What Is Hyperpigmentation And How To Lighten It?

Hyperpigmentation is a broad term for a very common skin problem: discoloration. Typically, this appears as dark spots or patches, but hyperpigmentation can take many different and equally aggravating forms.

If you're noticing newly formed dark spots or if hyperpigmentation has always been a problem for you, you're not alone. At some point in their lives, almost everyone will experience some form of hyperpigmentation. However, despite its prevalence, it can be extremely difficult to treat.

To explain everything there is to know about hyperpigmentation, including the various types and treatment options.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Whether it's caused by too much sun exposure, an eczema flare-up, or a particularly bad breakout, the roots of all types of hyperpigmentation begin with melanin, the pigment in our skin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes, which live in the base layer of our epidermis, or the skin's outermost layer.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an excess of melanin in the skin and its irregular distribution. The skin can be triggered to overproduce the pigment melanin for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is sun exposure. When our skin is exposed to the sun's rays without protection, melanocytes are naturally triggered to produce more melanin — this is our body's way of protecting itself.

When the pigment is evenly distributed, it appears as a 'tan,' but as time passes and sun exposure increases, most of the pigment becomes unevenly distributed. This uneven distribution is known as hyperpigmentation, and it can manifest as freckles, age spots, or even melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation that is thought to be influenced by hormones.

The sun isn't the only thing that can cause an increase in melanin production. Pimples and rashes can also disrupt pigmentation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation refers to discoloration that persists after general skin inflammation or trauma, such as acne.

What are the various forms of hyperpigmentation?

We've already discussed the various types of discoloration, but here's a handy guide to understanding the characteristics of each type of hyperpigmentation.

1. Age spots: This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by overexposure to UV rays, i.e. sun damage, and is a common sign of skin ageing. The areas most prone to developing age spots are those that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, forearms, and hands.

2. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This is the term used to describe skin discoloration that occurs after a skin trauma such as acne, eczema, a rash, or a cut.

3. Melasma: This is a type of hyperpigmentation that is more common in women and is thought to be hormonal in nature. It appears as discoloured patches on the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, the forehead, the chin, and above the upper lip. It is frequently triggered by the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.

4. Freckles: They are inherited, but they can darken and become more visible with UV exposure.

How can hyperpigmentation be prevented and treated?

Though the causes of various types of hyperpigmentation vary, there are a few universal practices that can help lighten the skin. However, it is critical to understand the type of hyperpigmentation you have so that you can use targeted prevention and treatment. Not all common hyperpigmentation treatments are effective for all types of hyperpigmentation.

So, if you're taking the preventative and reparative measures listed below and your hyperpigmentation persists, it's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist, who can advise you on the best course of action. Furthermore, if you have a particularly stubborn case of discoloration, an in-office hyperpigmentation treatment may be necessary to completely even things out. Otherwise, here's what you should do if you have mild to moderate hyperpigmentation.

Avoid harsh sun exposure.

Prevention or rather sun protection, is the first step in treating hyperpigmentation. There is no doubt that the sun increases melanin production, so no treatment will be effective unless the sun is removed from the equation.

You already know what this means: Put on sunscreen every day, rain or shine. Using a daily SPF of 30 or higher, preferably with a physical sunblock such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, reapplying every two hours if you're out for an extended period of time, wearing hats, and avoiding direct sun exposure are all important precautions.

Another sun-safety tip: Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Even the best sunscreens will allow some UVA rays to pass through, worsening hyperpigmentation, so invest in a couple of hats.

Avoid picking your zits.

It's critical not to pick at pimples if you get them. If you cut yourself, cover it with a Band-Aid to avoid a permanent dark mark or scar. Also, avoid scratching mosquito bites, which can cause skin darkening.

Select products that contain the proper ingredients.

Look for a formula that contains a skin lightening agent such as kojic acid, licorice extract, or mushroom extract, as well as hydroquinone — although controversial, dermatologists widely regard it as the gold standard ingredient for lightening dark spots. They also recommend using a retinol formula or an exfoliating agent like glycolic or lactic acid. You should also use ingredients that can help treat the damaged cells in the epidermal layer. These include antioxidants such as vitamin C, which works particularly well when combined with alpha hydroxy acids.

If this doesn't work, a prescription with a higher dose of active ingredients, such as hydroquinone, which is available over-the-counter in up to a 2% concentration, may be necessary. Prescription or physician-dispensed products may work better in some cases because they contain a higher concentration of the key ingredients. These can also be more irritating, so it's best to consult with a dermatologist before starting a regimen.

The final word on hyperpigmentation: it can happen to anyone, and it will most likely happen to you at some point in your life. Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you already have a severe case or suspect it is hormonal. In any case, sunscreen is the best place to start if you want to keep skin discoloration at bay.