How to Effectively Treat Hyperpigmentation – Expert Advise

Hyperpigmentation is described as the production of excess melanin, which leads to the appearance of uneven skin tone, or dark spots on your skin. Although it is not a serious or life-threatening condition, it can cause some people to feel bothered by their looks. This is one of the reasons most of us go in search of any possible hyperpigmentation treatment we can get; natural or otherwise.

But what really causes skin hyperpigmentation?

According to Amira Nassar, a laser and skincare specialist in Dubai, hyperpigmentation, which is quite common in both men and women, is caused by a number of factors, some of which we might not be aware of. Just like many other conditions, in order to find a good hyperpigmentation treatment, you have to know the cause first.

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Common causes of Skin hyperpigmentation

1.     Sun exposure

This is considered the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. By overexposing yourself to UV rays of the sun, you are exposing your skin to age spots and severe uneven skin tone. These spots appear mostly on the face, hands, and legs; parts of the body which are mostly kept uncovered.

How you can avoid this: Amira recommends proper protection of your skin from the sun. This includes using a high spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+, minimize the time spent in the sun, and always wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face. “When it comes to the sunscreen, it is important to use it even when there is no sun in sight because these UV rays can still penetrate your skin unseen.” After all, prevention can be cheaper than any hyperpigmentation treatment.

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2.     Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to melasma, which is a type of skin hyperpigmentation. Also known as a pregnancy mask the hormone imbalances involved can be brought on by birth control pills, pregnancy, and thyroid dysfunction. Almost 90% of all pregnant women suffer from this, so it is nothing to be seriously worried about.

Prevention: If your hyperpigmentation is as a result of pregnancy, Amira recommends waiting until after birth to see if it disappears, which can happen within the first six months after birth. “If it is caused by birth control pills, it would be a good idea to have a chat with your doctor about having a different brand. And if the hormone imbalance is caused by thyroid dysfunction, you should have it checked by a physician.

3.     Genetics

There are people who are genetically predisposed to hyperpigmentation of the skin. “Since one cannot prevent this type of cause, he or she should seek hyperpigmentation treatment for the discoloration.”

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4.     Certain medications

There are certain medicines which lead to hyperpigmentation, and these include certain anti-cancer drugs, some antibiotics, and certain anti-seizure drugs. “Normally hyperpigmentation caused by medication starts to show within six months of taking the drug,” explains Amira adding that if this is the case, you should see your doctor for a change to a different kind of medication.

5.     Injuries to the skin

This type of skin hyperpigmentation known as post-inflammatory hyperpig­mentation comes about due to certain skin injuries which can be caused by acne vulgaris, inflammation, psoriasis, and even burns.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Although hyperpigmentation cannot be cured, it can be treated with several topical products, skin peels, and lasers, which include but not limited to:

1. Cosmelan skin depigmentation treatment: This is one of those deep skin peels that can take a toll on you, but in the end, it works wonders on the skin discoloration. The skin peels off for 7 – 10 days, leaving behind a new layer of skin that is even-toned.
2. Fractional Laser: High energy light is used to zap the affected area reducing the pigmentation marks. By using fractional laser therapy, the deep layers of the skin are targeted and this promotes skin renewal and encourages production of new collagen. You also get an added benefit of skin rejuvenation and tightening.
3. Chemical peels: This is a non-invasive hyperpigmentation treatment option that involves the topical application of certain skin chemicals which work by peeling off the top layer of the skin to reveal clear, healthy, and glowing skin. These come in different strengths depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation.
4. Oral Medications: These can also be used as a treatment option for hyperpigmentation, but only for certain cases, not all.
5. Skin creams: This type of topical hyperpigmentation treatment can only be used to treat superficial pigmentation that affects only the upper layer of the skin. There is an array of them in the market today and for one to work it has to consist of agents like hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, and azelaic acid.

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Home remedies for hyperpigmentation

• Lemon juice: This can be done by rubbing a slice of lemon over the hyperpigmented area. It gradually reduces the unevenness because lemon is a natural bleach.
• Potato: Just like the lemon, rub a fresh slice of potato on the target area daily until you see a change on the pigmented area. Potatoes contain an enzyme known as catecholase, which lightens the tone of the skin.
• Milk and curd mask: These two are known to contain lactic acid which works wonders on uneven skin tone by removing the affected top layer and allowing for skin renewal.
• Aloe vera: By applying aloe vera gel on the affected area, it allows the renewal of new skin cells after getting rid of the damaged ones.

While undergoing any hyperpigmentation treatment, advises Amira, it is also important to follow a regular skincare routine which should include exfoliating, cleansing, and moisturizing.