If you’ve noticed dark spots around your skin, or you have an uneven skin tone, you might have
what’s called hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition, but for those of us who have it, how common it
is, isn’t really all that comforting. What we want to know is how it got there to begin with, how to
get rid of it, and how to prevent it from appearing again. When you break it down, ‘hyper’ means
more, and ‘pigmentation’ is color ie. more color. There are different types of hyperpigmentation
that can appear in different colors from brown to gray. So, how do we identify it and how do we
get rid of it? Let’s find out.

What are the Three Types of Hyperpigmentation?
Let’s begin by being able to identify the different types of hyperpigmentation. Once you identify
the type of hyperpigmentation you have, the better you’ll be able to discern its treatment.

The three types of hyperpigmentation include:
1. Age spots / ‘liver’ spots - brown or black spots appear on the skin when there is
exposure or overexposure to the sun. They are typically found on the face and hands,
but can appear anywhere that’s exposed too much to the sun.
2. Melasma - this is when large patches of darker skin appear on the skin and often
happens during pregnancy, or for those of us with darker skin tones. The most common
places you’ll notice this type of hyperpigmentation is on the face and stomach.
3. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation - this type of hyperpigmentation appears after
we flare up from a breakout. Especially if we’ve picked at a spot or a scab. This can
appear anywhere on the body.
What causes hyperpigmentation on Darker Skin tones?
Those of us with darker skin tones are more likely to experience hyperpigmentation because of
the higher concentrations of melanin in the skin. It can be caused by genetics, trauma to the
skin such as acne or wounds, medication or from our hormones.

How to Fix Hyperpigmentation on Skin of Color
Naturally you’re going to want to look out for home remedies and alternative options for healing
and preventing hyperpigmentation from appearing on your skin.

1. Sun block - the first place to start is by using sunscreen and protecting your skin from
the sun. Though the sun feels great on our skin and we feel great after spending hours
in the sun, the damage it does long term is just not worth it. Wear a sun hat, stick to the
shade and find the right sunscreen for your skin tone and needs all year long when
leaving the house. COTA’a Tinted Mineral Sunscreen moisturizes your skin, protects it
with natural ingredients and dries completely clear so you look and feel your best. This is
a sunscreen designed with your skin tone in mind.

2. Your Cleanser - Next up, your cleanser. If you’re experiencing hyperpigmentation due to
acne or scarring, it’s time to get yourself a cleanser that actually cleanses away that oil
and acne forming bacteria. That’s where COTA’s Cleanser comes in. This cleanser has
some of the most effective natural ingredients for keeping your skin clean and scars
away. Ingredients like Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract,
sweet almond oil, and a handful of other seriously effective ingredients were mixed into
this active cleanser to ensure your skin tone is even and glows.
3. Your Toner - follow up with a toner that will hydrate your skin and prep that skin for your
moisturizer so it can be next level smooth and clear. We’re going to have to recommend
the Rose Toner for those in need of a seriously hydrating toner that will prevent your skin
from breakage and damage. We’re talking balancing your skin’s pH type of toner, which
also works at shrinking down those pores and prevents oil from building up on the
surface of the skin. When we shield ourselves from breakouts, we shield ourselves from
hyperpigmentation.
4. Your Moisturizer - Ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and argan oil, can all
help reduce and prevent hyperpigmentation from appearing on the skin. Finding a
moisturizer like COTA’s moisturizer with restorative ingredients like Grapeseed oil,
Sophora root extract, Burdock milk thistle,Rose Extract, Shea butter, Collagen, Rosehip
seed oil, and so much more of that good stuff will moisturize your skin whilel keeping that
skin tone rich and even.
Other ingredients we recommend trying at home to soothe and heal hyperpigmentation include:
● Apple Cider Vinegar
● Aloe Vera
● Green tea
● Milk
● Tomato Paste
If you have any questions regarding hyperpigmentation, do reach out to us. We’d love to hear
from you!