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Hyperpigmentation is dark spots that occur on our skin, often after sun exposure. We like the look of a smattering of freckles, but if you want to prevent or conceal pigmentation then below you'll find everything you need to know.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is where melanin (the pigment that gives our skin its colour) goes into overdrive in certain areas and causes patches that are darker. UV rays from the sun are one of the main culprits, but also hormones and inflammation. In fact, blue light emitted from our devices has recently been found to contribute to these dark spots by triggering free radicals in the skin that can, in turn, trigger melanin to go into overdrive.

How can I prevent hyperpigmentation?

For starters, you should be wearing SPF every day. This will prevent sun-induced hyperpigmentation. And it doesn't matter whether you're indoors or it's cloudy, UVA rays responsible for hyperpigmentation can penetrate glass and cloud cover, so if your complexion is prone to pigmentation be sure to slather on SPF daily.

Click here for our favourite SPF products.

Give your skin its best chance of defence against free radicals by loading up on antioxidants in your skincare. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that also helps to brighten the skin and boosts complexion-plumping collagen production. You can find it in Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste. Matcha is a potent antioxidant that you can apply to your skin and also drink. Plant Apothecary's Matcha Antioxidant Face Mask is a good place to start. 

While the plant purslane is rich in antioxidants Vitamin A, C and E and it's the key ingredient in Dr Barbara Sturm's Super Anti-Aging Serum.

How can I lighten hyperpigmentation?

As we mentioned, Vitamin C is a potent skin brightener so the Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste will lighten existing pigmentation and prevent new discolouration.

Regular exfoliation will help to speed up skin cell turnover to minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation so give Wishful Yo Glow a try, while Josh Rosebrook's Active Enzyme Exfoliator sloughs away dead skin, while licorice (known for its brightening abilities) will tackle those dark spots.

Patchology's Flashmasque Illuminate 5 Minute Mask contains that all-important licorice extract to brighten, alongside Vitamin C and antioxidant-rich grapefruit seed extract too.

Retinol will also tackle hyperpigmentation as it encourages skin cell turnover, so give Lixirskin's Night Switch Retinol 1% a try. 

How can I cover hyperpigmentation?

The yellow-hued cream and powder in this Stila Correct & Perfect Color Correcting Palette will help to neutralise hyperpigmentation spots and patches.

While a good, highly pigmented concealer is key to concealing any hyperpigmentation. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is extremely rich and pigmented yet surprisingly lightweight and easy to blend.

Next, this is the secret to clearer, more glowing skin.