Effective Treatments for Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Prevention, and Natural Remedies
Hyperpigmentation is a medical term which describes the dark patches on your skin which make the skin look uneven. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment which gives skin color.
It can appear as brown, black, gray, red or pink spots or patches.
Hyperpigmentation can affect your whole body or appear as dark patches or spots on your skin and make it look uneven, these spots are known as age spots or sun spots.
Other types of hyperpigmentation include melasma , freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation etc.
While this affects people of all skin types, those with a darker skin tone tend to be more affected from hyperpigmentation marks. This is because people with darker skin have strong pigmentation.
What causes hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure: Overexposure to the sun's UV rays triggers our body to produce more melanin. This can lead to the formation of sunspots or freckles, depending on which part of your body receives the most sun exposure.
Hormonal Changes: hormonal changes like in puberty, pregnancy, menopause can interfere with the production of melanin, causing the skin to develop dark patches or spots.
Skin trauma: skin trauma like burns, cuts, and other forms can disrupt melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation in the affected area during the healing process.
Medical condition: Certain medical conditions, such as Addison's disease, can cause hyperpigmentation as a symptom. Additionally, medications like chemotherapy drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also contribute to the development of pigmentation irregularities.
What kind of treatments are there for hyperpigmentation
Topical creams or serums
Some creams and serums which can be used without a prescription to help fade hyperpigmentation. These products contain ingredients like retinoids, kojic acid , niacinamide, vitamin C... etc. they work by reducing the production of melanin , encouraging the turnover of skin cells, which gradually help fade dark spots .
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are done by applying a chemical solution on your face. The chemical damages the top layers of the skin, causing them to peel off. This leaves newer, brighter skin that has less imperfections.
Superficial peels can be done at home using over-the-counter products, while medium or deep peels should be performed by a dermatologist.
Laser therapy
Laser treatments target the pigmented areas, breaking down excess melanin and stimulating collagen production. Different types of lasers, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or fractional lasers, may be used depending on the type and severity of hyperpigmentation. Consult a dermatologist to determine the most suitable laser treatment for your specific condition.
At Home Solution
We recommend our HYDRATION serum, which contains rich 100% natural ingredients, like:
- Organic golden jojoba oil: which is fantastic in balancing your ph skin levels,
- Organic apricot oil: rich in vitamin E, boosts skin's ability to retain elasticity and clarity by helping to protect cells from damaging free radicals.
- Organic rosemary essential oils: It deeply hydrates skin, controls sebum production, and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's commonly used to reduce acne, blemishes, scarring, and sun spots.\
- Organic sunflower seed oil: highly absorbent and doesn't clog pores.
- Organic rose absolute essential oil: its high in vitamin C, has been known to aid in depigmentation by inhibiting the oxidation of melanin therefore it works fantastically for fading dark spots and brightening the skin.
- Wild harvested Frankincense essential oil: it has the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes, and appearance as someone ages. It is known to help tone and lift skin, reduce the appearance of scars and acne
How to prevent hyperpigmentation
The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to use sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun is very important in managing hyperpigmentation. Try to always wear sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or above) even in cold months of the year. Another way to protect from the sun is to wear wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves.