What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation
Do you or someone you know suffer from hyperpigmentation? Though it is often a common occurrence in both women and men it is completely harmless. It appears as darker patches on the skin that is different than your normal skin tone or other surrounding areas of skin.
Hyperpigmentation happens as a result of excess melanin (brown pigment producing skin color) production.
Pigmentation tones can defer but all races can experience hyperpigmentation.
Let’s explore hyperpigmentation into more detail so as to know the signs and the treatment that can be incorporated to fade the appearance of dark spots (aged spots) and patches.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
There are varying reasons for the appearance of hyperpigmentation with one of main reasons being exposure to sunrays for any extended period of time. Sun exposure is a definite cause of the development of hyperpigmentation.
Other causes include a change in hormones as a result of pregnancy (melasma) or oral contraceptives, drugs or skin products that increase your sensitivity reaction to sunlight, and skin trauma like cuts or burns.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
Sunspots: These are also called liver spots and are quite common and able to appear on any area of the body that is exposed to extensive sun over a period of time. This is normally seen on the hand and face.
Post-Inflammatory: Hyperpigmentation in this form is usually a result of injury or inflammation caused to the skin. It is normal for acne to occur in this type of hyperpigmentation.
Melasma: This is directly linked to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. The common areas for melasma to show up are on your face and stomach area.
Preventing Hyperpigmentation
Though not always easy, hyperpigmentation can be prevented by consistently using an SPF sunscreen of at least 30, avoiding picking at your acne/skin and trying to reduce stress levels as much as possible.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can fade effectively when the right steps and procedures are employed.
- It is very important that you apply skin care products that incorporate the right ingredients. Sunflower Oil and Green Tea are our favorite plant healers that help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
- A great moisturizer and sunscreen will also have the necessary ingredients to restore the lipid barrier of the skin thus protecting it from the damaging rays of the sun.
- Lastly, as you watch your skin heal keep your hands off your face as much as possible to resist the urge of scratching or rubbing wounds, bites, and bumps because this causes an increase in inflammation and skin discoloration.
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