A common skin disorder is hyperpigmentation, or a darkening of the skin pigment. Many different diseases, disorders, and actions can lead to hyperpigmentation. By knowing what is causing your dark spots or other skin pigment changes, then you can find the best way to return your skin to its normal color. It is possible to treat and repair the damage that causes hyperpigmentation.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of melanin, the pigment in the skin cells. It can happen to just a small area, creating a freckle or spot, or it can cause problems on a large area of the body. Some people also have hyperpigmentation over their entire body. Typically, hyperpigmentation is not dangerous, making it solely a cosmetic concern. However, it could be symptomatic of another disorder that may be serious. Therefore, you should discuss any hyperpigmentation symptoms with your doctor to ensure there is not a serious condition underlying your skin disorder.
How Does it Develop?
One of the most common forms of hyperpigmentation is sun spots. These are the small to medium spots on your skin, typically the hands or face. They are caused by sun damage to the skin cells that creates an increase in melanin production in just one area of the body. Another common reason for this skin problem is melasma, which is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that arises during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes. Other disorders that affect your hormones, such as Addison’s disease, can also cause a change in melanin production. If you take certain medications, then you may experience hyperpigmentation as a side effect. Freckles are also a form of hyperpigmentation. Injury to the skin is another reason for hyperpigmentation development.
Read: What is the Difference Between Freckles and Age Spots?
How Can You Treat Hyperpigmentation?
There are a few different steps to treating hyperpigmentation. If an illness such as Addison’s disease or some other specific condition such as pregnancy causes it, then you should discuss with your doctor ways to control the hormones or other factors that contribute to the increase of melanin. If you believe it is caused by medicine, then discuss trying another medication instead. Wearing sunscreen and minimizing sun exposure can prevent hyperpigmentation due to excessive exposure to UV rays.
Once you have the cause under control, you can treat the areas of dark skin with a skin lightening cream. However, you want to ensure you do not use creams with harmful or toxic ingredients, especially if you are pregnant or have a medical condition. Common lightening ingredients and bleaches, including kojic acid and hydroquinone, can cause more harm then good, even if they work. Therefore, you should focus on using natural ingredients that will not only lighten your skin, but also help your skin to heal and look its best.
Licorice root extract and vitamin C are two powerful ingredients that nourish the skin, helping it to heal itself, while also expediting the lightening of the dark spots. If you find that your problems do not improve even with treatment, then you can discuss more invasive treatments with your doctor. You do not have to live with your hyperpigmentation; you can get your skin back to looking its best.
Have a question about your scar or dark spots? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.
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