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Home  Skin Concerns  Pigmentation & Skin Tone  Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation symptoms and causes

Doctor-led diagnosis and treatment for hyperpigmentation

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The condition

Age Spots

What’s behind those dark spots

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is discoloured, dark patches of skin that appear on the face, neck and arms are the result of excessive melanin formation in different areas of your body. It is typically caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetics, or medical conditions. The discoloured areas, which can vary from brown patches to pink or grey. Topical treatments or peels can help lighten them. Pinpointing what causes hyperpigmentation is important in the management and prevention of additional darkening. Also, people with darker skin tones are more at risk of hyperpigmentation. 

What are the types of hyperpigmentation?

  • Melasma: typically from hormonal changes, appears as darkened skin patches on the face. It can often be brought on by pregnancy or birth control.
  • Age spots: also called liver spots or sun spots, these are caused by sun exposure and can usually form on the face, hands, and arms.
  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Areas of darker patches surrounding skin that are left following inflamed or injured skin (i.e, acne, eczema).
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Condition: Hyperpigmentation
Contents

 Symptoms

 When to See a Doctor

 Causes

 Risk Factors

 Complications

 Prevention

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The symptoms

Spots

Dark brown, black in shades.

Pigmented Skin

Hyperpigmented patches after dermatitis or injury to the skin.

Sun Spots

Place that darkens from sun exposure.

Bumps

Bumps that can gradually increase in size.

When to see a doctor?
Examine Your Skin
When should you visit a dermatologist?

To ensure accurate diagnosis for signs of hyperpigmentation and in order to gain the right treatment, please visit your dermatologist with your medical history and also all medications.

A dermatologist would likely start with:

  • Physical checks: A thorough inspection at your skin.
  • Biopsy of the skin: If necessary, they will take a small sample of your skin to perform an additional test.

When they determine what is triggering your hyperpigmentation, they will create a tailored treatment plan.

Potential treatment options
The causes
Sun damage

What leads to hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when your skin produces an excessive amount of melanin, a pigment that imparts colour. This overproduction can be boosted by factors like:

  • Sun exposure: Ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) in the sunlight triggers pigment cells to create more melanin, which can cause freckles and  skin discoloration.
  • Changes in hormones: Any hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or menopause may trigger conditions like melasma, causing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
  • Skin trauma: Dark pigmentation can occur after an inflammation, like getting a scar from skin injuries, eczema, or having an acne.
  • Stress: High levels of stress can increase cortisol, which ultimately results in melanin production and discoloured skin.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and birth control pills, can degrade how your body produces melanin or increase photosensitivity, which makes hyperpigmentation worse
The risk factors
Skin discoloration

Some factors can lead to more hyperpigmentation. Although genetics is a huge factor, in-fact, melasma often runs in families indicating that there may be some kind of hereditary connection. Hormone level changes brought on by conditions such as Addison’s disease can also stimulate melanin production, and create dark patches. Dark spots can result from skin conditions such as acne, eczema, skin cancer, or psoriasis that leave a scar or cause visible inflammation.

The complications
Dark Spots
Its not harmful, but it can cause several problems
  • Emotional strain

    Continually, this can result in low self-esteem and confidence.

  • Uneven skin texture

    If left untreated, it can cause uneven skin or even end up as a scar.

  • Increased sun sensitivity

    Having dark spots can also make your skin even more susceptible to the sun, and if it is not protected from the sun then this in turn will worsen any discoloration.

  • Treatment challenges

    Hyperpigmentation can be a tough thing to address, and depending on the severity it may take a while or multiple treatments before you start to see improvement.

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The prevention
Radiant Skin Shield
What is the best way to protect your skin from the sun?

Wear tinted sunscreen every day. This is particularly useful for those with a higher risk of hyperpigmentation as it helps protect the skin from visible light, therefore helping to prevent the dark spots from becoming darker, offering real skin-enhancing benefits.

Best sun protection

Avoid any sun exposed areas, especially between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM to prevent hyperpigmentation. Use an umbrella or simply seek shade. You can also use a hat to keep your face protected from sunburn. Opt for a non-comedogenic broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Search for physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide + added antioxidants such as Vitamin C or niacinamide.

Gentle Glow Care
Why is it important to use gentle products?

Go for mild, non-fragrant skin products. Many harsh or irritating products tend to amplify or reduce hyperpigmentation and make dark spots more pronounced. Using mild products protect your skin and make treatment more effective.

Use Vitamin C

One study found that Vitamin C reduces the production of melanin which is why it works to help prevent hyperpigmentation. As antioxidant, this helps against UV damage and pollution while helping with the toning by promoting cell turnover for brighter skin tone.

Layered Radiance Routine
How to use skin care products properly?

Follow up with sunscreen, and makeup if desired. The above order is prescribed so that treatments are most effectively absorbed and also covered by sunscreen for best results and to prevent further pigmentation.

Makeup use

If your hyperpigmentation is bothersome to you, consider covering dark spots with makeup until your treatments take hold. This will help improve how you feel about your skin color and looks while also dealing with the discoloration.

Nourish Skin Naturally
Can it make your skin healthy?

Consume a well-rounded diet full of fruits, vegetables, and good fats. Eating right is not the only thing that treat hyperpigmentation, but it can impact the way your skin looks and functions.

Diet for hyperpigmentation

Eating antioxidant-rich foods can help reduce these dark spots from appearing by making your skin healthy as well as combating free radicals. Some citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, orange-coloured veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots as well seafoods rich in essential minerals such as copper and zinc. These foods not just help in balancing melanin production but also benefit your overall skin.

Stress-Free Glow
Can stress worsen your hyperpigmentation?

Reduce stress to reduce severity of skin issues. As hyperpigmentation occurs more readily when you are stressed, ways to mitigate stress will help protect your skin condition from getting worse and benefit the whole body.

Coping up with stress

To combat stress, dedicate time to activities that help you unwind and chill. These habits provide your body the basis to deal with stress. It can also reduce stress and serve as a mental rest. Talking to friends, family or a mental health professional may help.

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    What is the best way to protect your skin from the sun?
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    Why is it important to use gentle products?
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    How to use skin care products properly?
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    Can it make your skin healthy?
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    Can stress worsen your hyperpigmentation?
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