Hyperpigmentation – tried and tested remedies to get rid of spots

Melanin is naturally present in humans gives us our hair, eyes and even our skin color depends on Melanin. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for the production of the melanin. All humans have same amount of Melanocytes however the some people produce less melanin and and other produce more. That is the reason we see different skin colors in people. Hyperpigmentation can simply be called discolouration of the skin caused by different reasons.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

Melasma: Commonly starts occurring after pregnancy, Melasma is a skin darkening condition in which patches of dark skin start showing on skin. usually around cheeks, nose and forehead but not only limited to. majority of affected population by Melasma is women. It does not have any health effects but may cause a person conscious or anxious of their looks. Which may or may not affect their mental health(depending person to person)

Dark Spots: Often called sun spots/Freckles spots are a direct result of sunlight exposure. These spots react to UV radiation of sun and start appearing on skin. One might not observe those in the beginning but as your exposure to sun increases they start appearing darker. People with production of pheomelanin in their skin are usually more prone to Freckles as their skin is not capable of protecting itself from the sun, most common in individuals with red or blonde hair, light skin and thin layer of skin. These may or may not disappear with time. These may start appearing at younger age and can stay on skin for years and usually harmless. But one might need to see the doctor if skin sensitives to sun increase for example if one starts getting rashes and sun burns. Ephelides can be identified as common type of pigmentation known as freckles.while Solar lentigines include sun spots or age spots. Major difference between these two is only of the cause. while Ephelides can be caused by sunlight or genetic makeup but Solar lentigines are only caused by sun exposure.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes can also be a cause of Hyperpigmentation. Melasma in women is the most common. It mostly occurs after or during the pregnancy when level of estrogen and progesterone rises and stimulates the melanin production.It is very common in darker skinned people to get melasma because of the presence of dark pigment

Scars: This kind of hyperpigmentation occurs as a response to inflammtion. Inflammation that can be caused by acne or injury.

Ways to treat Hyperpigmentation

Depending on nature of Pigmentation you can go various treatments. We’ll take a look at following methods to treat Hyperpigmentation. It is a stubborn skin condition so you will need a lot of patience and faith but you’re strong and I know that you don’t give up !!!!!

Using Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be very helpful in treating hyperpigmentation. Concentrated Acids are used to remove the dead layer of the skin or peel away the top layer of the skin and expose the new layer of the skin which is a lot smoother and has very less pigment on it. There are many products available to do the peels by yourself but because the concentration of acids is very high you really want to get it done from the professionals. Chemical peels if used without discretion may cause skin burn and leave permanent scars on the skin. You may want to avoid chemical peels if you are constantly in sun or have longer exposure to the sunlight regularly because the new epidermal layer after the peel is generally very delicate and does not have strong skin barrier that can protect the skin from harsh sun UV rays and becomes more prone to skin darkening and irritation. While most of the chemical procedures are considered safe, you must talk to your dermatologist first.

Consider using Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a very powerful inhibitor of enzyme called tryosinase that means it helps by limiting the process of melanin production that leads to the skin discolouration. One must pay full attention to the direction to use or must seek guidance from the doctor before the use hydroquinone. You also want to do a patch test before you start using it on your face. Hydroquinone works as a bleaching agent you do not want to overuse it because uneven and unwanted skin lightening can occur if used in excess and should avoid excess sun exposure of the skin.

Retinol for the rescue

retinol increase the rate of cell turnover thus removing the layer of epidermal layer fast which along with it takes the issue of top layer of the skin. retinol also increase the collagen production and mostly used as acne and wrinkle treatment but many times helps with other skin issues too like hyperpigmentation. It may not eradicate the problem completely but can get rid of the visible darkness. Hyperpigmentation can come back even after using it retinols or retinoids.

Nature’s cure Vitamin C

Vitamin C is in general a skin brightening ingredient. It can get rid of scars, spots and pigmentation. Lab studies have proven that Vitamin C can increase the rate of cell generation which fastens the skin renewal and promotes the collagen production. It somehow works very much like retinol but at the same time inhibiting the growth of pigmentation in the skin. It helps to brighten the overall skin complexion and prevent the damage by free radicals. Use of Vitamin C is very critical in anti aging and skin brightening regimen.

Laser might be worth it

we now have laser treatments available to treat hyperpigmenration especially melasma. There are two kinds of laser treatments available: Ablative and non/ablative. Ablative laser treatment works by removing the affected layer of skin. Non-ablative laser on the other hand works by targeting the skin to promote the collagen production in the skin.

Protect from the Sun to keep the spots at bay

Wearing Sunscreen is an essential part of any hyperpigmentation prevention or treatment plan. Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin in the skin, and UV radiation from the sun is a major trigger for this process. Therefore, wearing sunscreen with a high SPF rating can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and prevent further hyperpigmentation.

When selecting a sunscreen for hyperpigmentation, look for one that is labeled “broad-spectrum,” which means that it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also important to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF rating, ideally SPF 30 or higher, as this will provide the best protection against UV radiation.

In addition to wearing sunscreen, it’s important to limit your exposure to the sun during peak hours, wear protective clothing such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, and seek shade whenever possible. By taking these steps, you can help prevent hyperpigmentation and protect your skin from sun damage.

Don’t pick your skin, you’re making it worse

Skin picking, also known as excoriation disorder or dermatillomania, is a common habit that can lead to hyperpigmentation. When you pick at your skin, you can cause trauma to the skin that can lead to inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

To prevent hyperpigmentation caused by skin picking, it’s important to break the habit of picking at your skin. This can be a difficult process but try to pay attention to the situations or emotions that tend to trigger your skin-picking behavior. Once you’ve identified these triggers, you can work on finding alternative coping strategies to deal with these situations. You can also try to find alternative behaviors so Instead of picking at your skin, find other activities that can help distract you, such as reading a book, going for a walk, or practicing deep breathing exercises.