Pigmentation disorders, such as hyperpigmentation, can affect just certain parts of the skin, or the entire body.
Hyperpigmentation can no doubt be devastating for the person who suffers from it. But the good news though is that if you want to treat hyperpigmentation, you can. You can treat it at home and in-office, by your skin specialist or dermatologist.
What is pigmentation?
It is the color of your skin, which gets its color from a pigment called melanin. There are cells in the skin called melanocytes which make melanin.
When these cells get affected- by injury or damage- melanin production gets affected. This causes the skin to produce more melanin. This results in darkening of the skin.
Pigmentation disorders, such as hyperpigmentation, can affect certain parts of the skin. It can also affect the entire body.
People with skin of color are more prone to pigmentation disorders. This is when compared to Caucasian skin.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
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Sun exposure, heat as well as skin inflammation or irritation
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Certain medications
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Hormonal problems or pregnancy
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Stress and anxiety
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Hereditary factors
Types of hyperpigmentation
The most common types of hyperpigmentation are:
Melasma
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This causes patches of discoloration on the skin. It usually happens on the face and neck.
Sunspots
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Also known as liver spots, sunspots are flat brown spots. They develop on areas of your skin that get exposed to the sun.
Post inflammatory pigmentation
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It’s caused when skin gets injured or inflamed. For instance cuts, burns, surgery, acne and even mosquito bites.
How to prevent hyperpigmentation?
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Protect your skin from the sun by wearing hats.
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Cover your body with clothing while out in the sun.
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Avoid being outdoors between 10am to 4pm.
How to treat hyperpigmentation
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Retinoids.
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Lightening creams.
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Chemical exfoliants
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Chemical peel.
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Laser peel.
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IPL therapy.
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Microdermabrasion.
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Dermabrasion.
What to look for in skincare products for hyperpigmentation
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, you should look for products that reduce hyperpigmentation. This you can do by using ingredients that inhibit tyrosinase. It is an an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin.
A good product must also have hydrating ingredients which will moisturize the skin. Look out for ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid in a product.
Ingredients to look out for in skincare products
Vitamin C
It can reduce hyperpigmentation by blocking melanin production. Vitamin C also blocks tyrosinase which makes it a natural skin brightener. Also, it is a powerful antioxidant. It protects skin cells from further damage either from the sun or outside pollutants.
Kojic Acid
It also works by inhibiting tyrosinase enzymes. It also protects the skin from environmental toxins. This is because it is high in antioxidants. Kojic dipalmitate is more stable than kojic acid. It is also more efficacious than kojic acid. This is when it comes to inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase present in human skin. This in turn inhibits the formation of melanin.
Alpha Arbutin
Is considered to be a natural form of hydroquinone — a chemical that bleaches the skin. Arbutin inhibits the enzymes that stimulate pigment-producing cells.
Glutathione
This is a well-tolerated antioxidant. It is rich in three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamate. It is a melanin inhibitor that inactivates the enzyme tyrosinase.
Licorice root extract or oil
Licorice root extract fights free radicals. It inhibits their production and prevents the formation of excess melanin. It helps remove dark spots and lightens them to give you an even skin tone.
Vitamin A
Retinoids are a form of vitamin A. It stimulates the production of collagen. This reduces fine lines and wrinkles and stimulates cell turnover. When this happens, new skin cells come to the surface of the skin.
Tretinoin is the most powerful form of retinol and is available by prescription only. But, you can get retinol over the counter. If your skin can’t tolerate retinol it is not the end of the world. You will also enjoy using retinyl palmitate or retinaldehyde. These forms of Vitamin A are better tolerated on the skin.
Niacinamide
This is a form of vitamin B3, which is involved in cell metabolism. It can interrupt the process of cell pigmentation. This in turn will result in skin brightening. In clinical studies, niacinamide decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness. The data suggests that niacinamide is an effective skin lightening compound. It works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
Alpha hydroxy acids
AHAs are water-soluble acids made from sugary fruits. They assist peel away the surface of the skin. New cells come to the surface which makes skin look better.
Azelaic Acid
It has anti-inflammatory properties and can suppress melanin production in the skin. Azelaic acid encourages cell turnover. The skin heals quick and scarring gets minimized.
Chemical peels
These are stronger strengths of acids. They can treat dark spots by removing the top layers of skin, allowing it to regenerate. Lighter peels are used at home, but deeper peels should be applied by a dermatologist.
Takeaways
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Sun protection is essential in the war against hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists recommend that sunscreen should be applied every two hours, especially when outdoors.
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Another way to protect your skin is to wear a wide brimmed hat when outdoors. Also wear clothing that will protect your skin.
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It is also important to try and determine what the cause of your hyperpigmentation is. Then only can you treat it .
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You need to get into a targeted skincare routine.
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When buying products to treat hyperpigmentation, look at the ingredients list. Choose products that have ingredients to tackle pigmentation.
https://medlineplus.gov/skinpigmentationdisorders.html
https://www.insider.com/best-ingredients-for-hyperpigmentation
https://www.everydayhealth.com/beauty-pictures/tricks-to-treat-hyperpigmentation.aspx
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_causes_hyperpigmentation/article.htm
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_causes_hyperpigmentation/article.htm
https://www.insider.com/best-ingredients-for-hyperpigmentation
https://www.insider.com/best-ingredients-for-hyperpigmentation
https://www.dermastore.co.za/shop/key-ingredients/glutathione/
