Hyper-pigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin caused by increased melanin. Pigmentation means coloring. Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment at Slim Express PuneThere are various causes of hyper-pigmentation, including
- Overexposure to the sun
- Picking at the skin
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications such as antibiotics, hormone treatments, and anti-seizure drugs
Inflammation and skin injuries such as acne vulgaris
Types of Hyperpigmentation-
- Solar Lentigines (Sun Damage)
Age spots, sometimes called liver spots, are a form of pigmentation. They usually occur as a result of damage to the skin, from the suns rays. These are often referred to as solar lentigines. The small, dark spots are found generally on the hands and face, but any area exposed to the sun, can be affected.
The way our skin responds to UVA and UVB damage, is partly due to our genetic make-up but is also greatly influenced by the way we have treated our skin over the years. Excessive sunbathing or sunbed use can have a dramatic effect on the way we age..
- Ephelides (Freckles)
Freckles are small brown spots that can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face and arms. Freckles are usually a hereditary skin blemish. Ephelides (Freckles) are tanned macules found on the skin but can be classed as a form of hyperpigmentation. They are usually multiple in number. With sun exposure, they become more apparent.
Ephelides are more commonly found in fair-skinned races with red or blonde hair and less commonly in individuals, of other races.
- Melasma or chloasma spots are similar in appearance to age spots but are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the “mask of pregnancy” on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas. Women who take birth control pills may also develop hyperpigmentation because their bodies undergo similar kind of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. If one is really bothered by the pigment, the birth control pills should be stopped.
- Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – occurs when a skin injury or trauma heals and leaves a flat area of discoloration behind. It’s commonly found among acne sufferers, and can also be caused by cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion, laser treatment and chemical peels.
HOW TO PREVENT HYPERPIGMENTATION
Wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily and avoiding sun exposure is crucial in preventing hyperpigmentation.
Be mindful that discoloration is also in dead surface cells so it is imperative to exfoliate regularly to slough off the build-up, which will help minimize hyperpigmentation.
If you have dry, sensitive or mature skin, it is best to exfoliate 1-2 times a week. If you have combination to oily skin, exfoliating 2-3 times a week is recommended. However, facial scrubs should not be used on acne erupted skin as they are too abrasive and can worsen the condition. Rather, a mild exfoliant should be used such as the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser.
TREATMENT FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
- Skin Care-
With a customized skin care regimen, you can minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Wearing a sunscreen is a must. The sunscreen must be “broad spectrum” (i.e. it blocks both UVA and UVB). Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are also helpful. A single day of excess sun can undo months of treatment.
In addition to using sunscreen, there are key ingredients to look for in skincare products that can help treat hyperpigmentation such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid; Kojic Acid (found in the Whitening Mask) and Vitamin C (the Vitamin C Serum).
- Chemical Skin Peels-
This simple technique involves a solution applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. It tightens the skin, reduces wrinkling and restores a more youthful appearance.
It uses waveform technology to awaken the processes that have diminished with aging
A relaxing PERFECTOR procedure lifts facial muscles, builds new tissue, increases elasticity of skin, reduces free radical damage, improves microcirculation & cellular oxygenation and detoxifies. It increases cells natural ability to repair & regenerate giving reduction in fine lines & wrinkles, reduction in pigmentation & dark circles.
Dr. Mrunal Pandhare
Obesity & Cosmetology Consultant,