Have you ever had hyperpigmentation or little pink, purple, or brown spots stay behind after breakouts? This is normally called PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These can occur from acne, sunburn, or tinea versicolor. Although we do not need clear skin to feel good about ourselves, it can still be challenging to feel good in a swimsuit or a backless dress when PIH is there. So, although Cassandra has shared some tips on body acne, how do we address dark spots that last for maybe 2 to 6 months? For those of us who have hyperpigmentation on our shoulders, backs, or body consider, this your guide.
The first thing is to find a good body cleanser. But although this step comes first, it’s probably the least important when it comes to hyperpigmentation. With hyperpigmentation, products that stay on the skin are the most important. At the same time though, body hygiene is important because you don’t want to exacerbate the acne or hyperpigmentation. Also, it’s important to find a cleanser that you enjoy using and that works for you is important. Irritation or inconsistency can also exacerbate the PIH or make the product less potent.
Zitsticka Silkshake - $25
This is an acne skin-friendly wash. It has probiotics with tea tree oil. Cassandra does recommend this one, but it’s important to find the right one for you. You can also put a vitamin C facial cleanser or any antioxidant cleanser on an area with acne or PIH. Vitamin C is an amazing ingredient that helps prevent the overproduction of melanin. Other ingredients like alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and other AHAs do this too.
APRIL SKIN Calendula Low pH Gel Cleanser - $21.69
Biossance Squalane + Elderberry Jelly Cleanser - $28
This choice is expensive, but it was amazing for Cassandra’s face, and she likes to use what’s on her face and put it on her chest and back
Murad Essential-C Toner - $37.05
Ole Henriksen Glow OH Dark Spot Toner -$16.99
EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 - $29.90
This is amazing for reaching your back. If you’re on a budget, and you don’t want an antioxidant cleanser, the best thing to do is get a body sunscreen that works. Hyperpigmentation does not sit in as much when you are wearing sunscreen because sunscreen prevents it from happening.
Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist - $32
Pacifica Beauty Sun + Skincare Sport Sunscreen Spray - $19.20
If you want to soothe the skin after being in the sun, Cassandra would recommend a sheet mask
Papa Recipe Eggplant & Carrot Sheet Mask - $19.99
This one is from Papa Recipe, and it was made by a father who had eczema and saw that his daughter was struggling too. This has vitamin C and turmeric which have amazing antioxidants that help with hyperpigmentation.
This also has allantoin and hyaluronic acid. So, they’re both really moisturizing and helpful to the healing process. This mask is one of the most product-abundant that Cassandra has ever used. When you pull the sheet mask out, there’s literally a half pack of serum left. And that’s what a sheet mask should be. You put the mask on your face, and you use the rest of the serum all over your body. However, after using the mask on your face you can also put the mask on your shoulder or back. This is a great and inexpensive option for body hyperpigmentation. They give you a pack of 10, and they also have an eggplant one.