Similar to fine lines, wrinkles, and creases, hyperpigmentation of the face is a common skin issue that most folks associate with. Let’s talk about it in detail. But firstly let’s talk about pigmentation.
What is pigmentation?
In layman’s terms, pigmentation means coloring. Skin pigmentation is something that affects the color of the skin. Our skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin which is made by special cells in the skin. When these cells are unhealthy or damaged, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of the skin. Others affect your entire body. There are mostly two types of pigmentations:
Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation of the skin is caused by an increase in melanin production. In this condition, the affected areas will become darker in color.
Hypopigmentation: Hypopigmentation of the skin is caused by a reduction in melanin production. In this condition, the affected areas will become white in color.
Knowing what hyperpigmentation is!
It is usually spots or specks that show up darker than the remainder of the skin. Normally it is a harmless skin condition.
Putting it in simple terms, “Hyperpigmentation refers to excess coloring, which looks like dark areas on the skin.”
Types of Hyperpigmentations:
Sunspots: They are the result of prolonged exposure to the sun. Mostly called liver spots, sun spots can also cause freckles. Generally, they appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and the face, and may fade somewhat in the winter season.
Melasma: Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes that can develop during pregnancy. They appear most commonly on the stomach and the face. The cause of melasma is complex, and genetics can also play a role in it. Some common triggers include:
- Sun exposure: This is the most important risk factor which in most cases is avoidable by the use of sunscreens
- Pregnancy hormones: This type of pigment often fades after a few months after delivery
- Hormone treatments: Like birth control pills, patches, or rings, or hormone replacement therapy
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: PIH is the abnormal pigment that appears on the skin after it has suffered from inflammation or trauma. It can usually happen after acne, burns, eczema, allergic reactions, or even after some treatments like chemical peels. Most often PIH can be seen as brown marks where the inflammation had occurred. Well, depending on how lucky you are, it can even go away in a few weeks, or it can hang around for years until you finally decide to treat them!
Treatment of Hyperpigmentation:
While it can be cumbersome to deal with hyperpigmentation, it is absolutely treatable, and there are several different ways to do so. However, before you proceed and buy a lot of products online, ensure you see a dermatologist to get to know about the hyperpigmentation on your skin and find out the appropriate treatment plan for your skin.
Some easy methods to treat hyperpigmentation:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is considered to be the best at treating hyperpigmentation. It can be applied in the form of Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C will help in brightening the skin tone and it also evens out the skin.
If you are looking for the best vitamin C serums, check them here at Body Shop.
Chemical exfoliants: No it is not about your good ol’ fruit or charcoal scrub! You need chemical exfoliants in the form of AHAs and BHAs that will gently exfoliate to remove the pigmented skin cells. While shopping for exfoliants, try to look out for: glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid, and retinol. Your exfoliation can be in the form of a cleanser, toner, serum, or simply an exfoliant.
Sun protection: It is important that you use proper sun protection especially when it comes to treating dark spots. Consistent use of sunscreen can prevent hyperpigmentation from worsening. Always opt for a sunscreen with SPF 30 and try to reapply it throughout the day.
Don’t pick: Squeezing, pinching, or picking on your skin may result in dark spots or make existing ones worse. Try to avoid picking at spots, scabs, and acne.
Summing up
For more serious cases of hyperpigmentation, there’s always the option of chemical peels, lasers, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. These methods allow your skin to renew cells faster to reveal the new, non-hyperpigmented skin. However, decisions about undergoing these treatments are best left to the professionals, so do consult your dermatologist if you are thinking about it.
Lastly, do not fail to remember that hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin problems, so if you’re fighting with it, you’re not alone.