Skin care with hydroquinone was a very common treatment for hyperpigmentation until recently. Hyperpigmentation is a condition more common in African Americans and Asians and the most common symptom is the development of darkened areas of the skin that can last for months or years at a time. It is a more common Asian and African American skin care issue because of the larger melanin content inherent to people with these skin colors. Melanin is stored on melanosomes and is the body’s natural skin care solution for the UV radiation emitted by the sun.

People with hyperpigmentation develop dark spots on the skin when the melanosomes become inflamed by any of the following:

• Cuts
• Bruises
• Scars
• Acne scars

Beauty or skin care products made with bleaching agents are the common at-home remedies for hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent and was commonly found in most of the skin care treatments for hyperpigmentation up until recently. However, studies have begun to illuminate a link between hydroquinone and a number of major medical problems, including:

• Ochronosis-causes lichenification and may lead to yellow or gray darkened spots
• Adrenal function shift-hormonal shifts can cause problems with dryness or excess oil because the hormones control the sebaceous glands (responsible for production of sebum, the body’s natural oil)
• Kidney Damage
• Cancer-suspected in leukemia but no conclusive evidence has established a verifiable link between skin care solutions made with hydroquinone and any cancer-more studies are under way

Many of the new skin care products for hyperpigmentation are now made with kojic acid. Derived from a fungus, kojic acid is a common skin care ingredient used in hyperpigmentation remedies because it inhibits the production of melanin (gives skin pigment or color). However, beauty and skin care remedies made with essential oils like lemon or lime oil may be better for overall skin health while still helping to lighten the skin.

The essential oils are used in many of the top skin care solutions because they are enriched with nutrients like antioxidants and essential fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6). Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals which are responsible for cell damage and increased signs of aging. Free radicals are suspected culprits in hyperpigmentation because they may damage the melanosomes and make symptoms more likely. Any skin care body lotion or moisturizer made with antioxidants will help remove toxins and repel free radicals.

Essential fatty acids are great skin care ingredients because they help the body function properly and repair damage caused by free radicals. The best skin care lines are enriched with essential fatty acids because they are vital to healthy skin and they can help regenerate the melanosomes and reduce outbreaks.

If you are looking for all natural skin care relief for hyperpigmentation made from essential oils like those listed above, try SkinSoSilky today!