woman with hyperpigmentation on her face

How to Take Care of Your Hyperpigmentation

2023-01-17T08:00:13+00:00

By Rody

There are lots of visible skin conditions like acne that are usually a bother to women, and hyperpigmentation is one of the common ones.What is hyperpigmentation? It is characterized by some parts of your skin being darker than other parts as a result of excess production of melanin in that area.Hyperpigmentation can affect all skin types or colors but it is more common in black skin types due to the high quantity of melanin present in the skin. Any injury to the skin, whether acne, burns or rash, causes it to produce more melanin content.Although hyperpigmentation is mostly normal, it can cause self-esteem issues, and also be an indication of a medical condition.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

This type of hyperpigmentation usually occurs after a rash, acne, burn or insect bite to the skin. It can happen to any part of the body and be enhanced by sun exposure. It leaves the area dark and may take years to fade.

2. Melasma

This is influenced by hormones, and occurs on the face and stomach. It can be seen in pregnant women or expressed when there are other hormonal changes. It is similar to sunspots.

3. Sun spots

These are also known as age spots. They occur in areas that have over time been exposed to the sun leaving those areas with dark marks.

Causes Of Hyperpigmentation

1. Constant sun exposure

It also occurs as a result of not using sunscreen, the direct sun on your face causes melasma on.

2. Acne

It occurs when you pick acne on your skin, the air that meets it causes it to dry up and turn into dark spots.

3. Skin Injury or conditions

Problems like eczema and insect bites also lead to hyperpigmentation and tend to become worse when exposed to sunlight.

4. Medications

There are certain medications that may increase your light sensitivity.

How to take care of your hyperpigmentation

Getting rid of hyperpigmentation is not a walk in the park, especially if it has been there for long. There are lots of steps involved in getting rid of it depending on the severity. The following ways will prove useful in tackling your hyperpigmentation.

1. Use sun protection

This is the top tip because no matter how you choose to tackle your hyperpigmentation, avoiding direct contact of the sun to your skin is the best option, as it helps all your products work better and reduces the rate at which your pigmentation occurs.Use sunscreens with good quality that will protect you, reapply your sunscreen, wear hats, and use umbrellas under the sun.

2. Have a good skincare routine

A skincare routine is important to cleanse your skin, rid it of dirt, and also keep it healthy. To build a skincare routine you need to factor in your skin type and your skin needs. You use products that are right for your body and your face. A basic routine involves cleanser, moisturizer and sun protection.

3. Topical creams

There are certain topical creams with products that tackle hyperpigmentation like vitamin C, niacinamide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, kojic acid, amongst others. These creams work to lighten the dark part of the skin. There are other forms such as hydroquinone which is a controversial ingredient.

When using some of these solutions it is important to be careful, and get prescriptions before using them as some of them have side effects like tingling, rashes, burns e.t.c.

4. Procedure

Certain procedures are done under supervision to treat hyperpigmentation like Chemical peels, and laser therapy. Discussing this with a licensed dermatologist before doing them is needed as it is easy to get adverse reactions from these procedures if not properly carried out.

5. Be patient

Acknowledge that results take time, and you have to be patient to get the clear skin you desire. It is, however, worth the process.

6. Visit a Dermatologist

You can use tips you find on the Internet, but it is important to visit your dermatologist so you understand your trigger to be able to figure out ways to tackle it. This is the best step to take when dealing with hyperpigmentation. No matter what you do, the most important way to avoid hyperpigmentation is to use sunscreen.It is also important to double cleanse at night on days you use sunscreen. Washing your face properly will prevent darkening of skin from left over debris that your skin might have been in contact with during the day.

Conclusion

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin reaction, usually not harmful, and characterized by the presence of darker skin color on specific areas of the body/face.It mostly occurs from healed acne or skin injury, and sun exposure. It can be resolved with the long term use of sunscreen or tyrosinase inhibitor, and a visit to the dermatologist is most helpful in dealing with its peculiarities.

Rodiat Ajuwon