Hyperpigmentation can affect just about all of us, and at the same time appearance may not be ideal. The good information is there are many treatment options available to improve the appearance of the skin when hyperpigmentation occurs.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which patches of the skin are darker than the rest. Dark patches at the face, neck and around mouth are formed because of deposits of extra melanin-colour producing pigment.
When pigment producing cells (melanocytes) are damaged, they produce greater melanin that bundle together. Clusters of melanin on certain parts of the skin result in dark patches or hyperpigmentation. It may occur on any skin kind and age group, but is generally harmless.
Types of Hyperpigmentation & their Symptoms
It is important that you understand the different forms of hyperpigmentation before we divide into the treatments for each of them.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of a skin injury, acne or injury due to procedures like chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser therapy due to an increased production of melanin. The patches can appear pink, red, brown or black in coloration.
Solar lentigines and melasma show up on parts of the skin exposed to sun. When the skin is exposed to sun it triggers melanocytes to produce more melanin as a defence mechanism. High ranges of melanin depart discoloured patches on the skin.
Melsama additionally happens due to hormonal changes in pregnant women. Age spots are usually a result of photoaging- sun damage that accelerates skin ageing process.
Is Hyperpigmentation Harmful?
While your skin may have darker spots, these areas of hyperpigmentation aren’t usually anything you need to be concerned about. Even though the vast majority of hyperpigmentation cases aren’t serious, hyperpigmentation can be a warning sign of more serious skin conditions, including melanoma and other types of skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to have any new areas of hyperpigmentation examined by a dermatologist.
Treatments For Hyperpigmentation
- Topical Creams
Topical creams are the primary line of treatment for hyperpigmentation. Be consistent with the use of creams or serums and count on seen effects best after weeks or months of usage.
- Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a natural skin lightening agent extracted from a fungus. It inhibits the production of tyrosine, an amino acid needed for melanin synthesis.
- Retinoids
Retinoids is a wide term used for vitamin A derivatives. Most common types of retinoids are retinol. They are a miracle in skin care acknowledged for their incredible blessings like anti-aging and skin tightening.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that reduces hyperpigmentation as a result of sun damage. It functions by inhibiting the activity of enzyme tyrosinase that is responsible for melanin synthesis.
- Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a vitamin B3 derivative that facilitates in treating hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. It additionally enables production of collagen.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
The foremost underlying cause of hyperpigmentation is the immoderate production of melanin. This can also arise for a variety of reasons. Like many skin health worries, sun exposure is the most common reason for hyperpigmentation. Other reasons of and risk factors for hyperpigmentation include:
- Changes in hormone levels which can be most not unusual during the teen years, pregnancy, and while using oral contraceptives.
- Certain health issues like thyroid and addison’s disorders which are related to hormonal shifts can also cause hyperpigmentation.
- Taking medications that increase light sensitivity, which includes a few chemotherapy drugs.
- Burns, cuts, bruises, and other wounds.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your skin is difficult work. Unfortunately, we all generally tend to ignore our skin when we are young, at our peril. Once skin lesions have developed from excessive exposure to sunlight, they may be hard to treat. It’s a far better option to think ahead and prevent them from developing it inside the first place.
FAQ's
Q. What can I do to avoid hyperpigmentation?
Avoiding excessive sun exposure may be the secret to good skin if you are battling with hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure has the potential to make hyperpigmentation worse.
Q. Can hyperpigmentation be totally removed?
In spite of the fact that hyperpigmentation is mostly benign, some people may seek to eliminate or lighten it. There are two options: avoiding exposure to the sun and using removal techniques such as surgical and cosmetic procedures, creams, serums, and home remedies. If someone has hyperpigmentation and further symptoms, they should seek medical advice.
Q. What should you avoid if you have hyperpigmentation on your face?
Spicy and fried foods are also very inflammatory in the body. These foods should be avoided since they can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Q. Does hyperpigmentation require medical attention?
Although hyperpigmentation is usually safe, some people like to erase or diminish it. Avoiding sun exposure and using removal techniques like cosmetic treatments, lotions, and home remedies are two options. If a person detects other symptoms in addition to hyperpigmentation, they should consult with a doctor.
Q. Does heat have an impact on hyperpigmentation?
Heat exposure has the potential to cause hyperpigmentation as well. Heat can have an immediate impact on the skin by widening blood vessels, which can lead to irritation and increased melanin production.
Q. Does hyperpigmentation reduce by using moisturizer?
Regular skin moisturization is one of the simplest and quickest treatments for hyperpigmentation. Using moisturizer twice a day will keep your skin nourished and significantly lighten pigmentation on your body and face. After a shower, moisturize your skin to aid in the product's better absorption.