Summer is perfect for getting outdoors, making memories, and enjoying the sunshine. However, while the sun brings warmth and joy, its UV rays can also have damaging effects on your skin.
Although sun exposure can give you a temporary glow or tan, it can also cause sunburn, dark patches, and uneven skin tone — often a result of hyperpigmentation.
In this article, we’ll explain what hyperpigmentation is and how to balance and restore your skin after spending time in the sun.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where certain areas of the skin become darker than others due to an overproduction of melanin — the pigment responsible for your skin colour. It can affect anyone, regardless of skin type or tone, and can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, arms, or legs, as small spots or larger patches.
The main trigger is prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Without proper protection, the skin’s structure can change over time, leading to long-term discolouration. Other causes include inflammation, blemishes, or injury to the skin.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Sunspots
Also known as solar lentigines, sunspots are caused by cumulative sun exposure. They commonly appear on areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, and arms.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
This form of hyperpigmentation develops after skin inflammation or injury — for example, blemishes, burns, or cuts. When combined with sun exposure, these dark marks can become more pronounced.
Overall, prolonged exposure to UV light is the leading cause of most hyperpigmentation cases, especially during the summer months.
How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation
While there are treatments to help fade pigmentation, prevention is the most effective approach. Protecting your skin daily can help you avoid dark spots before they appear.
1. Protect Your Skin with SPF
Never leave the house without applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Choose an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours, especially when outdoors. Broad-spectrum protection shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays that contribute to ageing and burning.
2. Wear Protective Clothing and Accessories
Clothing is your first physical barrier against the sun. Wear lightweight long sleeves, cover bare shoulders during peak hours, and always use a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and scalp.
3. Avoid the Strongest Sun Hours
Try to limit direct sun exposure when UV rays are most intense — typically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you’re outdoors during this time, seek shade whenever possible.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation
If you already have pigmentation concerns, incorporating brightening products into your skincare routine can help fade dark spots and even your complexion over time.
One excellent option is the SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment. This lightweight, oil-free moisturiser is formulated specifically for uneven tone and hyperpigmentation.
It features 2% Alpha Arbutin, 3% Azelaic Acid, and a 5.75% Phyto Botanical Blend that helps soothe irritation, improve clarity, and enhance overall radiance with daily use. Suitable even for sensitive skin, it helps refine texture and reduce post-blemish marks for a smoother, more even tone.
To use, apply one to two pumps after cleansing, morning and evening. Follow with sunscreen during the day to protect your results and prevent further pigmentation.
With consistent use, the SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment will visibly brighten your complexion, reduce discolouration, and leave your skin looking healthier and more luminous.
