7 Ways to Prevent Post-Summer Sun Spots & Pigmentation
Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration- As autumn is beginning to show its head, you may have noticed some remains of summer left behind, particularly on the skin. If you’re looking to correct these common skin concerns, now’s a perfect time. Here are 7different ways you can manage post-summer sun spots & pigmentation:
1. Wear Sunscreen
Since the sun is one of the primary sources of causing spots & hyperpigmentation, it makes sense to use sunscreen!○ Protecting your skin from the sun has much more to do with how much sunscreen you apply than it does the actual SPF number listed on the bottle.○ It’s recommended to apply at least a quarter-sized dollop to your face, alone.○ If the neck and chest are exposed, apply a separate quarter-sized dollop to those areas as well! Reapply every 90 minutes.○ Wearing protective clothing as a hat or sunglasses can also go a long way
2. Avoid the Heat
We know that heat can stimulate melanin activity. This means that no matter how diligent you are about wearing sunscreen and seeking shade, your skin can still form sun spots if you’re exposing it to a lot of heat.○ Avoid saunas, steam rooms, or hot yoga if possible, as these can worsen pigmentation.
3. Chemical/Physical Exfoliants
One of the best ways to manage skin discoloration is to exfoliate regularly. This can be done through chemical exfoliation or physical exfoliation○ Chemical exfoliation involves applying an acid to the skin like glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acids to lower the skin's pH and dissolve dead cells.○ This encourages cellular turnover which helps fade pigmentation.○ Be careful with how often you exfoliate because it can increase sensitivity in the skin.
4. Gentle Face Scrub
While exfoliating acids do a great job of dissolving pigmented cells, a facial scrub will actually lift the dead cells up and off the skin
5. Use Retinol
This is one of the most effective skincare ingredients you can use for preventing sun spots.○ It can smooth and resurface the skin while keeping pigment cells under control○ Be aware of increased skin sensitivity
6. Use a Vitamin C Serum
This helps to suppress melanin cells to help fade and prevent sunspots and create an overall brighter complexion
7. An Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Including antioxidants in your meal can help increase an internal SPF and allow you to tolerate 20% more UV exposure before getting sunburned.
PRODUCTS TO TRY
If you’re ready to take control of that unwanted pigmentation, here are some products to try that can help:
● KD Clear Sheer Sunscreen- If you’re looking for a sunscreen, this one is a great option because it contains both a broad spectrum with 50 SPF and is rich in antioxidants!
● KD Brightening Pads- This product is great for visibly brightening uneven skin tone and revitalizing dull skin tone without further irritating the skin. It contains effective skin lightening agents like kojic acid, alpha arbutin, and Vitamin C.
● KD Brighten & Tighten Vitamin C Serum- This serum contains a 20% vitamin C complex and has powerful brightening & antioxidant properties. It’s great for protecting you from free radicals.
INGREDIENTS TO CONSIDER
Look out for these key ingredients as they are used to clinically target similar skin concerns like sun spots, acne scars, melasma, and other pigmentation:
● Kojic Acid (https://www.byrdie.com/kojic-acid-for-skin-4782187)
● Hydroquinone (https://theklog.co/products-hydroquinone/)
● Arbutin (https://www.byrdie.com/arbutin-serum)
● Bearberry (https://www.lorealparisusa.com/ingredient-library/bearberry)LISTEN TO MY PODCAST TO LEARN MORE:https://beautybydrkay.com/how-to-prevent-post-summer-sun-spots-pigmentation/Stay Beautiful!
