How to treat skin hyperpigmentation ?
Carla
Specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Overview
Your skin color is determined by pigments called melanin that are produced by specialized cells (melanocytes) of the skin. There are more than 150 genes that affect skin color either directly or indirectly. So there's really nothing much you can do about the natural pigmentation of your skin.
What is Skin Pigmentation ?
Hyperpigmentation is actually more common than you might think. It's Usually Harmless, and it refers to having certain parts of your skin become darker than your typical skin tone. Hyperpigmentation can occur in people of all skin types.
What causes skin pigmentation ?
Certain skin cancers can cause skin pigmentation, such as actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
UV rays are the biggest culprits that trigger the overproduction of melanin. However, the damage caused by UV rays is not visible immediately. Hence, if you have developed pigmentation on your face recently, it is most likely a result of the damage caused to your skin about a decade ago.
Stress and dietary imbalances, the precursors of many disorders, are also known to cause skin pigmentation disorders.
Sometimes a skin infection, sunburn, blistering, sunburn, other burns, or other skin trauma can cause reduced or increased pigmentation in the affected area.
What are the types of skin hyperpigmentation ?
Age Spots orSolar Lentigines (Liver Spots): These are the most common type of skin pigmentation and are formed due to sun damage.They are found in the areas frequently exposed to the sun.
Melasma Or Chloasma: This is characterized by spots similar to age spots but covering a large area on the skin. These spots mostly appear due to hormonal changes. For instance, during pregnancy, the hormones may trigger the overproduction of melanin and cause skin darkening.
Freckles (Ephelides): These are caused by sun exposure. They appear as tiny dots and spots on your face and shoulder areas.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): It is a condition in which your skin develops marks or spots because of an injury, burns, acne, or aggressive chemical treatment. It is also called hypopigmentation.
What to do about pigmentation ?
Studies have shown that green extract can have a brightening and depigmenting effect when applied to the skin. Green tea and its main active ingredient, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), can help change skin pigmentation in some cases.
Green tea contains antioxidants such as catechins, which not only soothe the skin, but also effectively reduce the appearance of dark spots and fight the first signs of aging.
Foods rich in vitamin C like lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit and other citrus fruits are natural bleaching agents that help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Red onion extract is another popular hyperpigmentation home remedy that helps lighten scars and pigmentation. Red onion extract (Allium cepa) is found in some commercially available skin and scar lightening creams.
Tomato acts as a natural lightening and whitening agent that helps treat pigmentation. You can add tomatoes to your daily diet for clearer and brighter skin as they also contain vitamin C and other important ingredients. It is rich in saffron, which brightens and brightens uneven skin, reduces dark circles and age spots, and repairs fine lines, age spots and other signs of aging.
Keeping the skin hydrated helps soften the skin and increases cell turnover, making the skin appear brighter.A typical hyperpigmentation treatment plan will include sunscreens, moisturizers, and skin-brightening products such as vitamin C and kojic acid.
HiSqin™ Gotu Kola Calming Gel
This Seaweed-based soothing gel provides the ultimate hydration while calming botanicals tend to sensitive or irritated skin.
May be used daily or nightly as a moisturizer or as a post treatment on irritated or inflamed skin.
Takeaway
Sometimes melanin production is disrupted; too little or too much melanin is produced, resulting in skin pigmentation disorders.
Treatment is necessary to get rid of skin pigmentationIf home remedies for pigmentation do not work, people can consult a doctor to discuss medical options. Anyone with concerns about their skin issues or who suspects there is an underlying problem should also make an appointment to be sure.
DISCLAIMER Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
