Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. It appears as patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding areas. While hyperpigmentation is usually harmless and can occur anywhere on the body, in rare cases it can indicate an underlying medical condition. Here’s what you need to know about the types of hyperpigmentation, the causes behind the condition, and how it can be treated:
Types of hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, which is the pigment that determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. There are a variety of environmental, hormonal, and medical causes behind hyperpigmentation, but the condition most prominently presents as three common types:
- Sunspots: Related to excess sun exposure; appears as spots on the hands, limbs, and face
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Results from injury or inflammation; can appear anywhere on the body
- Melasma: Most common during pregnancy, with discoloration appearing on the stomach and face
Causes of hyperpigmentation
Melanin production can be affected by several internal and external factors, but the most common causes of hyperpigmentation include:
- Sun exposure: Your body produces excess melanin to protect your skin from prolonged exposure to the sun, causing sunspots, which are also knowns as liver spots, age spots, or solar lentigines.
- Skin inflammation: Patches of skin can darken following an injury or inflammation resulting from acne, eczema or lupus.
- Hormones: Pregnancy and the use of birth control both lead to increased hormone production, which in turn causes an increase in melanin production.
- Medications: Tricyclic antidepressants, antimalarial drugs, certain topical treatments, and some chemotherapy drugs can all cause hyperpigmentation.
- Medical conditions: In rare cases, hyperpigmentation is caused by an underlying medical condition. Addison’s disease, which affects the adrenal glands, and hemochromatosis, which occurs when the body contains too much iron, both can cause hyperpigmentation.
Treatment for hyperpigmentation
Avoiding sun exposure or using a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen whenever you’re outside can minimize your risk of developing hyperpigmentation and prevent any existing hyperpigmentation from becoming darker. To avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, refrain from picking at scabs, acne, and other spots on the skin.
Treatments for existing hyperpigmentation range from home remedies like aloe vera, green tea, and licorice extract, to topical creams and cosmetic procedures including laser therapy, intense pulsed light, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. However, depending on your age, skin type, and the severity of your hyperpigmentation, results from such treatments will vary. In some cases, certain cosmetic procedures may even make hyperpigmentation worse.
Décel offers a natural approach to treating hyperpigmentation
Cosmetic procedures are an extreme remedy for hyperpigmentation, and many topical creams are made with animal products and chemicals that can clog pores and dull the appearance of your skin. Décel skincare products contain plant-based ingredients that not only target skin discoloration issues, but also tighten pores, regenerate collagen, and diminish fine lines for a smooth, even, youthful-looking glow. Used twice daily, our Maintenance Kit will treat your skin discoloration and help you achieve your most radiant and beautiful complexion.
