First of all - what is Hyperpigmentation?

Human skin contains certain cells that produce melanin, a substance that gives skin its colour. Too much melanin leads to hyperpigmented skin, common examples of which include freckles, dark patches, sun damage and age spots.

So what causes Hyperpigmentation?
The main causes are from sun exposure, hormone fluctuations, acne scars or any trauma to the skin.

So how can you treat hyper-pigmentation?
There are three methods which should all ideally be applied. That is: exfoliating the skin, applying skin lightening creams or serums and finally, the use of sunscreen SPF30 or more.

Exfoliate with products that contain Glycolic acids or Salicylic acids. Exfoliation rids the skin's surface of cells with pigment (melanin). Retinol is another very effective ingredient as it helps increase exfoliation.

After exfoliating, you should apply a dedicated skin lightening cream or serum that contains active ingredients which will stop melanin production such as arbutin, kojic acid, mulberry extract and licorice extract. 

Anti-oxidants such as vitamin C work very well too and can also help protect the skin from further damage.

Finally, you should always apply sunscreen of SPF30 or more. This will help to protect the skin from further sun damage. This is especially important as your skin may be more sensitive to the sun after applying the treatments.

It is also well worth considering taking a special food supplement that contains essential vitamins and antioxidants, shown to improve and protect the skin such as the Nutrifade Pigment Correcting Supplement.  These types of supplements can work faster than topical skin creams as it works from the inside and they have many other benefits.

You can find all of these products and a vast amount of helpful articles and information on hyperpigmentation at skinlight.com

One thing to keep in mind, is that all these methods don't work overnight! It takes time, and therefore patience, to get results. But it will be well worth it in the end as you will start to see a much clearer, brighter and more even skin tone.