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Hyperpigmentation 101: Causes, Treatments And Prevention
Discover the causes of hyperpigmentation, learn about different treatment options and find out how to prevent it with expert advice from Dermacare Direct.
12 Minutes read
Posted on 31 Aug 2024
Hyperpigmentation 101: Causes, Treatments And Prevention
Hyperpigmentation is a prevalent skin concern affecting millions worldwide. According to various studies, it ranks among the top five most common dermatological issues in both men and women in the United Kingdom. Discover effective treatment options to manage and alleviate symptoms of hyperpigmentation.
What's skin pigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that causes some areas of the skin to appear darker than others. It's caused by the skin producing too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. The excess melanin is deposited in the dermal layer of the skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation that appears darker than the surrounding skin.
The Types of Pigmentation
Age spots/Liver spots/Sun spots/Solar lentigines
Age spots or liver spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage and are referred to by medical professionals as solar lentigines. They are usually found on the hands, face, or other areas frequently exposed to the sun and will most likely increase with age. Age spots can vary in colour from brown to grey to black. They can also be very small or large and often appear in groups or clusters. They are common in people with fair skin who don't have as much natural protection from the sun. They are known as age spots because the melanin accumulating in your skin over the years as you age can make you more susceptible to them, but these pigmentation marks are not exclusively caused by ageing. Although they are also sometimes known as liver spots this has nothing to do with the liver or anything associated with the function of the liver.
Melasma/Chloasma
Melasma is the form of irregular pigmented patches and is commonly found on the sun-exposed face in the period during or after pregnancy or in women who are on the contraceptive pill. It is thought to be caused by increasing levels of both oestrogen and progesterone, which stimulate melanocytes resulting in increased production of the normal tanning protective chemical.
Melasma or chloasma spots are similar in appearance to age spots but are larger areas of darkened skin. The condition is also known as 'pregnancy mask' because of its prominence in pregnant women and because of its appearance as 'mask-like' patches on the face. Melasma is usually found on the cheeks, temples and forehead but can also be found on the body. Melasma is aggravated by exposure to the sun.
Freckles
Freckles are small brown spots that can appear anywhere on the face and body. Freckles are an inherited characteristic and are most common on fair-skinned people. Millions of people around the world have freckles and are less likely to seek cosmetic treatment for them than those who have other forms of pigmentation as they are often regarded as 'a mark of beauty'. However, people with freckles can be susceptible to other forms of skin pigmentation, such as spots, when exposed to the sun and the prevalence of freckles also increases with sun exposure.
Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation
Post-inflammatory pigmentation is caused when the skin has been damaged or undergone some form of trauma. It is commonly found in people who have had acne but can also be caused by sunburn, or surgery.
What causes Pigmentation?
Many things can cause hyperpigmentation, including:
Sun exposure
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun is a well-documented risk factor for premature skin aging, accounting for up to 80% of its characteristic signs. Hyperpigmentation, often manifesting as age spots, is one such indicator resulting from prolonged sun exposure throughout an individual's lifetime.
Skin injury (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation - PIH)
When the skin undergoes an inflammatory process, such as acne or eczema, it can enter a hyperactive state and generate darker spots following the resolution of inflammation.
The extent and duration of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) vary depending on several factors, including skin type, severity of inflammation, and treatment approach.
Medications
Many medications can cause hyperpigmentation.
The main drugs implicated in causing skin pigmentation are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, amiodarone, cytotoxic drugs, tetracyclines, heavy metals and psychotropic drugs.
Hormonal changes
Patches of dark pigmentation, typically observed on the facial area, may be indicative of hormonal fluctuations. This condition is predominantly linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy, although it is not exclusive to this period. Chloasma, in this context, is often referred to as the'mask of pregnancy'.
How to prevent Pigmentation?
While it may not always be possible to prevent hyperpigmentation, you can take steps to reduce the risk.
To prevent hyperpigmentation, it's crucial to implement a comprehensive sun protection strategy.
This begins with wearing sunscreen daily, regardless of weather conditions. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, and apply it liberally to all exposed areas of the skin.
In addition to sunscreen, incorporating protective clothing into your wardrobe can significantly reduce your risk of hyperpigmentation. Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and other articles of clothing that cover your skin whenever possible.
Effective Skincare for Hyperpigmentation
An effective skincare routine for treating pigmentation can include cleansing, exfoliating, a pigment-lightening product, vitamin C serum and sun protection.
Exfoliation
Using exfoliants (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid) can also help fade pigmentation by speeding up cell turnover and accelerating the natural peeling of pigmented or dead skin cells and stimulating new skin cell growth. This clears the path for the ingredients in your serums to better penetrate the skin.
Retinol is another popular exfoliate to help fade the appearance of discolouration.
Vitamin C Serum
Antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C have the impressive ability to neutralise free radicals in helping to prevent age spots, with the bonus of being a brightening agent that can reduce skin discolouration.
Pigment Lightening Treatment
Dark spots can be lightened up with the help of brightening products that contain key ingredients like Kojic Acid, Alpha- Arbutin, Phytic acid, Tranexamic acid, skin brightening peptides, Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, niacinamide, Liquorice and Mulberry.
It is important to use the pigment lightening products twice daily and to make sure any days are not missed. You will require several months of consistent use before some results can be seen.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen should be considered an essential component of any skin care regimen, particularly for individuals seeking to address hyperpigmentation.
Regular application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 can help mitigate the appearance of hyperpigmentation by preventing further UV-induced damage.
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