Have you ever noticed a dark mark on your face that formed after you popped a pimple? Or maybe you noticed that your hands are discolored causing them to appear uneven. Are you tired of feeling less confident in your skin and wish to eliminate those unattractive dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation?
Read below to find out what hyperpigmentation is, how to prevent it, and some treatments you can receive or perform at home to improve those stubborn dark marks!
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a very common skin disorder. This skin disorder is harmless, but it can affect one’s confidence and self-esteem. People with more melanin are more likely to have hyperpigmentation, however, this disorder can occur in anyone who has acne, burns, bruises, rashes, or any other trauma to their skin.
Hyperpigmentation can occur from excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, certain medications, and other health conditions. This disorder can affect the entire body, or it can appear in small to large areas of the skin. Depending on the color of your skin complexion, hyperpigmentation can appear brown, tan, red, pink, gray, black, or purple.
What is the Main Cause of Hyperpigmentation?
Skin receives its color from melanin, and melanin is created by skin cells. Unfortunately, when those skin cells are damaged, they can produce too much melanin or color. Too much production causes the melanin to concentrate and build up, making the affected area appear darker. Hyperpigmentation is a direct result of an intensified level of hormones that results in an increase of melanin.
What are the Different Types of Hyperpigmentation?
- Freckles
- Age spots
- Melasma
- Maturational pigmentation
- Periorbital pigmentation
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation
The most common types of hyperpigmentation are age spots, melasma, maturational pigmentation, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Age spots, also known as liver spots, can vary from tan to dark brown. They develop when an adult is exposed to a great amount of sun and can be visible on the face, forearms, chest, and tops of the head.
Melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” usually occurs to women in their 20s and 30s. Changes in hormones caused by pregnancy, and some hormonal medications, such as birth control, create dark patches on the face. Excessive sun exposure is another cause of this condition, however hormonal changes are the main causes of melasma.
Melasma cannot be prevented, although avoiding direct sun exposure, using a high-SPF sunscreen, and avoiding hormonal medications can help protect your skin against melasma flares.
Maturational pigmentation affects the sides of the face and is typically more apparent to those with darker skin complexions. This normally occurs during adulthood and is caused by sun exposure or a metabolic disease.
Lastly, post-inflammatory pigmentation is when blemishes form due to the skin being inflamed. In other words, if your skin has been burned or wounded, or has formed acne or skin rashes, then your skin may experience hyperpigmentation. The affected skin area may look darker than your natural skin complexion after the injury heals. This type of hyperpigmentation can appear anywhere on the skin.
Is There a Cure for Hyperpigmentation?
Depending on the severity, you might be able to repair the skin that’s been damaged, however, there isn’t a specific product that can “cure” your skin. For people with mild hyperpigmentation, possible at-home remedies can help soothe your skin. Aloe vera, green tea extract, and apple cider vinegar are known home remedies to help soothe mild cases.
Hyperpigmentation Home Remedies
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains aloin, which is a natural compound that has been proven to lighten and soothe skin. When applying aloe vera to the skin, rub the desired area in a circular motion before bedtime. In the morning, rinse the area with warm water. Studies say to repeat this as many times as you need to see the results you want.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is also a great choice when experimenting with at-home remedies when attempting to repair your damaged skin. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which aid in skin brightening and reducing inflammation. When applying green tea extract, steep a tea bag in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes. After this, set the tea bag aside to cool. Once the tea bag is cool, rub it on the dark patches on your skin in a circular motion for a few minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which has been proven to brighten the skin. When applying ACV to the skin, combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water into a container. Once you’ve mixed your concoction, soak a cotton pad in the mixture and apply it to the dark patch of skin. Let this soak onto your skin for about 2-3 minutes, and afterward, rinse off with warm water. Repeat this process as many times as you need; however, don’t repeat this more than twice in the same day.
What To Do For Moderate to Severe Cases of Hyperpigmentation
For individuals with moderate to severe hyperpigmentation, visiting a dermatologist is a great start to healing your skin. However, for those who don’t wish to seek medical attention, are exhausted from endless research and at-home remedies, and would much rather buy a product or have a facial from our specialists at SKN BAR Rx, here is a list of ingredients, products, and treatments to help treat your hyperpigmentation:
Ingredients, Products & Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
Ultra Brightening Moisturizer Cream is a great product that contains niacinamide and vitamin B3. These two ingredients use their natural abilities to give the skin a brighter and clearer glow.
Skin acid exfoliates the skin, causing the top layer to shed. Skin acids are suitable for everyone; however, the best results are typically found on individuals with fair skin tones or skin tones with less melanin. Some of the most reliable acids include glycolic, citric, niacinamide, salicylic, vitamin C, and vitamin B3. When looking for products in the store, make sure to keep an eye out for these acids.
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A, which are small molecules that allow them to penetrate the skin and treat deeper layers. Tretinoin is one of the best retinols to be prescribed by a doctor or found over the counter (OTC). This treatment is most suitable for age spots caused by overexposure to the sun.
Chemical peels use acids to reduce the appearance of dark marks. During this process, the peel removes the top later of the skin which promotes skin brightening. More intense versions of this treatment tend to penetrate the middle layer of skin as well for more dramatic results.
Although some chemical peels can be found OTC, for best results, reserve a Brightening Peel here at SKN BAR Rx. This peel refines your natural glow with its mixture of acids that enhance clarity and radiance within your skin. Our Brightening Peel targets sun damage, acne scarring, and melasma. There are 3 different levels of moderation which include:
- Level 1- Skin Medica Illuminize Peel
- Level 2- Skin Medica Vitalize Peel
- Level 3- Skin Medica Rejuvenate Peel
The treatment takes about 30 minutes to complete and does not require any downtime; however, you should avoid direct sunlight for a week after receiving your treatment. This treatment removes a layer of your skin, allowing direct sunlight to increase the risk of scarring, delayed healing, and an increase of hyperpigmentation.
For more information about this chemical peel, or any other treatment that we offer, visit our website.
Different Skin Tones, Different Reactions
Every individual is distinct, and so is their skin. Skin tones range from different amounts of melanin that are produced within each person, which leads to a wide range of skin colors. These differences in melanin production create different skin reactions to certain products and treatments.
Fair skin tones respond well to most, if not all, procedures and treatments. Medium skin tones usually find chemical peels the most effective. Darker skin tones, those with a high quantity of melanin, benefit more from glycolic acid, OTC lightening creams, and low-strength chemical peels, such as our Level 1 Skin Medica Illuminize Peel.
More Information
For more information about how you can treat your hyperpigmentation, visit our SKN BAR Rx website, one of our locations, or make a reservation to speak with one of our specialists.
See you soon!
