By: AirestDion, Wholistic
Hyperpigmentation or "dark spots" is one of the most common skin concerns amongst women of color. For most women, achieving a clear, even complexion seems like the most difficult task in the world, but it doesn't have to be.
As someone with skin that is hyperpigmentation prone, I have come to know a thing or two about fading and preventing dark spots, and I must admit, there is a trick to it! The good news is it's only a "trick" because it is so easy and simple.
The one thing you can begin to do right now to help clear your skin of hyperpigmentation is....Stop picking your face! That's it. Stop picking and popping your blemishes.
When our skin experiences trauma, melanocytes, which contain dark pigments, rush to the trauma area to assist in the healing process. The skin registers "pimple popping" or "picking" as a trauma and thus the natural healing process begins. Because women of color have a much darker pigment contained in their melanocytes, this excess pigment results in spots that are much darker than their complexion.
Now don't get me wrong, I know that professional exfoliation and spot treating are essential to the scar fading process, but we also have to acknowledge a very important truth. We have to admit that the main reason our skin is riddled with hyperpigmentation in the first place is because we choose to cause damage to our skin in the form of popping and picking blemishes. So if you really want a clear complexion the first step is to resist the very strong urge to pop those pimples!
Plus, the truth is, pimple popping actually causes acne to spread. As I write this, the popular game that you often see at State Fairs comes to mind. You know the one where a little monster pops up out of a hole, you hit it on its head and it goes back down, only to pop up somewhere else? That's very similar to the nature in which acne pustules (pimples) spread, except with every strike of your metaphorical mallet, you're leaving behind dark spots.
Hardened comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) are the only skin lesions that can be safely extracted without the risk of hyperpigmentation. This is mainly because the skin is less sensitive and inflamed surrounding these types of lesions versus active pustules.
So what can you do when you get a breakout? Instead of popping pustules, I recommend my clients target active breakouts with clay treatments.
As part of my natural skin care collection, which will be released later this month, I offer the AirestDion Healing Clay for this exact purpose. My Healing Clay is 100% pure, sun-dried calcium bentonite clay sourced from Death Valley, California.
Because of its powerful detoxifying properties, calcium bentonite clay was considered a sacred healing clay by many indegionous Native American cultures. When applied directly to blemishes as a night treatment, this healing clay dries up active breakouts while working to retexturize bumpy, inflamed skin in as little as 3-4 days. Sure, there may be slight discoloration from the initial inflammation, but these marks will lighten much easier with regular exfoliation compared to hyperpigmantation caused by picking the skin.
Having a clear, even complexion is much easier than you may have originally thought. The first step is to stop causing trauma to skin by picking and popping blemishes. Instead use a nightly clay treatment to assist in the natural healing process. Next, regular exfoliation and professional treatments will help the skin shed the damaged outer tissue, revealing the healthy, clear skin just beneath it's surface.
Professional cleansings, proper home care and proper diet will also keep dermal passages clean and clear resulting in less future acne breakouts.Are you experiencing acne and hyperpigmentation? Are you ready for a more clear, even complexion but don't know where to start? Reserve your 60 minute AirestDion Signature Treatment today and receive your skin consultation and analysis for FREE! Let's begin our healing journey together! Click here to reserve.
AirestDion
This article originally appeared on "The Bare Skin Blog"
