If you have olive skin or darker, chances are you've experienced your fair share of hyperpigmentation, also known as manchas. Acne, hormones, sun exposure and even pregnancy can lead to dark spots and an uneven skin tone. Fortunately, there are ways to get your complexion bright and healthy. Bliss Spa esthetician Cristina Klein gave us all of the pro tips we need.
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Cleanse with a gentle cleanser.
“When it comes to cleansers, you want to go for one that fits your skin type. But if you have oily, acne-prone skin, opt for a gentle cleanser that won’t irritate your skin,” says Klein. Try Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($7).
Use a toner.
“A toner helps to bring the moisture into the skin, but you want to make sure you use one that’s appropriate for your skin type,” Klein says. I recommend an alcohol-free toner that’s going to sooth and moisturize your skin, like Fresh Rose Floral Toner ($40).
You need to exfoliate regularly.
“Exfoliating helps remove the dead skin that lies on the surface of your skin. Choose an exfoliator that’s gentle on your skin,” says Klein.
She warns not to exfoliate every day. “Over-exfoliating can actually result in increased hyperpigmentation. Don’t exfoliate more than three times a week.” Try Bliss Micromagic Microdermabrasion Treatment ($48).
Try an at-home peel.
“Mild at-home peel pads with Vitamin C help to clear away dark spots,” says Klein. But if you have sensitive skin, you might want to check with your derm first before using any products that contain high-potency vitamin C or acids. Try DERMA Doctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pads with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E ($78).
Use a brightening serum.
Klein also recommends incorporating an oil-free, brightening serum into your skincare regimen. Try Renee Rouleau Skin Drink Serum ($40).
Use a blemish-targeting product.
“If you struggle with both dark spots and acne, try a skin-correcting product like SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense ($90),” says Klein. “It treats acne while also reducing the appearance of uneven skin."
Try a clay mask.
“Clay masks help absorb access oil, reduce the appearance of pores, and helps to even out skin tone,” says Klein. Try Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask ($62). It mattifies the skin without drying it out and leaves a radiant glow.
Get a brightening facial.
“Depending on how severe you hyperpigmentation is, you want to make sure that you get in a few sessions of a brightening facial,” says Klein who did the Bliss Spa’s Transluminous Facial on me.
It significantly helps fade away dark spots, leaving skin a lot more even. But make sure to be mindful of how sensitive your skin is before using products or getting facials done with vitamin C or acids.
Use sunscreen religiously.
“You should always be using a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30. Once the sun hits the skin, especially if you’re already prone to hyperpigmentation, it will make any unevenness even worse,” says Klein. Try Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Moisture Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($50).
