Hyperpigmentation: Triggers, Prevention and Treatment

Considering the fact that several factors go into play in achieving an even skin tone. Sometimes, it may all seem like a mirage, forever elusive and only meant on the glamorous walls of fashion magazines. Dark spots and discolouration, technically known as hyperpigmentation is one large bump on your skin journey to an even, glowing skin tone.
Hyperpigmentation doesn't just affect the face, it is very common in the body too, mostly presenting as dark patches on the underarms, pubic area and inner thighs, knees and elbows.
Hyperpigmentation is a particularly common skin issue with black skin, as it's often more intense and can last longer. People of color are more likely to develop hyperpigmentation than people with lighter skin tones.
In this post:
● What is hyperpigmentation?
● Triggers
● Prevention and Treatment

What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Melanin gives skin its color. Typically, the more melanin present, the darker the affected part of the body.
Over production of melanin in just certain areas of a person's skin leads to hyperpigmentation. As a result, that area of the skin appears darker than the natural skin tone.

Types of Hyperpigmentation
1. Melasma
This is a skin pigmentation disorder characterized by brown to dark spots and patches. Hyperpigmented areas in melasma have an irregular border and are symmetrical. It is triggered by hormonal changes and mostly occurs in pregnant women.

2. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
This is a type of hyperpigmentation of the skin that is mainly triggered when the skin is irritated or injured. A common cause is acne.

3. Age spots
This is also known as liver spots, sunspots or solar lentigines. They are small, flat, dark spots that occur on sun-exposed areas of your body

What Triggers Hyperpigmentation??
1. UV exposure
2. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or intake of contraceptive medications.
3. Heat
4. Certain medications such as antibiotics, antimalarial drugs.
5. Inflammation or injury to the skin due to factors such as acne, psoriasis, burns, or picking at the skin.
6. Medical conditions such as Addison's disease and adrenal gland disorder.

Prevention and Treatment
The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to know the underlying cause and the type of hyperpigmentation. If it's a sunspot, then including SPF in your skincare routine would be the best recommendation. It may be due to a skin injury, thus avoid picking or scratching at your skin.
Another way to prevent hyperpigmentation is by moisturizing consistently to boost cell turnover.
Treating hyperpigmentation may prove quite difficult for black skin, and most are tempted to try out whitening formulas containing hydroquinone and other bleaching agents. However, there are other safe treatment options such as products with a retinol formula, or antioxidants like vitamin C in combination with alpha hydroxy acids.
You can also ask a dermatologist for other high-tech options such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and pigmentation laser treatments.