Hyperpigmentation, another name for skin pigmentation, is a disorder where some areas of your skin are darker than others. This fairly common skin condition affects all skin types.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when your skin produces more melanin than is normal. Melanin is the name of the pigment that provides your skin colour. The extra pigment is deposited deep into the skin, giving the region a darker appearance than the surrounding skin.
Although hyperpigmentation is mostly benign, sometimes it is brought on by an underlying medical issue. Your skin may also darken as a result of some drugs. For most folks, it’s more of an aesthetic problem.
There are a number of steps you can take to prevent some causes of hyperpigmentation, even though not all of them can be avoided:
Stay out of the sun. When the sun is at its brightest, between 10 am and 2 pm, try to stay out of it.
Be sure to sit in the shade or under a sun umbrella when you’re outside to lessen your exposure to the sun.
Put on a cap. To protect your face and scalp, put on a hat with a wide brim.
You should include vitamin C in your skincare routine. With powerful anti-ageing and skin-brightening abilities, vitamin C is a nutrient-rich antioxidant that lessens the negative effects of excessive sun exposure.
Apply SPF. To avoid the damaging effects of UV rays, make sure to use sun protection with at least SPF 15 every day.
Avoid touching your skin excessively. It’s advised to avoid touching your skin because picking at a mosquito bite or other skin irritation can lead to inflammation and darker skin pigmentation on your face. Before touching your skin to apply makeup or skin care products, be sure to wash your hands.
Understanding the root reasons for hyperpigmentation is helpful in effectively preventing it.
Some of the most typical causes of hyperpigmentation include:
Sun damage
It is well known that the sun’s UV radiation can damage your skin. In fact, they are to blame for as much as 80% of the symptoms of early skin ageing. Hyperpigmentation in the form of age spots from a lifetime of sun exposure may be one of these symptoms.
Chloasma (Melasma) (Melasma)
Hormonal alterations can be indicated by dark pigmentation patches, which are typically found on the face. Although not always, it is primarily linked to pregnancy hormones. Chloasma is sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” while pregnant.
Hyperpigmentation following inflammation
After an inflammatory period, such as that caused by acne or eczema, for which you may need laser treatment for acne, your skin may go into overdrive and develop these darker areas.
Medical conditions
Hyperpigmentation may occasionally be a sign of an underlying medical issue, like Addison’s disease. It is always preferable to seek expert assistance from your doctor or dermatologist if you are unsure of what is causing the hyperpigmentation.
The Key Takeaway on Hyperpigmentation
Patches of hyperpigmentation are most commonly caused by sun damage, which you may greatly reduce by using SPF and avoiding direct sunlight. Using products with components like retinol or niacinamide can help cure darker skin pigmentation.
For darker and more severe cases, getting laser pigmentation removal Singapore is a good option.
