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Hyperpigmentation 101: Types, Treatments, and Causes

Hyperpigmentation is a very common problem that people face all over the world. This means that people have patches over their skin that are darker to the skin compared to it. Hyperpigmentation can be notoriously stubborn and needs proper treatment to fade away.

If you are also fighting hyperpigmentation and want to resolve it, this article is a must-read for you. Here, we have discussed everything related to this problem, such as the symptoms, causes, and even hyperpigmentation treatment. So, let’s jump right into the article and look at all the essential information.

Hyperpigmentation and Its Types:

The first thing that you should know about hyperpigmentation is the different types. Three main types of hyperpigmentation are present, and they are mentioned below.

·     Age Spots:

These are also called liver spots or solar lentigines. These are brown, tan, or even black. Commonly, these spots or patches are found on the face and hands. They can also appear in areas that are exposed to the sun. Commonly, the age spots are found on older adults or people with extra sun exposure.

·     Melasma:

This is also called as “the mask of pregnancy” or even cholasma. These are large and dark patches that can be found on the forehead, face, and even the stomach. Women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills have this type of hyperpigmentation. Other than this, women with medium to darker skin can also experience Melasma.

·     Post-Inflammatory:

If a person has skin problems such as eczema or acne, they can also have dark patches. Due to the inflammations, these patches can turn dark compared to other skin. This type of hyperpigmentation can happen anywhere on the body.

·     Moles or Freckles:

Moles and freckles can also be considered as hyperpigmentation. This happens when there is extra production of melanin in certain parts of the body. This can also be due to sun exposure or genetics.

Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation:

Now that you know what is hyperpigmentation and the different types of this problem, you should also know the symptoms that are related to it. Following are some of the most common symptoms that are related to this.

  • Different types of patches might occur, ranging from black to brown.
  • Any inflammation can cause these patches to occur
  • Discolored patches become darker and more prominent with sun exposure
  • The dark patches can be raised and textured

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Many different reasons can cause hyperpigmentation on face and the body. Mentioned below are some of the most common causes of this increased pigmentation.

·     Sun Exposure:

Sun exposure is one of the main causes of hyperpigmentation. People who stay under sunlight or have constant exposure to UV rays might have these patches over a period of time. The rays and sun exposure can trigger melanin and cause the increased formation of patches.

·     Melasma:

When there are hormonal changes, it can also cause the production of extra melanin. This will also make the patches appear.

·     Use of Drugs:

There are a lot of drugs that can also trigger hyperpigmentation. In drug usage, there can be incidents when the patches might turn gray. 

How to Prevent and Treat Hyperpigmentation?

Now, the main part is hyperpigmentation treatment. Different things can be used if you want to know how to get rid of hyperpigmentation.

Tropical Treatments:

Tropical hyperpigmentation treatments can be very effective in the treatment of the hyperpigmentation. Following are some of the best and most effective treatments that you can use.

·      SkinCeuticals Prevent & Protect Discoloration Set:

This is a complete set that will protect your skin from the hyperpigmentation. This set has three different things that will tackle the hyperpigmentation of the skin, protect your skin from pollution and UV rays, and make the skin's complexion brighter.

·      Bioderma Pigmentbio C-Concentrate:

This is another fantastic hyperpigmentation treatment that, if you start using it early, will also prevent the hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C helps with the brightening of the face and also evens out the skin tone. This serum will also repair the skin barrier that will protect it from the rays. Lastly, the AHA/BHA will help gently scrub the skin and leave it smooth and soft.

·   Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector:

It is the first and only topical cream containing their patented ingredient Cysteamine Hydrochloride (HCI) which has been clinically proven to diminish the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration.

·      Vichy LiftActive Peptide-C Brightening Moisturizer:

This is a fantastic moisturizer that can be used for the brightening of the skin and making the skin even toned. The peptides in this moisturizer reduce aging, such as the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin C helps brighten the skin and makes it more even-toned.

·      Obagi Professionals-C Serum 15%:

You can easily tackle the uneven skin issue with the perfect combination of L-ascorbic acid and Vitamin C. This serum is not only good for pigmentation, but it will also tackle other skin issues.

In-Office Treatments:

Different treatments can be done which will help the appearance of hyperpigmentation on face.

·      Chemical peels:

Chemical peels can help remove the skin's upper and the dead layer. When the upper layer of the skin is removed, new and fresh skin comes that has reduced hyperpigmentation and looks fresh and bright.

·      Microdermabrasion:

This is like shaving but done professionally. This treatment also helps remove dead cells from the skin's upper layer, making it more even toned and smooth-looking.

When it comes to the prevention of hyperpigmentation, there are a few things that can be done. It would be best if you apply a good and potent sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. Furthermore, try to add brightening serums to your skincare as it will reduce the production of melanin.

Conclusion:

Hyperpigmentation is very common and can occur due to various reasons. This can be a very problematic skin condition that can reduce the confidence of girls and women. Therefore, it would be best to try using things that will help prevent it in the future, such as using the right creams and doing the proper treatments.