Hyperpigmentation is a very common skin condition us ladies know far to well. The appearance of darkened skin happens due to an excess production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. While hyperpigmentation itself is harmless, it can be a cosmetic concern and insecurity for many people.
Learning to love your darker skin areas is a personal journey. We’re demystifying all you need to know about hyperpigmentation.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to patches of skin that appear darker than the surrounding areas. These patches can vary in size and can occur on any part of the body, including the face, hands, neck, underarms, inner thighs and even your knees.
Skin tip: Hyperpigmentation is not exclusive to any one skin type and can affect people of all races and ethnicities.
These patches of discolouration can develop anywhere on the skin, but are most often seen on sun-exposed areas or areas that rub together.
Based on your skin complexion, these areas can appear brown, tan, pink, gray, black, or even purple. As opposed to a suntan, which comes and goes, hyperpigmentation tends to be more longstanding, although areas may lighten or fade with time and treatment.
The main types of hyperpigmentation include:
- Sunspots (or solar lentigines): These appear after prolonged sun exposure and are typically found on areas like the face and hands.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): This occurs after an injury to the skin, such as acne or eczema, leaving dark spots once the wound or irritation heals.
- Melasma: This form of hyperpigmentation is often triggered by hormonal changes, like pregnancy or birth control use, and commonly appears on the face.
The causes of hyperpigmentation?
There are several reasons why hyperpigmentation occurs, ranging from environmental factors to internal health conditions. Here are the most common causes:
- Sun exposure: UV radiation from the sun is a major trigger for hyperpigmentation. Overexposure to the sun stimulates melanin production as a defense mechanism. While melanin absorbs UV rays to protect your skin, excess production can lead to dark spots, also known as sunspots or age spots.
- Hormonal changes: Hormones can play a significant role in hyperpigmentation, particularly in the case of melasma. This condition is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” because it commonly appears during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also trigger melasma.
- Skin injuries or inflammation: When the skin experiences trauma from conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis, or even cuts and burns, it can leave behind dark spots. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Medication: Some medications, including certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and even some acne treatments, can lead to increased pigmentation as a side effect.
- Underlying health conditions: Hyperpigmentation can also signal an underlying health condition. Conditions like Addison’s disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands, and hemochromatosis, a condition causing excess iron in the body, can both trigger darkening of the skin. These conditions require medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Treatments for hyperpigmentation
Topical treatments
Hydroquinone: This is a common skin-lightening agent that can be used to treat hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting melanin production, but it should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist due to potential side effects like skin irritation.
Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C can help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting melanin synthesis.
Retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin can help speed up cell turnover, allowing dark spots to fade more quickly.
Azelaic Acid: This acid helps to reduce pigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin. It is often recommended for treating melasma or PIH.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels use acids like glycolic acid or salicylic acid to exfoliate the top layer of skin, encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin. This treatment can be effective for surface-level hyperpigmentation but may not be suitable for deeper pigmentation issues.
Laser therapy
Laser treatments like fractional lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) are designed to target and break down pigmentation at a deeper skin level. However, laser therapy can be risky for darker skin tones as it can sometimes worsen pigmentation if not administered carefully.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to puncture the skin and stimulate collagen production. It can also help in breaking down dark spots, particularly when paired with topical treatments.
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Natural remedies
Ingredients like licorice extract, niacinamide, and aloe vera have anti-inflammatory properties and can help brighten the skin gently over time. While they may not be as fast-acting as clinical treatments, they can be a good option for those with sensitive skin or those looking for gradual improvement.
Is there an underlying health cause of hyperpigmentation?
- Addison’s disease: This is a disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. One of the symptoms of Addison’s disease is darkening of the skin, especially in areas like the knuckles, knees, and elbows.
- Hemochromatosis: This genetic condition causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. The excess iron gets stored in various organs, including the skin, leading to hyperpigmentation.
- Liver disease: Conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis can sometimes cause jaundice and hyperpigmentation, particularly on the face and neck.
- Insulin resistance or diabetes: There’s a condition called acanthosis nigricans, where darker, thicker patches of skin develop, often on the neck, armpits, or groin. It is associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes.
Preventing hyperpigmentation
- Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from UV damage is essential. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days, to prevent sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
- Avoid picking at your skin: Picking at acne or any skin irritations can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Consider your medications: If you’re taking medications that could be contributing to pigmentation, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
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Featured Image: @solenn/Instagram
