Bright, glowing skin, it’s a look we all strive for. Unfortunately, most of us battle some level of hyperpigmentation brought on by many factors ranging from medications to sun exposure to hormonal changes and acne or trauma.

Understanding hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can occur in any skin type – oily, dry, dark and light. Simply put, it is excessive stimulation of melanin in the skin that results in uneven, darkened skintone. Excessive melanin production can occur from systemic (within the body) and extrinsic (outside) causes.

Cleansing may seem like a rather rudimentary step in skin care, but it is in fact the most important. Proper cleansing sets the tone for any skin care regimen. Skimping on this process can cause build-up in the pores, which means even the most powerful serums, gels and moisturizers will be rendered ineffective.

Most people under-cleanse and over-moisturize, piling ingredients on the skin. It’s important to go over proper cleansing procedures with your clients so they continue to see results from professional treatments and home care systems.

Acne is one of the most common skin challenges in the U.S., and it’s not just limited to teenagers. In fact it impacts all ages, races and genders. Nearly 60 million Americans have active acne and 20 million are at risk of developing scar tissue as a result. What’s your defense?

One effective defense is benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a chemical in the organic peroxide family that has been used in acne treatment formulas for more than 80 years. It works as a bleaching and peeling agent and is antimicrobial, increasing cell turnover, reducing the bacterial count, clearing up existing acne and preventing future breakouts.