Skin discoloration—also known as hyperpigmentation—is the darkening of the skin caused by overproduction of pigment (melanin). It is a common skin condition and can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity or age.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation may be caused by a variety of factors such as:
- Diazolidinyl Urea
- Hormones
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Inflammation of the skin
- Botched skin treatments
- Sun exposure
- Certain illnesses
- Genetics
- Hemochromatosis (iron overload)
- Certain medications
- Metabolic disorders
- Heat
- Acne
Types of hyperpigmentation
The most common type of hyperpigmentation is caused by sun exposure. Sunlight triggers melanin production, which is the body’s natural way of protecting itself from the sun’s harmful rays. Excessive sun exposure disrupts the process, which leads to hyperpigmentation. A good example of sun-induced hyperpigmentation is freckles.
The second most common hyperpigmentation is melasma, which is generally caused by hormonal changes. It can be triggered by pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause, and certain illnesses.
The extreme hormone changes send melanin into over drive. It affects many pregnant women and is often referred to as “the mask of pregnancy”. Women with melasma need to be especially careful because the condition can be made even worse with sun exposure.
Home treatment for hyperpigmentation
Brightening treatments such as Hylunia’s Spot Fading Formula. This treatment minimizes the appearance of unwanted sun spots, freckles, melasma, and other hyperpigmented skin conditions.
Topical treatments containing AHAs such as lactic acid, licorice, kojic acid, glycolic acid, hydroquinone, retinoids, corticosteroid or nicotinamide can be used at home.
Skin lighteners containing hydroquinone, soy milk, cucumber, kojic acid, calcium, azelaic acid, or arbutrne. These ingredients can help slow down melanin production and balance existing melanin from the skin.
Exfoliating regularly increases cell turnover, exposing fresh, new skin.
Temporarily concealing discoloration with makeup. There are now foundations and concealers that help treat and cover hyperpigmentation.
Look for products with ingredients such as: Vitamin C (helps control melanin production and helps fade dark spots), Glucosamine (exfoliates and evens out dead skin), Sodium Hyaluronate (keeps skin hydrated), Fragrance-free (won’t irritate skin).Cleanse and moisturize skin daily with products designed to even skin tone.
Professional treatment for hyperpigmentation
Microdermabrasion treatment helps by renewing skin through exfoliating the top layer of dead skin cells. It also helps by allowing other hyperpigmentation treatments like creams and lotions to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) targets and destroys discoloration in a series of sessions administered in a doctor’s office. IPL helps to visibly reverse the signs of sun damage and leaves skin looking rejuvenated.
LED light therapy repairs and evens skin tone.
Skin peels such as chemical peels, TCA peels, phenol peels, laser peel, or salicylic acid peels.
Laser resurfacing reveals fresh new skin.
Preventing hyperpigmentation
Wear sunscreen daily. Especially when undergoing hyperpigmentation treatment when skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Keep sun exposure to a minimum.
Reapply sunscreen when outside for long periods of time.
Wear a hat or visor for protection.
Diet
Eat carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, cheese, almonds, olive oil, eggs, avocados, blueberries are believed to reduce discoloration.
The longer hyperpigmentation exists, the harder it is to remove. By incorporating the proper home treatment and professional treatment, your skin can be set free of unwanted skin discoloration.
