What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Have you been noticing some darker spots and patches on your skin? That might be what we call hyperpigmentation. Don’t worry though, you’re not alone. This skin condition is very common and can affect people of all skin types. Let’s take a closer look.
What is it?
Hyperpigmentation can happen when the skin produces more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour and when your skin produces more of it, this can cause spots or patches of your skin to appear darker than surrounding areas.
Hyperpigmentation can happen anywhere on the body and come in different forms. The most common types are known as age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What causes it?
The cause of hyperpigmentation depends on the type. Some forms of hyperpigmentation can occur because of prolonged sun exposure (that’s why it’s so important to wear your sunscreen!) while other forms can happen due to skin inflammation or medical conditions. Depending on the underlying cause, it can be categorized into two types:
1. PASSIVE
Passive hyperpigmentation is more difficult to treat than inflammatory as it usually stems from something going on inside the body. Typical causes can be:
Hormonal imbalances
Drug reaction
Menopause
Pregnancy
2. INFLAMMATORY
Inflammatory hyperpigmentation is normally caused by outside attacks to the skin and easier to treat. Some common causes include:
Over-exposure to the sun
Reaction to cosmetic products
Direct injury caused by lacerations, picking or burning
How to fix it?
Although this skin condition is completely harmless, we understand if you wish to get rid of it. Here are the most common treatments:
1. TOPICAL CREAMS AND SERUMS THAT CONTAIN VITAMIN C OR RETINOLS.
These creams are a great way to lighten the skin and fade the appearance of these spots with consistent use. Some of our favourites are DMK’s Melanotech Drops (also known as pigment inhibitors) and Melanotech Cream, Direct Delivery Vitamin C, Super Serum, Super Bright, and Revise A products. Come in to the shop to check them out!
2. COSMETIC PROCEDURES SUCH AS DMK TREATMENTS, SOME LASER THERAPY, CHEMICAL PEELS AND MICRONEEDLING.
As a medical aesthetics clinic, we believe these treatments paired with the proper products can help each client achieve their desired results. Book a consultation with us and let’s figure out what treatment is right for you!
Hyperpigmentation, although harmless, can take time and patience to get rid of depending on the severity of the situation. Think of it like a diamond we can slowly chip away at. It might take some time but you’ll end up with a beautiful result. And while fixing hyperpigmentation is possible, the best way to avoid it is to prevent it. Limit sun exposure, use an SPF of 30 or higher and refrain from picking at your skin!
If you want to treat hyperpigmentation for cosmetic reasons, we suggest seeking advice from a professional. That way, we can advise you on what treatments would be best for you. If this is something that you’re dealing with and want to get rid of, set up a consultation with us and let’s see what we can do!
