WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION?

Hyperpigmentation is a term that describes skin that appears darker caused by the excess production of melanin. It can affect all skin tones but is often more visible on Black skin and tends to last longer. It can occur in small or large patches or an entire body when skin is inflamed. It can affect either one of the layers that make up the skin, the epidermis (outermost layer) and the dermis (inner layer.)

Melanin is a pigment that gives skin it’s color. It’s produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Apart from skin affected by severe albinism, all skin contains at least some melanin; but in skin of color, melanin levels are higher. This causes an overproduction of melanin in certain circumstances.

WHAT CAUSES HYPERPIGMENTATION?

There are several types of hyperpigmentation: Post – Inflammatory, Periorbital Hyperpigmentation, Melasma, and Acanthosis Nigricans.

• Post – Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH may develop after an injury or inflammation to the skin from a burn, cut, rash, sores, or blisters on your skin. A common cause of this type of skin pigmentation is acne, eczema, contact dermatitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps), psoriasis, lupus, or lichen planus. 

• Melasma  – Creates enormous, irregular dark patches. It can occur on any body part and is commonly found on the stomach and face. It can be caused by hormonal changes, a genetic predisposition, or spending lots of time in the sun. It can be triggered by the hormones in birth control pills, other medications and during pregnancy.
  

• Acabthosis Nigricans – Is hyperpigmentation on the neck, armpit, and groin. It can cause skin to thicken, itch, and develop skin tags – annoying little flaps of tissue that can create friction and irritation. It’s most likely to occur because of hormonal inbalance, obesity or from type 2 diabetes.
  

HOW TO TREAT HYPERPIGMENTATION?

Hyperpigmentation can be treated by:

• Topical Prescription – Prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. This medication usually contains hydroquinone, which lightens the skin. Hydroquinone has lots of side effects and cannot be used for long period of times.
  

• Skin Laser Treatments – A laser peel (resurfacing) treatment uses targeted beams of light to reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Skin Acids – such as Alpha – Hydroxy Acid, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C (in the form of l-ascorbic acid)
  

• Intense pulse light therapy (IPL) – IPL therapy is a type of non-ablative (fractional) laser treatment that stimulates collagen growth within the dermis. 

• Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion is an in-office procedure used to treat hyperpigmentation that affects the epidermis only (superficial scarring).
  

• Dermabrasion – Dermabrasion  involves the removal of your epidermis, but its effects continue down to part of your dermis.

HONEY BOTANIC’S HYPERPIGMENTATION SOLUTION

Honey Botanics has lots of products for hyperpigmentation. Each product is designed to target a specific type of hyperpigmentation.

SEVERE BODY PIGMENTATION 

Severe body pigmentation caused by an allergic reaction, eczema breakout and severe back acne can be treated using the Complexion Blending product range: Complexion Blending Lotion, Complexion Blending Body Wash and the Complexion Blending Soap. . The complexion blending range is designed to have all the benefits of hydroquinone without its side effect. It is formulated with optimal PH in mind to heal and nourish the skin with melanin – inhibiting ingredients for an even skin tone. The ingredients in the product range are listed below.

Arbutin – Is gentle on the skin, prohibits the formation of dark spots by inhibiting the production of “tyrosinase – an enzyme that helps with melanin production,” and is effective at fading scars. It also reduces the degree of skin darkening after sun exposure by blocking the production of tyrosinase.

Bearberry – Bearberry extract is a skin brightener and an antioxidant that helps us attain a uniform and brighter complexion by neutralizing unstable atoms from damaging our cells and accelerating our skin’s aging process.

Baobab Oil – Is packed with vitamins a, b, c, e, omega – 3, omega – 6, and omega – 9 fatty acids. It heals imperfections, softens, regenerates, helps soothe eczema, and moisturizes skin thanks to its antioxidants and ample amounts of vitamins. 

Lactic Acid – Exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. As a result, it stimulates skin cell regeneration, fades hyperpigmentation, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and clears up acne. 

