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What is hyperpigmentation? -

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin—the natural pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. It is a medical term often used to describe darker patches of skin. 

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What triggers melanin? -

Many factors can trigger an increase in melanin production but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age, and skin injuries or inflammation. 

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Causes -

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by various factors, from acne scars to sun damage and hormone fluctuations. It is harmless but can sometimes be caused by underlying medical conditions. 

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1. Sun exposure -

Sun exposure is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation as it’s sunlight that triggers the production of melanin. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen by protecting you from harmful UV rays. This is also how you get a tan! 

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2. Hormones -

Hormones influence a particular kind of hyperpigmentation known as melasma or chloasma. It commonly occurs in females as the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulate the overproduction. 

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3. Age -

As skin ages, the number of melanin-producing cells decreases but the remaining ones increase in size and their distribution becomes more focused. These changes explain the increase in age spots for those over 40.

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4. Skin injuries and inflammation -

Skin injuries and inflammation can be caused by things like cuts, burns, chemical exposure, acne, dermatitis, or psoriasis. They irritate the skin and can leave it darkened and discolored after the wound heals.

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5. Disease and medication -

Hyperpigmentation may be symptomatic of certain illnesses such as some autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders, and vitamin deficiencies. It can also be caused by medication such as antibiotics, antimalarials, chemotherapy, and anti-seizure drugs. 

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Types -

There are several different types of skin hyperpigmentation. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones. 

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Age spots -

Age spots are usually caused by sun exposure and are also known as sun spots. They frequently appear on body parts that are exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, hands, and arms. They tend to be small spots on the skin. 

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Melasma -

Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a condition where larger patches of hyperpigmentation develop mainly on the face. It can affect both men and women but is most common in women due to hormone levels.

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Melasma in preganant women -

Melasma occurs in 10-15% of pregnant women and 10-25% of women taking oral contraceptives and is sometimes referred to as the "mask of pregnancy." It usually appears on the face and neck. 

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Post-inflammatory -

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when a skin injury or trauma heals and leaves a flat area of discoloration. It commonly occurs in acne sufferers and can sometimes also be caused by cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion, laser, and chemical peel.

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Treatment at home -

One of the best home remedies for skin pigmentation is apple cider vinegar. It contains acetic acid which is proven to show signs of skin lightening. Mix equal parts with water, leave on the skin for 2-3 mins, and rinse with lukewarm water. 

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Aloe vera -

Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to lighten skin and works effectively as a non-toxic treatment. Apply pure aloe gel before bedtime, then rinse the next morning with warm water. 

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Orchid extracts -

Orchid extracts are just as effective as vitamin C, another remedy that helps hyperpigmentation. Apply orchid-rich extracts for eight weeks to improve the appearance and size of the dark patches. Products are available in many forms including masks, creams, and scrubs. 

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Licorice extract -

Licorice extract contains active ingredients that have been shown to lighten hyperpigmentation. Creams containing licorice extract are easily available over the counter.

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Milk -

Milk, buttermilk, or even some sour milk may be effective in lightening skin pigmentation. The main active component is lactic acid. Dab some on the affected areas with a cotton ball twice a day. 

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Red onion -

Red onion extract is an ingredient commercially used in skin and scar-lightening creams. Researchers have found that the dried skin of a red onion can lighten skin. So next time you shop, look for creams that have Allium cepa in them and use them as directed. 

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Red lentils -

Red lentil face masks are a popular treatment for hyperpigmentation. Red lentils are rich in antioxidants that are known to be good for the skin. Blend soaked lentils with water to make a paste and leave on the affected areas for 20 minutes. 

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Medical treatments -

Medical treatments like chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of acne, scarring, wrinkles, and sun damage. Results vary based on how deeply they exfoliate the skin. 

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Microdermabrasion -

This is a cosmetic procedure that involves a skin care specialist removing the top layer of the skin with a small handheld device. This process can exfoliate the skin, reduce signs of aging, and make the skin appear more even.

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Intense pulsed light (IPL) -

IPL therapy is a type of fractional laser treatment. It is also known as a photo facial. This procedure stimulates collagen growth in the dermis and requires multiple sessions. It reduces wrinkles, spider veins, and enlarged pores.  

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Cryotherapy -

Cryotherapy is the use of extreme cold to remove abnormal tissue. It is used to treat many skin conditions including warts and skin tags and some cancers such as prostate, cervical, and liver. 

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Retinoids -

Retinoids are a class of chemicals that are derived from vitamin A. This chemical plays a role in maintaining the health and immunity of the skin. It reduces inflammation, unclogs pores, decreases the appearance of wrinkles, and regulates the growth of cells on the skin's surface.

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Prevention -

It is not always possible to prevent hyperpigmentation or stop it from becoming more prominent, but there are some ways to reduce the risk. 

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Prevention -

Protect your skin from the sun by using SPF 30 or higher, avoid picking at injured skin while it is healing, seek advice from a medical professional, and avoid skin-lightening cosmetics that lighten the overall complexion.

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Products to use -

Some brands are dermatologist-proven to help reduce pigmentation. Some popular options include the Eucerin anti-pigmentation range, the Topicals faded serum, the La Roche-Posay mela b3 serum, the CeraVe resurface range, and several products from The Ordinary.

Sources: (Eucerin) (Healthline) (Medical News Today)

See also: Sensitive skin: causes, care, and when to seek help

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