The Smart Beauty Edit

I am one of those people who only has to see sunlight to develop sunspots, or hyperpigmentation. Of course, the fact that I grew up in the tropics in the seventies and eighties and we only used sunscreen when we were on vacation certainly didn’t help!

As I entered my forties, the dark spots became more noticeable and with that, my insecurity about them grew. It was time to take action!

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So, what actually causes hyperpigmentation? It is caused by sun exposure, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hormonal changes, skin aging (hello!) and certain medication and chemicals.

My first move at the time was to book an appointment with a cosmetic dermatologist and together we decided on a targeted laser treatment. The pain was intense, the cost not much better, and the results were practically non-existent. I resigned myself to wearing a lot of concealer and foundation.

In the picture above, I offer you a close up of me three years ago, after a swim and without a lick on makeup (yikes!). You can see the hyperpigmentation on my cheek, and this is some years after the laser treatment.

Then I discovered Korean Skincare. I liked what I was reading about it online and what a number of dermatologist-influencers had to say about it and decided to give it a try. The results, after a year of consistent treatment, were remarkable. The dark spot on my cheek had all but disappeared, and the one behind it, closer to my temple, had improved dramatically. See the evidence below:

The routine I followed to achieve this result was actually quite straightforward.

My morning routine consists of simply rinsing my face with water, applying a gentle, brightening toner, followed by a serum like Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum. I always finish with a sunscreen with SPF 50 – this is a non-negotiable. I cannot entirely undo the damage done during my childhood, but I can certainly prevent any further damage and I love the hypoallergenic Beauty of Joseon: Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+.

In the evening, I double cleanse, then apply a retinol. I used Differin Adapalene gel for years, but have switched to a gentler retinol with Bakuchiol while I gave my skin a small break. I am currently using Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum. I complete my routine with Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Moist Cream, which is simultaneously lightweight and rich – in other words, perfect for my skin.

So if you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, note that fading it is definitely possible, and doesn’t have to cost a small fortune!