3 Shocking Hyperpigmentation Triggers…And How To Treat It ASAP!
Melasma and hyperpigmentation can be frustratingly stubborn to treat, so it’s important to understand some triggers for dark spots beyond the most common ones (like sun exposure and hormone fluctuations) to help prevent future spots from cropping up. Here are three surprising triggers you might not know, and some treatments that actually work!
1. Cooking
Yes, the sun’s UV rays are the most common cause of dark spots but did you know that heat can also be a trigger? Be mindful about extreme heat coming off of the stovetop directly onto your face, or when opening an oven. Similarly, standing over a hot grill for extended periods of time can make melanin go into overdrive. And of course, if you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, avoid extreme heat from other activities as well, like hot yoga and saunas.
The good news: treatment DOES exist! Although melasma caused by heat can be extremely stubborn, it can be treated effectively with prescription medications, including solutions formulated with 12% hydroquinone.
2. Your Bra
Believe it or not, your clothing may be contributing to your body hyperpigmentation! Oftentimes, friction caused by a too-tight bra or chafing on the inner thighs from tight pants can cause darkening of the skin in those areas. While it’s easy to get distracted by DIY remedies like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, these have the potential to irritate or burn your skin, making it even more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.
Many dermatologists agree that dark spot correctors that combine active ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin and azelaic acid are the most powerful topical treatment options available.
3. Waxing
The heat from hot wax (sometimes caused by poor technique) and pulling of the hairs can cause trauma to the skin and lead to Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). If heat is a big trigger for you, consider tweezing or other more gentle methods of hair removal.
Whatever the trigger, there are effective treatments for melasma and hyperpigmentation.
The Spot Cream offers a solution packed with hydroquinone and other powerful skin-brightening ingredients that brighten the complexion and are designed for dark spots on the face. This treatment is known for being one of the best melasma treatments on the market!
The Body Cream combines powerful ingredients (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and our Musely Micro Base) to deliver noticeable results to your body. It's formulated to treat keratosis pilaris, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging on hands, arms, legs, and feet.
The Private Cream is formulated with effective brightening ingredients such as hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to fight the dark spots and pigmentation in your most intimate areas (underarms, groin, bikini area, and anus).
