As summer fades, many of us notice changes in our skin, particularly the appearance of dark spots or patches. This post-summer hyperpigmentation is a common concern but understanding why it happens and how to treat it can help you regain an even complexion.
Here’s a breakdown of what causes it, how to prevent it, and how you can treat it at home – with a little help from Defiage Med Spa’s treatments like the VI Peel.
Why Does Hyperpigmentation Happen After Summer?
Hyperpigmentation is a result of excess melanin production in certain areas of the skin, leading to dark spots or patches. During the summer months, prolonged sun exposure triggers melanin production as the skin’s natural defense mechanism. Even if you wear sunscreen, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate the skin and cause damage that manifests into pigmentation issues, especially if reapplication isn’t consistent. Heat, sunburns, and even hormonal changes during summer can worsen hyperpigmentation and as a result, produce an excess of melanin.
Common areas affected include the face, shoulders, and hands – spots most exposed to the sun. If you spent a lot of time outdoors this summer, you may notice melasma, sunspots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation becoming more pronounced.
Additionally, skin injuries such as cuts and picking at acne can trigger the overproduction of melanin.
Common types of hyperpigmentation include:
- age spots
- sun spots
- uneven skin tone
- brown patches or darker patches
- freckle-like spots
- melasma patches
- overall darker pigmentation
How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation
Prevention is key to avoiding the buildup of excess pigment. Having a proper skincare routine in place that includes daily sunscreen – and the appropriate type of sunscreen strength is essential. Other additions include topical treatments like vitamin C serums, salicylic acid, kojic acid, lactic acid, or azelaic acid that help brighten the skin or in-office resurfacing treatments that target stubborn spots and darker spots faster.
Here’s what you can do to protect your skin next summer – and throughout the year:
- Consistent Sunscreen Use: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours when outside for long periods, especially if swimming or sweating.
- Seek Shade: Avoid being outside during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) and wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses to limit UV exposure.
- Gentle Skin Care: Avoid harsh exfoliants or scrubs that can irritate the skin, as inflammation can lead to dark spots. Instead, opt for gentle products that help maintain your skin barrier.
At-Home Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
Radiant skin is always the goal – and it starts with your at-home routine. Your skincare products should serve to prevent and treat UV damage year-round.
If hyperpigmentation has set in after the summer, several at-home treatments can help fade dark spots:
- Sun Protection: The UV rays account for up to 90% of skin aging and damage. Continuous reapplication is a critical step that maintains a layer of protection throughout the day – even on darker skin tones. Both mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreens are effective at protecting and maintaining skin health.
- Topical Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and reduce dark spots by inhibiting melanin production.
- Niacinamide: This ingredient reduces inflammation and suppresses the transfer of melanin to the skin’s surface, helping to fade dark spots.
- Exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation using AHAs or BHAs (alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids) such as glycolic acid can help remove dead skin cells and encourage skin renewal, leading to a brighter, more even complexion.
- Retinoids: Retinoids increase cell turnover, which helps reduce hyperpigmentation and improve overall skin tone. Use them with caution and always pair them with sunscreen and moisturizer as they can cause sensitivity to the skin when first introduced in a routine.
Professional Treatment: VI Peel at Defiage Med Spa
For deeper, more stubborn hyperpigmentation, professional office treatments like the VI Peel in Houston at Defiage Med Spa are highly effective. The VI Peel is a medical-grade chemical peel that targets hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and uneven skin tone. It works by exfoliating the top layer of skin, promoting collagen production, and reducing the appearance of discoloration. The VI Peel is safe for all skin types and offers quick recovery with noticeable results in just a few days.
The VI Peel in Houston at Defiage Med Spa is available in a variety of depths and strengths:
- VI Peel
- VI Peel Purify
- VI Peel Precision Plus
- VI Peel Advanced
Why Choose the VI Peel?
- Minimizes Sun Damage: Helps fade sunspots and discoloration caused by summer sun exposure.
- Improves Skin Texture: Smooths rough patches and evens skin tone.
- Boosts Collagen: Promotes collagen production, helping to rejuvenate the skin.
- Quick Recovery: Unlike some harsher chemical peels, the lighter VI Peel options allow you to resume normal activities within a few days.
Take Control of Hyperpigmentation
At Defiage Med Spa in Houston, we’re here to help you restore your skin’s natural glow after the summer sun. In addition to our VI Peel, we offer personalized skin care solutions tailored to your specific concerns. Whether you want to treat existing hyperpigmentation or prevent future damage, our experts can guide you in the right direction.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how our treatments can keep your skin looking radiant year-round!
