Have you ever experienced a breakout, scratch, or insect bite that resulted in discoloration that lasted for months? This is a common issue, particularly for those with darker skin tones, called hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is a medical term that refers to skin discoloration. If you're dealing with hyperpigmentation, know that you are not alone. In fact, it's one of the top three concerns my patients bring up during their visits to my dermatology practice. Despite its prevalence, treating hyperpigmentation can be challenging.
So, what causes hyperpigmentation? It can result from eczema, acne, trauma, or excessive sun exposure. Regardless of the cause, every type of hyperpigmentation begins with melanin, which is the pigment in our skin. Melanocytes, located in the base layer of our epidermis (that outer layer of your skin), produce melanin.
THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION AND YOU CAN EXPERIENCE ALL OF THEM (SOMETIMES ALL AT ONCE!)
Age spots:
Caused by overexposure to UV rays.
Face, neck, forearms, and hands are most prone
Post-inflammatory
Discoloration that lingers after skin trauma such as acne
Melasma
More common in women
Hormonal connection (pregnancy)
Usually occurs on cheeks, nose, forehead, upper lip
Freckles
Genetic
Can become darker with sun exposure
What are your abilities?
It's important to note that different types of hyperpigmentation may require different treatments. What may have worked for someone else may not work for you. Additionally, the longer you wait to treat hyperpigmentation, the more challenging it may be to address it.
Here are a few tips to help reduce hyperpigmentation:
1. Protect your skin from the sun - this is crucial. The sun can cause dark spots to persist, so it's essential to protect your skin every day of the year.
2. Avoid picking or scratching the affected area - causing trauma to the skin can lead to more discoloration.
3. Choose the right products - if you want to treat hyperpigmentation at home, consider using a retinol serum, Vitamin C serum, glycolic acid, kojic acid, or lactic acid. If you're looking for advice on excellent products to use, feel free to contact our estheticians.
Lastly, I want to emphasize that consistent treatment and preventive measures are essential to effectively treating hyperpigmentation. Without commitment, no product will deliver the results you desire.
We would love to hear from you.