Are you struggling to tell the difference between Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation? Trust, there’s a difference and sometimes you can actually have both. Let’s comb through those differences. 

Melasma (affectionately called “Dark Spots”) is a primary pigmentary disorder, which means melasma presents with gradual pigmentation of the skin without another cause. Melasma typically presents with symmetric tan to brown flat patches on the forehead, cheeks, and/or upper lip. Melasma does not itch or burn and it does not have any overlying scaling, pimples, or pustules.

While Hyperpigmentation is: “excess pigment” – to be a little more specific, it means pigmentation above your normal background color.

Melasma and hyperpigmentation are similar to the square and rectangle relationship. Melasma is a specific form of hyperpigmentation that commonly presents on the face of women of reproductive age.

However, not all forms of hyperpigmentation are melasma.

Let’s dissect Hyperpigmentation and their different forms: 

Primary pigmentary disorders: In the same way that some are predisposed to developing skin conditions like eczema and acne, others are predisposed to developing pigmentation of the skin. In primary pigmentary disorders, hyperpigmentation occurs without any other symptoms. Melasma is one of the most common primary pigmentary conditions. 

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: In skin that tans easily, any type of inflammation of the skin may resolve with hyperpigmentation. This hyperpigmentation is not permanent, but it may last several weeks to months depending on the site. Acne and eczema are some of the most common causes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Sun-induced hyperpigmentation: The sun’s ability to cause wrinkles over time is generally known, but there is less awareness about the sun’s ability to cause redness and pigmentation of the skin over time. In my experience, this typically presents with sunspots and background, faint hyperpigmentation.

Now the difference in Melasma is that it usually comes with Increased estrogen levels, so it commonly presents in females on birth control and/or during pregnancy. However, it can occur in women without these triggers and in even in men. It is more common in Asian, Hispanic, and African-American skin tones but occurs in all skin tones.

Sunlight is a trigger for melasma, so melasma tends to flare in the summer months and/or during sunny vacations and naturally improve in the winter.

How to tell the difference in “Dark Spots” and Hyperpigmentation:

“Dark Spots” aka Melasma can be differentiated from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by the lack of a preceding rash and the symmetric nature of melasma. Itching of the skin suggests post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from an eczema-like rash. The presence of pimples and/or pustules suggests post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.

The Takeaway:

“Dark Spots” aka Melasma and hyperpigmentation are cousins —all melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma. Three main forms of hyperpigmentation are primary pigmentary disorders, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun-induced hyperpigmentation. Each has individual causes, presentations, and treatments, but diligent sun protection, pigment regulating topicals, and careful use of peels and lasers may improve all three.

If you are trying to decide what problems you’re facing, and still can’t tell the difference in your skin symptoms, consider seeing a professional or a dermatologist to have your skin examined for more insight on your skin’s health. Then head over to grab our Blemish Away Mask or our Fresh Start System to heal and restore your skin’s natural tone and color with gentle and plant-based ingredients. 

As a young adult, or tween who’s inexperienced with period health, a lot of factors come into play. Not only are you getting used to your wellness routine, you’re also combatting major hormonal issues with your skin. YELLE is here to help you navigate through some of those things. 

Is Your Skin Dry During Your Period? Here’s Why.  

The hormonal changes our body goes through during our menstrual cycle can affect our skin in a number of ways. In the first week, as estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, testosterone levels surge. This fluctuation affects our skin’s ability to retain moisture, resulting in our skin becoming dry and dull. This can also lead to our skin feeling sensitive and easily irritated.

A daily routine that includes hydrating & exfoliating acids such  Vitamin C are vital in brightening your skin, refining its texture & reducing dryness.

Below is a 4-step routine that you can follow to revitalize your skin:

Grab your Fresh Start collection and let’s jump right in:

Cleanse with Milk and Honey Cleanser

Gentle and fragrance free, this cleanser will remove daily impurities without leaving your skin feeling stripped or dry. The unique thirst-quenching formula blended with rich antioxidants will leave skin clean, hydrated and refreshed.

Start your routine by massaging onto damp skin daily, both morning and evening, to keep skin nourished and soothed.

Spot Treat Blemishes

During this time of the month you will most likely experience a few extra breakouts than normal. This is totally a part of your hormonal change. Combat breakouts with spot treatment while using your Blemish Away mask. Using this directly on your blemishes at night before bed will help offset some of the breakouts you’ve been experiencing. 

Lock In The Moisture

Formulated specifically as a combination of both oily, normal, dry, and sensitive, dehydrated skin, YELLE’s Daily Moisturizer is a unique product that delivers a boost of hydration, so you can achieve the ultimate dewy, hydrated look while nourishing your skin. 

So baby girl, just know that what you’re experiencing is completely normal and can easily be calmed. You will get right back to your balanced skin with the help of our Fresh Start system and a balanced lifestyle. 

Do you know someone impacted by Breast Cancer?

​​Each year more than 330,000 American women look in the mirror and see breast cancer staring back at them—not necessarily in the form of the disease itself, but in the ravages of treatment. The experience can be disorienting, and even so-called cosmetic side effects are sometimes disturbing—to the point that some women decide to pause treatment. Yet doctors often overlook changes to a patient’s appearance: the loss of hair and fingernails, the rashes, the burns. Oncologists are more likely to prepare you for things like nausea and diarrhea, which are considered more important. This is unfortunate. It’s been shown that if patients are informed about what can happen, they are better able to cope with the illness and deal with problems caused by treatment.

