Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color and helps protect against UV rays from the sun. It’s produced by cells called melanocytes. When your skin is exposed to the sun, melanin production ramps up as a defense mechanism. But if you're exposed to too much sun, it can lead to an overproduction of melanin, which results in those dark spots and patches.

To tackle hyperpigmentation, the first step is to limit sun exposure. You might not be able to avoid the sun entirely, but you can protect your skin with sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause damage, so using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is crucial. For tips on picking the right sunscreen, check out our blog post, "How to Choose the Best Sunscreen."

Another effective strategy is to use skincare products with Vitamin B3, also known as Niacinamide. Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of dark spots by preventing melanin from reaching the upper layers of your skin. While it's usually gentle on your skin, be aware that in some cases, it can convert to nicotinic acid, which might cause a flushing effect, especially in high doses.

Understanding how melanin works and what triggers its overproduction is key to managing hyperpigmentation. By protecting your skin from the sun and using the right products, you can help prevent and reduce those dark spots. Remember, consistency and sun protection are key in the fight against skin hyperpigmentation.