Hyperpigmentation
What Causes Dark spots(hyperpigmentation) in skin and solutions for it?
Hyper pigmentation refers to darkening of skin, caused by the pigment melanin, being overproduced. There are numerous reasons why skin cells suddenly begin to produce melanin. Most commonly it can be due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, or any inflammatory conditions.
Sun Exposure:
Sun exposure can cause tanning of the skin and also freckles. Freckles appear as dark small spots mainly on the face, hands, neck and sometimes on the top of the shoulders. It occurs because the skin begins to form extra melanin as a protection mechanism against the sun. Sun exposure can also lead to darkening of any pre-existing inflammatory skin patches.
Pigmentation caused by overexposure to the sun should be taken as a warning signal that you need to take better care of the skin from the sun. One must consult with a dermatologist to look for any harmful signs as prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.
Hormones:
Hormonal changes in the body may stimulate overproduction of melanin directly or indirectly causing hyperpigmentation. This is common during pregnancy (called chloasma), and can also happen after starting hormone-based contraception. It’s unknown why it happens in some and not in others. If you find you have an escalating number of pigmented patches appearing on your skin, then you might want to get your hormones tested.
Inflammation:
Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body. The immune system recognizes damaged cells, irritants, and pathogens, and it begins the healing process. But when this carries on for a lengthy amount of time, the inflammation may turn from useful to troublesome. Hyper pigmentation may be one of the adverse effects of chronic skin inflammation. Signs of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are dark spots or patches of darkened skin that appear after an inflammatory skin condition, most commonly acne or eczema or allergic contact dermatitis. They are mostly prominent on sun- exposed areas. Skin inflammation can also occur after usage of certain harsh products like concealers, foundations and fragrance mix.
Also certain skin conditions can present directly as wide spread dark patches in different areas of the body such as lichen planus pigmentosus, ashy dermatosis etc.
Medication:
Certain medications like anti-epileptic drugs, anti-viral medication, certain antibiotics like minocycline and few topical medications (creams and lotions) can also cause hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Ways to Treat Hyperpigmentation
One of the most typical misconceptions about discolored skin is that it’ll fade away by itself and no treatment, of any sort, is needed. Certain types of pigmentation may eventually lighten up overtime. However, the vast majority of hyperpigmentation needs to be treated with appropriate products and suitable procedures to completely get rid of them.
Not sure what to get done? Always consult a Dermatologist to get the best for your skin.
- Firstly, one has to get rid of the triggering factors that caused the hyperpigmentation. These include adequate sun protection measures, avoidance of harsh products on the skin, avoidance of certain medications which can lead to hyperpigmentation.
- The resistant forms of hyperpigmentation can be treated with certain basic procedures like:-
1.Microdermabrasion (If you've got mild grade of hyperpigmentation, try out this procedure)
During microdermabrasion, the uppermost layer of skin will be gently removed to get rid of the outermost layers of the skin and other types of superficial and minimal hyperpigmentation. A specialized suction machine is used for this which is gentle of the skin.
2. Chemical Peel Treatment (If you have more stubborn Areas, try out this procedure)
Chemical peels or chemoexfoliation are very effective at speeding up results and removing pigmented patches on the skin. Their effectiveness can be manipulated to suit the type and depth of skin pigment. But not every skin color is appropriate for a peel, and in case you have a history of scarring, then you may choose to find another option. Commonly Glycolic acid, lactic acid and TCA chemical peels are recommended for treating hyperpigmentation.
3. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment
IPL technology involves light-based energy pulsed onto the skin which targets the melanin pigment. The light seeks out the discoloration in the skin to lift it up and out. Expect for the treated areas to turn dark and flake off in a few days to reveal a fresh, rejuvenated skin below.
4. Nd YAG Laser Treatment (If You have resistant Discoloration That Can Not Budge, try out this)
IPL technology involves light-based energy pulsed onto the skin which targets the melanin pigment. The light seeks out the discoloration in the skin to lift it up and out. Expect for the treated areas to turn dark and flake off in a few days to reveal a fresh, rejuvenated skin below.