Do you struggle with hyperpigmentation? Do you choose certain clothes to conceal these marks? Do you hinder yourself from engaging in certain social interactions and activities? If so, just know that you're not the only one! Luckily, you can include different types of products and ingredients to combat this issue from the comfort of your home. It happens to a lot of people, both men and women, mostly due to genetics and severe sun exposure. If you’re not too sure what to do about it or what steps to take, this article is for you! Keep on reading and find your best solution right down below.
Table of Contents
1. What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is skin discoloration, where one might experience brown patches, blotchy skin, and rough texture. You may notice that some areas of your skin are noticeably darker than others if you have hyperpigmentation, also known as skin pigmentation. Everyone is prone to this common skin condition, regardless of skin type. Hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe when the skin produces too much melanin. You can experience it all over your face & body. Don't worry about it, as it is not a serious condition, just something that is not aesthetically pleasing.
2. Who can have hyperpigmentation?
The three basic forms include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory trauma. Below is a brief overview of the differences between these three basic forms.
- Age spots: Age spots (also known as sun spots or lentigines) are flat, brown patches on the skin that can appear due to excessive sun exposure. They are commonly found in older people and often appear in areas that are exposed to a lot of sunlight, such as the face, hands and arms.
- Melasma: Melasma is a pigment-related skin condition that can be caused by hormonal changes in the body, such as during pregnancy or when taking hormonal contraceptives. Melasma causes irregular brown patches on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, chin, and upper lip.
- Postinflammatory trauma: Postinflammatory trauma occurs because of inflammation or injury to the skin, such as from acne or scratching. These skin lesions can cause red or brown spots on the skin that may slowly fade, but sometimes remain permanent.
Anyone can develop one of these three different forms at some point in their life. In addition, injuries, sunburns (which is why you should wear sunscreen) and skin diseases such as acne also contribute to the development of postinflammatory trauma. But other factors, such as gender, also play a role.
Men are often less affected by hyperpigmentation than women. Also, people with lighter skin tones suffer from it more often. Additionally, the condition can also occur within a family due to genetic factors. The most common hyperpigmentation, believe it or not, occurs in pregnant women. Although it can also appear on the abdomen, it is sometimes referred to as a pregnancy spot, so you should keep a close eye on your body. After pregnancy ends or you stop taking birth control pills, this skin condition usually disappears on its own.
3. How to combat hyperpigmentation in 5 key steps
3.1. At-home remedies
You can try an at-home solution and DIY your remedy. However, always test a new therapy or natural remedy on a tiny patch of skin before using it on the entire body, just so that you can avoid any potential irritation & allergic reactions. Try out the following remedies:
- Common pregnancy-related melasma can be treated with the help of aloe vera capsules. You can also add aloe vera gel to your daily routine to combat the problem.
- Hyperpigmentation can be alleviated by licorice extracts. A licorice extract has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin brightening properties and is not too expensive to purchase.
- Green tea is known for its possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. If you have sunburns that have led to melasma, you should consider this remedy.
3.2. Dermabrasion
When you get dermabrasion done, not only does the epidermis come off, but so does a chunk of your dermis.
Traditionally, dermabrasion has been used to treat uneven skin texture, while it has also been used on occasion to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you have wrinkles, blemishes, sun spots, and scars - you are a good candidate for this treatment. With the use of a small handheld drill-like device, your dermatologist will work one section at a time, leaving you with fresh and new skin. Heads up as it may take you several treatments to get desired results.
3.3. Use the right type of body lotion
Did you know that you can lighten your body with the right type of lotion? Our Glow Body Lotion evens out skin tone and removes hyperpigmentation to preserve the skin's youthful appearance. Thanks to its high-quality ingredients of Olive Fruit Extract, Vitamin C, and Mandelic Acid, your skin looks bright and radiant again! With regular daily use, you can increase collagen synthesis, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Filled with antioxidants and Vitamin E, this lotion also shields the skin from UV-induced environmental stresses + blocks the synthesis of melanin that can lead to pigmentation spots. Your skin will feel silky soft and smooth while smelling divine!
3.4. Acid
If you have spots and discoloration, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises utilizing over-the-counter medications such as azelaic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, or retinoids. This is why specialized facial & skincare treatments that are filled with Vitamin C and kojic acid can lessen hyperpigmentation. This also applies to some kinds of facial treatments that can work deep within your inner layers. However, heads up as the AAD cautions against using genuine liquid bleach on the skin, despite the fact that many of these treatments have "bleaching" effects on dark spots. Skin-whitening products should only be used if approved by your dermatologist. Slowly include acids into your weekly routine, as you may not know how your skin is going to react.
3.5. Retinoids
Retinoids, which are produced from vitamin A, are one of the most often used compounds in OTC skin care products. Their small molecular size allows them to penetrate the dermal layers of skin, where treatment is most effective and offers the best results. There are both prescription and OTC retinoids available. However, OTC equivalents are typically weaker than their prescription counterparts. Your dermatologist may recommend tretinoin which is a prescription retinoid. This often happens in case you haven't seen any improvement after two months. It's possible that retinoids available without a prescription are safe for people of all skin tones, but those with a darker complexion and sensitive skin should talk to a doctor before using them regularly.
4. What to do if you have hyperpigmentation?
Are you affected by hyperpigmentation and looking for ways to manage the problem? The good news is, yes, there are several ways to improve your skin pigmentation. It all starts with incorporating our tips and tricks into your weekly routine. With the right approach, products and treatments, you can restore your skin pigmentation in a matter of weeks and have your skin looking healthy, fresh, radiant and glowing! However, it's important that you give yourself enough time to see the results you want.
Hyperpigmentation is a long-term problem and requires patience and perseverance to treat. However, if you are willing to be consistent with your new skin care routine, you will love and enjoy the changes in your skin pigmentation.
So, what are you waiting for? Start incorporating our tips and tricks into your weekly skincare routine today and give your skin the chance to become healthy, radiant and evenly pigmented again!
