Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is where patches of the skin can become darker than the surrounding skin. It’s a pretty common condition for all skin types and is generally very treatable and harmless. For some people having uneven skin colour can make them feel self conscious.

There are different causes of your hyperpigmentation, from acne or skin injury creating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or from sunspots (age spots) or melasma from hormonal changes/pregnancy. We will discuss how the pigmentation occurred in consultations so we know how to treat it. At Perfect Skin Solutions we want a long term solution not a quick fix so we will help manage the reason you first got the pigmentation in the first place, ie reduced oil/sebum production if caused by acne to help reduce new breakouts appearing, lighten the pigmentation and prevent it coming back with a good physical filter SPF and or maintenance treatments.

Too much sun can trigger melanin production and hyperpigmentation.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where dark spots, patches or discolouration appears on the skin. This is when there is an imbalance of melanin production and excess melanin is produced in certain areas. Melanin is the pigment of our skin and when produced in excess it can make the skin look uneven with darker patches or spots standing out against the surrounding skin tone. It can affect all skin types so it’s a common concern for everyone.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by:

• Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can trigger melanin production and hyperpigmentation. That’s why sunspots (age spots) are common in areas that are exposed to the sun.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause or using the pill can cause conditions like melasma which is dark blotchy patches on the skin.
• Inflammation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur after skin injury, acne or other inflammatory conditions. This type of hyperpigmentation is more common in darker skin tones.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to hyperpigmentation due to their genes so they are more likely to get dark spots and patches.
• Aging: As we age our skin’s ability to regulate melanin production declines and hyperpigmentation occurs.

Symptoms and Effects of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can manifest as:

• Dark Spots or Patches: These can appear anywhere on the body but most common on the face, hands and other sun exposed areas.
• Uneven Skin Tone: The skin may look blotchy or uneven with areas of discolouration standing out against the natural skin tone.
• Brown Patches or Freckles: These can vary in size and more visible on lighter skin tones.
• Discolouration of the Skin: The affected areas can be light brown to black depending on the individual’s skin tone and severity of the condition.
• Dull or Lacklustre Skin: Hyperpigmentation can make the skin look less healthy.

Besides the physical symptoms hyperpigmentation can also have emotional and psychological effects:

• Low Self-Esteem: You may feel self conscious about your appearance.
• Anxiety: Skin concerns can cause anxiety.
• Depression: Chronic skin problems can lead to depression.
• Embarrassment: Visible discolouration can be embarrassing in social situations.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

There are several treatment options for hyperpigmentation:

• Topical Treatments: Creams, serums and gels with ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids and vitamin C can help to reduce hyperpigmentation by lightening dark spots and even out skin tone.
• Chemical Peels: A chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers and promote new even pigmented skin. This can help reduce dark spots and patches.
• Laser Treatments: Laser can break down melanin deposits in the skin to reduce hyperpigmentation. Different lasers can be used depending on the severity and depth of the pigmentation.
• Microdermabrasion: Non-invasive exfoliating treatment removes dead skin cells and improves skin texture to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.

Advanced Treatment for Skin Pigmentation

For more severe hyperpigmentation advanced treatments may be needed. These can include:

• Laser Therapy: More intense laser treatments can target deeper layers of the skin to reduce stubborn hyperpigmentation. This is good for larger areas of discolouration.
• Microneedling: Minimally invasive treatment uses tiny needles to create micro injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Can reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.
• Chemical Peels: Deeper chemical peels can go deeper into the skin to address more severe pigmentation issues. These can give significant improvement in skin tone and texture.
• Skin Brightening Treatments: Products with ingredients like kojic acid, azelaic acid and licorice extract can brighten and even out the skin tone to reduce dark spots and patches. We love CellDerma Pigment Correct.

Remember everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Consult a dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your skin concerns.