Hyperpigmentation is a common and usually harmless condition where areas of the skin become darker in color. At Queen Bee we see this occur in areas such as the underarms, under the chin and bikini areas. Why? Well there are several factors as to why hyperpigmentation happens and we bullet point them below:

• Melanin. This is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their color.
• Hormonal influences can increase melanin as can sun exposure
• Skin injuries. People who pick their skin, specifically under chins, faces and bikini areas can see small circles of darker skin and in more extreme cases some scarring or keloiding.
• Abrasive skincare products. At Queen Bee we see hyperpigmentation occur in the underarm area from clients who have been using deodorants that contain baking soda, citric acid and essential oils such as tea tree. We also see a darkening of the skin in the genital area from use of unnecessary soaps and feminine hygiene products.
• Ingrown hairs - Queen Bee estheticians know when you have been trying to extract your own ingrown hairs. The constant digging with fingernails and poor quality tweezers leads to a surface injury to the follicle which results in more melanin production around the injury site.
• Popping pimples - If you are squeezing a pimple, especially a whitehead (big no no) too harshly it will ultimately burst leading to injured and inflamed pores.
• Incorrect waxing methods and poor quality wax. At Queen Bee we train our Waxologists to remove hair in a safe and efficient way using our custom formulated wax. Wax that is too hot, too sticky, applied too thickly and removed in a forceful way can cause unnecessary friction to the skin, leading to a burn which can cause hyperpigmentation.
• Shaving. If you do not use a sharp blade, or shave in the wrong direction this can cause irritation to the skin. When irritation occurs the skin becomes inflamed. Inflammation can lead to hyperpigmentation.

How to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation and minor scarring.

For more severe cases of hyperpigmentation it is always important to speak with a reputable dermatologist who can help recommend and prescribe stronger products.

At Queen Bee we have witnessed great success with daily use of our custom-formulated Buzz off Bumps exfoliating pads.

Here are some quick tips that can help prevent and treat hyperpigmentation:

• Do not use soaps on your gential areas. Over time the alkalinity in liquid and bar soaps can disrupt your natural acid mantle, thus drying out delicate areas and lead to a darkening of the skin. Water is the best method of cleaning "down there".
• Choose deodorants that don't contain baking soda, citric acid and tea tree oil. These ingredients can be too abrasive to sensitive skin types.
• If tweezing a short, stubbly hair, choose a professional, safe and sharp tweezer that has great grip. Queen Bee manufactured their custom tweezers in Italy to ensure consumers had access to the best tools that the pros use. Prep skin with Buzz off Bumps first to ensure skin is clean and smooth before you gently tweeze.
• Before bed cleanse skin gently then swipe with a Buzz off Bumps treatment pad. The gentle acids contained in each pad (glycolic and salicylic) are known for reducing hyperpigmentation and smooth scarring.