Experiencing hyperpigmentation? This is how to fade post-breakout dark spots

Whether you’re in the middle of an acne flare-up or get the occasional pimple, you might notice dark, scar-like marks left behind by breakouts.

While we’re distracted by pimples on the skin’s surface, hyperpigmentation arises in the deeper layers of our skin. This is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – also known as hyperpigmentation. And it’s the final frontier in reclaiming a bright, luminous complexion.

If you’re frustrated by dark, lasting spots, we’re here to explain hyperpigmentation and the causes of dark spots.

Keep reading to strengthen your brightening skincare routine – and discover the benefits of treating your skin concerns from the inside out with Vida Glow customer, Sophie.

WATCH: Sophie’s post-inflammation hyperpigmentation journey

What is hyperpigmentation?

Pigmentation is light brown or dark brown marks. And while it’s common on sun-exposed areas like the cheeks, nose and forehead, hyperpigmentation also occurs after pimples or acne as pink, red or brown marks and scarring.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Compared to UV ray-induced sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation comes from injuries. Think: inflammatory skin conditions like an acne or eczema, or physical injuries caused by pimple-popping or improper use of extraction tools.

No matter your trigger, hyperpigmentation starts with inflammation. When our skin is compromised by excess sun exposure or our squeezing fingers, inflammation occurs. This inflammatory response is designed to fend-off infection and support skin’s repair. And in the process, our pigment-producing cells called melanocytes produce excess pigment to protect our skin.

After injuries heal and inflammation calm, you could develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Skin goes from red to brown and this is post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Can I prevent skin hyperpigmentation from pimples?

The first step is to revaluate your emergency breakout routine.

Instead of popping a pimple or applying a drying topical solution, put on a pimple patch. Not only is hydrocolloid thought to help speed-up your skin’s recovery, but the adhesive patches will help remove the temptation to pick and pop, too.

Once you have calmed inflammation and taken action to prevent hyperpigmentation, adopt a science-backed ingestible solution to brighten any dark spots that sneak in.

Can I brighten dark hyperpigmentation and scars?

Hyperpigmentation sits deep in the epidermis of our skin – not on the surface on the complexion. So while topical vitamin C, niacinamide and peels are buzzy in skincare, the best way to treat pigmentation at-home is on a cellular level. With clinically backed ingestible beauty.

Vida Glow’s first Advanced Repair innovation, Radiance, is a targeted treatment for signs of pigmentation. In a vegan, cellulose capsule, Radiance delivers clinically studied skin actives, vitamin C and zinc into the bloodstream. This reaches skin tone concerns cell by cell for fast, visible results in one daily dose.

While the targeted capsules actively reduce uneven skin tone, Radiance is also a long-term solution for signs of pigmentation. Formulated with carotenoids – orange-yellow plant pigments with photoprotective properties – Radiance minimises future pigmentation and supports skin regeneration. So you can maintain healthy, even skin long-term.

In 12 weeks, Radiance increases skin luminosity by 26% and reduces facial imperfections by 18%.

Can Vida Glow Radiance help reduce the appearance of pigmentation?

Yes – and Vida Glow customer, Sophie, has experienced Radiance’s results first-hand.

“Before I started taking Radiance, my skin concerns were redness and scarring – especially after I squeeze a blemish,” explains Sophie. And the cause of her post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is completely understandable. “I’m very fortunate that I don’t suffer with too many blemishes, but it means I focus on my blemishes when I do get them,” admits Sophie. “And I get frustrated with myself when I pick them and make them worse.”

But since taking Radiance, Sophie’s skin is recovering quicker. “My scars definitely don’t linger for as long. And the overall brightness of my skin has improved. People have commented on how bright and glowy my skin is.”

Like many in the Vida Glow community who are throwing away their concealers, Sophie has even started skipping makeup. “I have a lot more confidence in my skin,” she shares. “It’s such a great feeling to have my complexion looking even and clear.”

Are you ready to improve your post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation? Learn more about our best-selling Radiance capsules and shop now.