What is hyperpigmentation? Everything you need to know about hyperpigmentation

 

Do you know everything you need to know about hyperpigmentation? Many people are affected by this cause of uneven skin tone and discoloration. However, when you understand what’s happening, you’ll know what kind of treatment you need.

 

We'll go over everything you need to know about hyperpigmentation in this guide. Continue reading to find out more!

 

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Acne is the most common reason people seek the advice of dermatologists, but skin pigmentation is the second most common.

 

This broad term essentially refers to any area of the skin where an increase in melanin causes excess pigmentation. This type of pigmentation is more common in people with darker skin tones because their skin already has a high pigment production capacity.

 

Types of Pigmentation

Excess skin pigmentation is not all the same. Here are a few of the most common types you might encounter: 

 

1. P.I.H.

These are the most common types of skin pigmentation. Acne, rashes, eczema, and other forms of skin trauma can cause PIH. When the inflammation subsides, the skin responds by producing more melanin in that area.

 

These marks usually appear a few days after the skin problem first manifests itself. They'll show up as small brown spots.

  

2. Melasma

This is yet another common type of excess pigmentation. Doctors aren't sure why melasma develops, but because it's more common in women, some believe it's hormonal. 

 

Melasma is most common during pregnancy or when a woman begins using birth control. Men can, however, develop melasma; it's just not as common. Melasma appears as brown or greyish-brown patches that typically appear on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip.

 

3. Age Spots

Our skin develops age spots as a result of sun exposure over time. Even if you use sun protection, you may develop age spots in the future. They are more likely to appear on sun-exposed skin, such as the forehead, cheeks, chest, and hands. These spots may also have a slight texture difference. 

 

4. Birthmarks

Some people consider birthmarks and other marks, such as freckles and moles, to be a type of hyperpigmentation. However, because treating these is very different from treating other types of pigmentation, not all doctors agree on this.

 

Getting Treatment for Spots

Many products claim to be able to lighten or fade pigmented spots. However, many brands make general products in the hopes that people will buy them for a variety of reasons. The truth is that different treatments are more effective for different types of pigmentation. Let's take a look at some of the treatments that can be used to treat pigmented skin spots.

 

• Topical Treatments

Lasers are not required to treat every pigmentation problem. For many issues, topical creams are sufficient, and it is best to begin with this type of non-invasive treatment.

 

To begin, your dermatologist may recommend a mild retinoid cream. Products that use a combination of ingredients, such as retinoid products that also contain hydroquinone, will be the next step. Milder steroids are added to the mix in more potent topical treatments.

 

For added anti-pigmentation benefits, topical treatments might be combined with gentle chemical peels.

 

A dermatologist will usually provide the best results, but some over-the-counter treatments contain ingredients that can help. Look for ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol.

 

Cryotherapy is used by some dermatologists to treat age spots. This freezing method removes the top layer of skin. This method can be effective, but it must be used slowly so that the skin is not damaged.

 

• Chemical Peels

The use of chemical peels to remove pigmentation is a step up from topical treatments. This is another type of treatment that must be performed with care by a professional. Peels can be very harsh on the skin if done incorrectly, but when done professionally, this is a very effective form of treatment.

 

These peels remove the top layers of dead skin, exposing a layer of fresh, healthy skin with a more even tone. Some people prefer a full facial peel, but this method can also be used as a spot treatment on areas with excessive pigmentation.

 

• Intense Pulsed Light

Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is another type of treatment that works quickly and produces good results, but it must be administered by a trained professional.

 

You'll also need to use sunscreen every day after treatment because both this treatment and lasers irritate your skin, making it susceptible to sun pigmentation.

 

These methods penetrate the skin and break up the pigments, bringing them to the surface. Then, as the skin sheds naturally, a new layer of skin develops that is free of excess pigmentation.

 

IPL is less invasive than lasers because it uses natural light to achieve the same result. However, before your treatment, you should avoid using products that increase light sensitivity.

• Sun Protection

It's not exactly a treatment, but taking preventative measures is one of the most important things you can do to combat hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure causes or worsens many types of pigmentation, including melasma and age spots. Use sunscreen every day – look for products with an SPF of at least 30.

 

Picking at your skin will only aggravate it. If you have acne, seek the advice of a dermatologist so that you do not leave yourself with acne scars as a result of attempting to treat it on your own.

 

Do You Need Hyperpigmentation Treatment?

Whatever type of excess pigmentation you have, there is a treatment that will work for you. These treatments are effective and minimally invasive, so why wait to get started?

 

In conclusion, a skin consultation is the first step towards achieving the even-toned skin you've always desired; contact us today to get started.

 

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