With the right information, there’s a lot you can do to keep looking and feeling like yourself. 

Sooth Your Skin, especially post-treatment.

Major acne. Drugs called HER2 inhibitors may lead to an acne-like rash on your scalp and face. Sometimes it's a really red, large, painful, and itchy spot. Oftentimes having the rash indicates the drug is blocking the right molecule.”

Try this: Topical antibiotics or topical steroids can reduce inflammation and speed healing. (Avoid over-the-counter acne creams that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as they can severely dry skin.)

Experiencing Patches? Inflammation resulting from chemo prompts skin to shed faster, which leads to flaking. On top of that, hormone therapy can dry skin. Patients are often on hormone therapy for at least five years after their treatment ends. Some survivors tell us their skin is far drier than it ever was.

Try this: As soon as you start treatment, moisturize regularly with a thick, rich, unscented and gentle, clean ingredient product that contains protective ceramides, such as YELLE’s Awakening Moisturizer. 

We know that times are trying, but this is just a test gearing you up for a testimony. We know the best is yet to come for you! For more details on all things skincare head over to our website and check out our entire Awakening Collection. It is made with the cleanest and gentlest ingredients for these trying times with your skincare. We are sure this collection will have you feeling like yourself sooner than later. 

Mental health and your skin may not be a combination that comes to mind, but there is a link between our skin and how we feel. If you’ve blushed when embarrassed or gone white when you’re scared, then you’ve experienced a minor form of this. Unfortunately, there are also more severe ways our state of mind could be impacting our skin.

Acne takes a toll. 

Acne is a by-product of inflammation and stress and anxiety can cause your inflammation levels to increase rapidly. When this happens your glands may produce more oil which when it sticks to dead skin blocks pores and causes breakouts. There are other lifestyle factors that can cause acne, but stress and anxiety are certainly one potential cause of your breakouts.

Ageing plays a major role.

Ever heard of worry lines? It seems there is some truth to that. When you’re stressed your cortisol levels spike and cortisol has been linked to accelerating the aging process. Sadly, that means more wrinkles and a decrease in the firmness and brightness of the skin.

Flair Ups and Eczema.

As mentioned above when our bodies are under stress or suffering from anxiety our inflammation levels soar. Also, cortisol, the stress hormone, disrupts the production of hyaluronic acid which helps to moisturize the skin. These two combined can lead to eczema as well as other conditions such as rosacea.

We know none of this is good news and quite often skin issues like these can cause greater stress and anxiety to the sufferer. Nevertheless, maintaining a good skincare routine may help lessen the impact on your skin. Identifying what is causing your stress and finding ways to calm yourself may help. Finally, if you are suffering from any of these issues you should consult your doctor, skin therapist or speak to a mental health practitioner.

Remember, the more you maintain a consistent routine, the more you suppress your anxiety and the better you will feel. Giving yourself consistency is the steps you need to make things comfortable for you. Create a consistent routine with one of our YELLE Skincare Collections: whether you’re a busy woman on the go, a young adult with a very active schedule, or the everyday man who doesn’t have the time to commit to skincare. YELLE has exactly what you’re looking for. 

Sure there are tons of random celebratory holidays out there, but this one speaks to us on a different level. Why? Because your smile is connected to every first encounter there is, so it is very important! Every year, this happy holiday is dedicated to performing acts of kindness and sharing a smile with those that need it most.

This year, we’re celebrating World Smile Day with dual lip and skin care tips that support the  products that highlight those pearly whites and help you spread some cheer. Each product features smile-inducing ingredients that are sure to brighten up anyone’s day. Give them to those who need a little pick-me-up, or get them for yourself so you can keep the good feelings going after World Smile Day ends. 

Your Smile Must Be Supported with Elasticity

While your smile might be your greatest asset, just remember that it is fully supported by the skin of your jawline and cheeks. In order to have a healthy smile, the area around your lips must be healthy, bright and fully supported. The cheek and jawline area typically can hold hormonal acne, that’s why you may experience pimples around ‘that time of the month.’

To ensure your smile is fully supported, be sure to tone the area of your jaw and cheek line regularly, nightly, with our YELLE Awakening Toner, and implement a balanced routine to keep the excess oil build up at bay which in terms will help combat breakouts around your smile line. 

Lock In The Moisture

Adding moisture to your routine will only keep the area around your smile line healthy and hydrated. Who wants ashy lips? No one! While you’re throwing on your lip balm, make sure to also moisturize your skin too. Our YELLE Awakening Serum  is powerfully packed with rich antioxidants like jojoba, Vitamin C and chamomile to not only treat your skin but to maintain a healthy glow. You can’t miss when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. Just choose your skin type and implement the serum into your routine nightly. If you’re unsure of what serum to use, take our skincare quiz on the homepage of our website. 

Evenness To Support Your Favorite Lippie

The skin around your lips is truly the canvas for your masterpiece. You want to make sure that your skin is in top shape before adding a fun lippie. 

How does one make this happen? It’s all about even skin tone