So how do you fix it?
"This depends on the type of hyperpigmentation. For sun spots, they're acquired from — you guessed — cumulative sun exposure," says Farber. "Treatment includes sun avoidance, strict SPF, retinoids, and in office treatments like peels or lasers. Melasma often has a hormonal basis but will always be worse from sun. Pregnancy and contraceptives can flare melasma. Stopping OCPs, strict sunscreen use, retinoids, and judicious use of exfoliating acids like glycolic or kojic acid can help lighten, as well as in office treatments like peels."
Farber stresses that you need to protect your skin from the sun and suggests a good mineral-based sunscreen, or going to see your dermatologist and having in office procedures like peels or laser treatments to help with deeper pigmentation.
So which products can you use at home before you consider going to have any treatments done?
Image via Imaxtree
As Farber puts it, "Your best friend for pigment changes is sunscreen. No matter the cause, sun exposure will exacerbate the contrast. I like mineral based sunscreens like EltaMD UV Clear."
"Retinol and retinoids like SkinBetter Overnight AlphaRet are often appropriate to even out skin tone, but discuss a regimen and in-office procedures with your dermatologist," says Farber.
Using an antioxidant-rich serum daily can also help boost and brighten your skin's appearance and help get rid of those marks.
