Concealing Hypo & Hyperpigmentation with Foundation: The Techniques May Surprise You

Having skin discoloration such as hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation can be life-altering. 

Hypopigmentation shows up as a loss of pigment in splotches on the skin, and on the other hand, hyperpigmentation comes forth as darker pigment than the natural skin color. 

Having abnormal pigmentation may affect your mental health. A pilot study conducted in 2018 interviewed six patients who were diagnosed with moderate to severe melasma (a form of hyperpigmentation). All six patients reported a significant negative effect on their quality of life and self-esteem.

Learning how to use makeup correctly to conceal hypo or hyperpigmentation can be a game-changer. 

You can conceal both with Oxygenetix Foundation, but the technique differs slightly between the two.

What is Hypopigmentation? 

Hypopigmentation is a loss of the skin's natural pigment or "depigmentation". A decrease in melanin causes patches or areas of the skin to appear white.

Common Causes

Hypopigmentation is most commonly caused by trauma to the skin. Those with darker skin shy away from getting certain light therapies such as laser hair removal, as it can cause hypopigmentation if not done properly. Cosmetic procedures such as chemical and laser peels can also cause hypopigmentation spots. Additionally, infections, blisters, and burns can damage the skin's melanin cells (melanocytes) and cause the skin to lose color.

Some people are born with hypopigmentation from birth in the form of Vitiligo or albinism. Vitiligo causes the skin to lose color in patches of lighter skin. It can show up as spots anywhere on the body including on the face.

Concealing Hypopigmentation with Oxygenetix

To conceal hypopigmentation, follow these steps:

1. Cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying your makeup with a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply your Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix thoroughly on the targeted area. Hydro-Matrix acts as a primer and creates an even palette to work on when applying your camouflage. 
3. Use the Oxygenating Foundation shade that best matches your natural skin color. With a brush or sponge, apply a thin layer of foundation to the areas of discoloration. Begin in the middle and work outwards with a stippling motion until the foundation is evenly blended. 
4. If you feel like you need additional coverage, simply repeat step 3 after waiting 60 seconds in-between applications.
5. If you desire coverage on the rest of your face, apply a final all-over layer of foundation.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation literally means "over pigmented". Caused by sun damage, hyperpigmentation is dark splotching on the skin. 

Hyperpigmentation may appear suddenly after years of sun exposure. Dark brown patches show up on the face and hands primarily as these areas are exposed to the sun more often.

Melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, is commonly caused by a hormone imbalance and affects mostly women. Melasma affects approximately 5 million people in the United States, and 40% of people in certain populations. Melasma appears as darkened patches of skin on sun-exposed areas such as the upper lip, chin, forehead, or cheeks. Learn more about melasma on our blog: Melasma is Stubborn, Here's How Your Dermatologist Can Help.

Concealing Hyperpigmentation with Oxygenetix

To cover hyperpigmentation with Oxygenetix follow these steps:

1. Cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying makeup with a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply your Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix thoroughly on the targeted area. Hydro-Matrix acts as a primer and creates an even palette to work on when applying your camouflage. 
3. Use an Oxygenating Foundation shade that is slightly darker than the hyperpigmented spots since a lighter shade can look ashy. With a clean sponge or brush, lightly dab foundation on areas affected by hyperpigmentation with this darker shade. Lightly feather the edges.
4. Wait 60 seconds to apply more layers on the hyperpigmented skin, but work in light layers. 
5. Apply your lighter natural shade of Oxygenating Foundation all over your face to soften the contrast. Make sure to blend the jawline and down your neck.

The trick with concealing hyperpigmentation and hyperpigmentation is to work in thin layers to avoid cakiness. Oxygenetix Foundations are buildable and can easily achieve the coverage you want with these techniques. 

We recommend taking extra precautions when in the sun as well by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Oxygenetix Foundations do more than cover-up skin discolorations. They protect your skin and promote skin renewal with our patented Ceravitae® pro-oxygen complex. So you can take care of your skin and look flawless at the same time.