Kojic Acid – An all-natural skin brightening ingredient that works by inhibiting tyrosinase activity (the pigment-producing enzyme) in melanin production in the skin.

Indian Gooseberry (Amla Berry) – An antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, repair damaged tissues because of its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. In addition, its high content of vitamin C (20 times the amount of vitamin C than an orange) helps brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and protect the skin from the damaging effects of age and pollution.

Glutathione – Is a master antioxidant that balances the body free of radicals by working to prevent inflammation and other cell damage. In addition, it lightens the skin by converting melanin to a lighter color and deactivating the enzyme which helps produce skin pigment.

Licorice Root Extract – A potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient that calms down inflamed, sensitive skin. It inhibits the production of tyrosinase to combat discoloration: It contains liquiritin, an active compound that helps to disperse and remove existing melanin in the skin.

Niacinamide – enhances the skin barrier, keeps skin firm and healthy by reducing the impact of environmental stressors because of its ability to regulate oil production and help skin retain its moisture barrier.

BODY DISCOLORATION 

Body discoloration from inflamed skin caused by wounds, cuts, scrapes and dark knees, knuckles and elbows can be treated using the Kojic Acid Product Range. The kojic acid product range is formulated with Kojic acid and other skin – inhibiting ingredients. It restructures, improves skin clarity, boosts skin density, calms down inflamed skin while increasing moisture and elasticity

Please Note: The kojic acid extra strength product range contains twice the amount of kojic acid and is formulated for severe inflamed skin. 

THE INGREDIENTS IN THE PRODUCT RANGE ARE LISTED BELOW:

Kojic Acid – An all-natural skin brightening ingredient that works by inhibiting tyrosinase activity (the pigment-producing enzyme) in melanin production in the skin.

Marula Oil – It supports the skin’s natural barrier and contains water loss to moisturize the skin and heal and protect it against inflammation. It covers the skin against radical damage associated with UV exposure, pollution, diet, smoking, premature aging, and sun damage.

Mulberry Root Extract – Brightens the skin by inhibiting the production of melanin. When melanin production decreases, the new skin cells underneath contain less dark pigment, making the skin appear brighter as the new skin cells move to the surface of your complexion.

Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an antioxidant that moisturizes, alleviates the dryness, itching, and flakiness associated with eczema or atopic dermatitis.

Niacinamide – enhances the skin barrier, keeps skin firm and healthy by reducing the impact of environmental stressors because of its ability to regulate oil production and help skin retain its moisture barrier.

Licorice Root Extract – A potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient that calms down inflamed, sensitive skin. It inhibits the production of tyrosinase to combat discoloration: It contains liquiritin, an active compound that helps to disperse and remove existing melanin in the skin.

Glutathione – Is a master antioxidant that balances the body free of radicals by working to prevent inflammation and other cell damage. In addition, it lightens the skin by converting melanin to a lighter color and deactivating the enzyme which helps produce skin pigment.

Squalane – Is an antioxidant that softens skin texture, is non-comedogenic, helps even out skin tone, and prevents irritation. 

Rosemary Extract – Is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin and prevents signs of premature aging. It reduces signs of aging by tightening loose or sagging skin for a firm, youthful look, stimulates cell growth and biological activity to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Bearberry – Is a skin brightener and an antioxidant that helps us attain a uniform and brighter complexion by neutralizing unstable atoms from damaging our cells and accelerating our skin’s aging process.

Papaya – Contains vitamin a, vitamin c, Papain, Alpha-hydroxy acids, and Potassium. It boosts collagen production, promotes skin elasticity and firmness, promotes skin regeneration, contains anti-inflammatory properties that heal some skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema

The Kojic Acid Range contains Kojic Acid Lotion, Kojic Acid Body Wash, Kojic Acid Body Soap, Kojic Acid Face Soap and Kojic Acid Papaya Soap.

The Kojic Acid Extra Strength range contains Kojic Acid Extra Strength Lotion, Kojic Acid Extra Strength Body Wash and Kojic Acid Extra Strength Body Soap.

SOURCE:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3468271/