,
Sunspots - Caused by UV exposure, these small, flat, light-to-dark brown spots can appear during the summer months and are caused directly by UV exposure. You can get some fading or improve the appearance of them with brightening products and consistent SPF use.
- What helps?: Daily SPF is essential to protect against more spots forming, while brightening ingredients like vitamin C can help fade existing ones. Applying a Vitamin C Serum before your SPF helps enhance the antioxidant protection.
- Natural Skincare For Sunspots: Try the Nini Organics Juicy Serum or the Odacite Brightening Serum. View all vitamin C serums here.
Melasma - Shows up as larger patches of pigmentation, often triggered by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and may be made worse by the sun.
- What help?: Consistent sun protection is crucial, alongside gentle brightening treatments that don’t irritate sensitive skin.
- Natural Skincare For Melasma: Try the Pai Fade Forward Dark Spot Serum which has been tested for sensitive skin or the Antipodes Diem Vitamin C Pigment-Correcting Water Cream contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which can be less irritating for sensitive skin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) - These are the dark marks left behind after breakouts, irritation, or inflammation, for example eczema.
- What helps?: Gentle exfoliants such as Lactic, Mandelic or Azelaic Acid, paired with calming skincare, can help even out skin tone without aggravating the skin.
- Natural Skincare For PIH - Try the Mara Clear Skin Mineral Milk which features Mandelic Acid or the Josh Rosebrook Vitamin C Serum which features Azelaic Acid.
Age Spots - Also known as liver spots, these flat, darker patches often start as sun spots and develop gradually over time from long-term sun exposure. They become more visible from 40+ and are more stubborn. While they may not completely disappear, with longer-term targeting you may be able to improve the appearance with some fading.
- What helps?: Antioxidants and retinoids can support skin renewal. Daily sunscreen is the best defence against new ones appearing.
- Natural Skincare For Age Spots - Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol + C Booster – a great combination of Vitamin C and Bidens Pilosa Extract a natural alternative to retinol. With use 92.5% of people noticed an improvement in the appearance of any uneven pigmentation or age spots. The Raaie Yellow Moonbeam Retinal Elixir which showed photo damage was reduced by 12.0% in 4 weeks.
While you may not be able to erase sun damage completely, you can noticeably improve uneven tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Daily sun protection, paired with targeted treatments, goes a long way in keeping skin bright, balanced, and healthy post-summer. And don’t forget your hands - reapply SPF throughout the day and massage in any corrective serum you’re using for extra protection and care.
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