Suffering From Hyperpigmentation? Try Our Expert Advice

Do you suffer from hyperpigmentation? This is a name given by healthcare professionals to skin patches which are darker than the skin which surrounds them.

There are several kinds of hyperpigmentation including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and age spots. Each has its own cause, and there are many products available to treat them all. Let’s take a closer look at this skin condition and how it can be treated.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a problem which occurs when your skin produces too much melanin (or the pigment which gives your skin its colour). This can result in patches or spots of skin which look darker than the skin surrounding it.

People with all types of skin can suffer from this common condition, although some types of hyperpigmentation typically affect areas which are regularly exposed to the sun such as the legs, arms and face.

Some forms of hyperpigmentation occur following skin inflammation or an injury such as lupus, acne, burns or cuts. In such cases, they may occur anywhere on your body. While most cases of hyperpigmentation are harmless, sometimes, they are an indicator of another medical problem.

Can I Get Rid Of My Hyperpigmentation?

While hyperpigmentation may be harmless, it can be unattractive and can make people lose confidence in their appearance. Luckily, there are some treatments which can be used to reduce the problem. Here is some expert advice to help make your darker skin patches from looking so obvious.

• Avoid exposing your skin to the sun’s rays and always use sunscreens with SPF30 or above. This will prevent your existing hyperpigmentation from worsening and protect your skin from new patches occurring.
• Don’t pick at your skin. If you pick acne, scabs and spots, hyperpigmentation can form. Therefore, try to avoid doing this.

There are also some topical treatments which can be used for treating hyperpigmentation. These include ingredients which are known to help lighten your skin and include:

• Azelaic acid
• Hydroquinone
• Corticosteroids
• Kojic acid
• Vitamin C
• Retinoids

There are also some cosmetic procedures which may help to lighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. These include:

• Laser treatment
• Chemical peels
• Intense pulsed light
• Microdermabrasion

Home Remedies To Help Hyperpigmentation

Although there are no studies on a large scale to prove that home remedies are effective in treating hyperpigmentation, some people like to try to use natural products first. Some of the remedies they often try include:

• Aloe vera – aloe vera contains aloesin which inhibits melanin production in your skin.
• Liquorice – glabridin, an extract of liquorice has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and whitening effects on the skin.
• Green tea – green tea contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may reduce sun damage and improve melasma.

If you are planning on using natural remedies, it may be best to use them in conjunction with an over the counter beauty product which contains ingredients which are known to be effective in treating hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Although dark skin patches aren’t dangerous, they can be unsightly. Follow our expert advice, and you may be able to reduce the appearance of yours to boost your confidence and improve your skin condition.