Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that can cause sunspots, acne marks, and large brown patches. These hacks will help you achieve a more even tone.
You can now eliminate those dark spots on your skin caused by hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is a condition where the skin appears darker than its natural tone. Hyperpigmentation is any area of skin that occurs darker than the natural tone due to an overproduction of melanin. As noted by Cleveland Clinic, hyperpigmentation is seen in liver lesions and sunspots.
Hyperpigmentation: 4 factors that can cause it
The Cleveland Clinic says that these are the most typical causes of hyperpigmentation. They can affect the skin of any color to varying degrees.
InflammationInflammation can be caused by skin trauma, such as acne, itching, or bug bites. The inflammation can also send pigment-producing skin cells into overdrive, leaving a dark mark after wound healing. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is commonly used to describe discoloration caused by inflammation.
Sun Exposure
According to the Mayo Clinic, the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause extra melanin to be produced to protect your skin against damage. This excess melanin gives you a tan. Sunspots can appear when the sun is exposed too much or frequently. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, sun-exposed skin can develop precancerous lesions that look like sunspots. It’s vital to have your skin examined by a dermatologist every year.
Melasma
Melasma, also known as “the mask of pregnancy,” is characterized as brown patches. They are most common in women with fluctuating hormone levels, such as during pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation of this type is most common in women, but it can also affect men. Experts at the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology believe that genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal changes trigger it. According to Cleveland Clinic, other hormonal medications for contraception or symptoms of menopause can also cause melasma.
Medical Conditions and Medication
Addison’s, a disorder of the adrenal glands that increases melanin production, can cause hyperpigmentation. According to StatPearls, published in July 2022, certain drugs such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal analgesics (NSAIDs), antimalarials, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs may increase the risk for hyperpigmentation. CancerConnect reports that some chemotherapy drugs may also cause temporary hyperpigmentation. Dark spots caused by chemotherapy drugs usually disappear 10-12 weeks after the treatment, as new skin cells are replaced with dead ones.
How to treat and prevent future hyperpigmentation
Many dark-spot correction products are available today, but it is essential to prevent them from occurring in the first place. These steps are scientifically proven to help.
Keep skin moist to boost cell turnover.
Although your main goal in treating hyperpigmentation will be to lighten dark spots, an excellent over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizer will also contain beneficial ingredients for the skin. Doris J. says that a good product should also have moisturizing agents, such as hyaluronic, glycerin, and possibly even retinol, to increase cell turnover. Day, MD is a clinical assistant dermatology professor at NYU Medical School, New York City, and author of Beyond Beautiful, which explains how to look naturally radiant and young using the power of your mind and aesthetic breakthroughs. These inactive ingredients help the active brighteners work more efficiently.
The University of Tennessee Health Center notes that a good moisturizer will help restore the skin’s lipid or fat barrier. This will allow new skin cells to stay healthy and robust as they replace old skin.
Keep your hands off bug bites, blackheads, and other injuries.
Even though it might be tempting to scratch a bug bite, or squeeze a stubborn blemish, remember your mother’s advice — “Don’t Pick!” Follow this advice. “Scratching or picking at the skin will only cause it to become more inflamed, which is what causes the discoloration,” says Jeanine D. Downie, MD, a dermatologist from Image Dermatology, Montclair, New Jersey. The more you play with it, the worse it will look in the future.
Discover OTC Whitening Alternatives
The earlier you treat hyperpigmentation, the easier it is to remove. “The pigment that causes brown spots can penetrate deeper into the skin with time,” Dr. Downie says.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association says that retinoids and vitamin C are among the ingredients you should look out for when looking for OTC spot-eradicating treatments.
The New York City cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita. Wilson says that treatments containing vitamin C, licorice roots, and kojic acids help reduce hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase is an enzyme responsible for the production of skin-darkening pigments. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Enzyme-Inhibition and Medicinal Chemical Chemistry backed Wilson’s advice. It noted that the discovery of the link between tyrosinase and excessive melanin production has led to an increase in OTC products containing the ingredients above.
The AAD warns that liquid bleach can have a “bleaching” effect on dark spots. The group advises consumers to stick with skin-lightening products made in the United States. Some imported products may contain harmful ingredients such as steroids, mercury, and other toxic substances.
Consider an Rx to Treat Stubborn Skin Discoloration
It’s best to consult a professional when OTC remedies don’t work. Dermatologists believe that products containing hydroquinone alone or combined with other lighteners are the best for fading dark marks because they slow pigment production. According to the U.S., these are available on prescription. Food and Drug Administration. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The AOCD states that in addition to hydroquinone, your dermatologist might prescribe other treatments, such as tretinoin or topical neocortisone.
Protect your skin from the sun.
Even on cool or cloudy days, the best way to avoid sun-induced discoloration is to apply sunscreens with broad spectrum and sun protection factors (SPFs) greater than 30 every day. Dr. Day says that UV rays cause pigment to go into overdrive, making dark spots even darker. You must apply sunblock to exposed areas every day.
SPF is only a measure of protection against UVB shortwave rays. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a Mexoryl or Parsol 1789 product.
AAD also recommends avoiding being outdoors between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun’s intensity is highest. Wear a wide-brimmed cap to protect your head, ears, face, and neck.
Ask a dermatologist about high-tech options.
Laser resurfacing is a third-line treatment for melasma, as it has not been proven to reduce excess melanin production. Note: Lasers are not recommended for melasma patients since they do not reduce the amount of melanin produced. This was revealed in a study published in March 2017 by the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology.
Other steps to prevent or minimize future damage
You can also take other preventative measures to reduce the appearance of dark spots in the future. Avoid harsh skin care products that sting or cause irritation, worsen hyperpigmentation, or even trigger it. Use bug spray and acne medicine to combat pimples to protect your skin from other common triggers that can cause hyperpigmentation.