How Serena Williams Normalised Hyperpigmentation
When the greatest of all time tennis player graces Paris Fashion Week, you know looks are going to be served.
Serena Williams was in her element, every outfit was a hit but the one thing we especially love her for is flying the flag for body positivity and confidence.
Rocking this blue coat unapologetically, it’s clear to see that Serena experiences hyperpigmentation on her upper body, something we all do from time to time, so it’s affirming to see it normalised on such a big stage.
Hyperpigmentation is when there is excess melanin on the surface of the skin, causing dark patches and it can appear on the body can happen for a number of reasons - hormonal (as in the case of melasma), weight fluctuations, injury, friction from clothing such as bras, medication, cuts, bruises, acne and breakouts. Black and brown people can experience more profound hyperpigmentation because of larger and more active melanin cells which are quick to deposit extra melanin within the upper layers of skin. This is very normal.
If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, here are our top tips:
It’s always best to find out why it’s occurring or even reoccurring, sometimes it’s related to your health. This will involve speaking with a doctor or dermatologist because the best way to treat hyperpigmentation, is to stop it at source and that may involve prescribed medication. Use our clinic search tool to find a professional.
Sunscreen will be your friend, so don’t be a stranger and slather it on. Sunscreen will help to prevent the darker patches getting even darker so look for a SPF30 minimum.
Include exfoliating body washes or lotions with glycolic acid or lactic acid into your skincare routine. These will gently slough away old and dead skin cells that make skin look darker. They will also smooth and boost radiance so the skin looks brighter.
Pigment inhibiting ingredients such as Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid and Resorcinol are helpful in your daly skincare regimen. Retinol will also help to fade dark marks because its speeds up skin cell turnover. Including a body retinol cream into your routine can be very helpful.
Professional skincare treatments such as chemical peels and laser can also be very helpful and in some cases life changing. Check out our guides for Black skin.