While the mantra 'love the skin you're in' promotes self-acceptance, certain persistent skin conditions can truly challenge this philosophy. Hyperpigmentation stands out as particularly stubborn and frustrating, often lingering for years without proper care.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when patches of skin darken due to excessive melanin production, the natural pigment responsible for skin colour. Although genetics and sun exposure play significant roles, many everyday habits contribute to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) by irritating the skin.
Common Habits That Aggravate Skin Discolouration
Dr Kevita Bains, Clinical Lead Aesthetician at Revive Clinic, identifies seven daily practices that unexpectedly worsen hyperpigmentation concerns.
Picking at Spots and Imperfections
Many people find it difficult to resist squeezing spots or picking at acne scabs. This seemingly harmless habit actually damages surrounding skin tissue and triggers post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These dark marks can persist long after the original breakout has healed, depending on their depth.
Continuous picking accumulates damage, leading to uneven skin tone and texture. Dr Bains recommends professional assessment and treatment from doctors or dermatologists rather than taking matters into your own hands. The brief satisfaction from picking isn't worth months of dealing with stubborn dark spots.
Neglecting Indoor Sun Protection
Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen isn't just for outdoor activities. We encounter UV radiation daily, even when sitting near windows or driving, as these harmful rays penetrate glass effortlessly. This constant exposure gradually deepens existing dark spots while slowing the skin's natural healing process and contributing to premature ageing.
Applying broad-spectrum mineral SPF50 every morning provides essential protection. Reapplication every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, maintains this shield. Sunscreen remains one of the simplest yet most effective methods for preventing hyperpigmentation from worsening.
Using Harsh Physical Scrubs
The satisfying sensation of physical exfoliation often comes with misinformation that aggressive scrubbing achieves clearer skin. Unfortunately, over-exfoliating with coarse scrubs quickly compromises the skin barrier by creating microscopic tears on the surface.
This damage triggers inflammation and aggravates reactive melanocytes, the cells responsible for causing hyperpigmentation. Gentle chemical exfoliants like 5% mandelic acid or 5% lactic acid provide safer alternatives for renewing rough and uneven skin texture. For collagen production enhancement, in-clinic treatments like microneedling create microchannels that encourage healthy cell turnover without causing trauma.
Insufficient Hydration
Dehydrated skin becomes more vulnerable to pigmentation changes because a compromised barrier allows irritants to penetrate more easily, triggering inflammatory responses. Dry skin often appears noticeably dull and uneven while feeling more sensitive.
Regular water consumption represents one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to maintain skin calmness. Keeping a moisturiser containing ceramides and peptides handy helps replenish and lock in moisture throughout the day. For clinical treatments, Hydrafacial gently exfoliates while restoring lost hydration, promoting healthy cell turnover that reduces hyperpigmentation appearance.
Inadequate Evening Cleansing
Failing to cleanse properly each night leaves makeup, sunscreen, sweat, dirt and daily debris on the skin overnight. This residue clogs pores and causes breakouts, which represent primary triggers for hyperpigmentation development.
Relying on DIY Remedies
Social media viral trends make distinguishing factual skincare advice from fashionable fads increasingly difficult. Many DIY hacks utilise kitchen ingredients like baking soda or lemon juice, commonly featured in 'brightening' solutions.
However, citrus contains high acidity levels while baking soda can cause chemical burns, making pigmentation issues deeper and more challenging to treat. Other problematic examples include coffee ground masks that function as physical exfoliants, potentially causing micro-tears that trigger PIH.
Dr Bains emphasises consulting skincare specialists before attempting any at-home treatments. Professional-grade skincare products undergo scientific design to address pigmentation at cellular levels without compromising the skin's protective barrier.
Poor Stress Management
When chronic stress remains unmanaged, it indirectly worsens pigmentation concerns. Rising cortisol levels slow the skin's healing process while increasing bodily inflammation, making dark marks more persistent.
Integrating stress-reducing habits like daily exercise and limiting caffeine intake helps regulate the body's natural stress response. Incorporating ten minutes of breathwork and meditation during free moments routinely calms the nervous system.
Proper sleep remains essential for overnight skin repair and cell regeneration, making seven to eight hours of uninterrupted nightly sleep crucial. Consistently maintaining these habits supports mental health while promoting clearer, more even complexion.
