Hyperpigmentation is not a dangerous disease. But it makes many people feel self-conscious and guilty about losing their naturally bright skin. If you are wondering what to do with hyperpigmented skin and need treatment advice. Then don't skip the article below. Dermalogica therapists will answer your questions thoroughly and in detail.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a completely natural mechanism of the body. To describe dark skin patches due to excess melanin synthesis. This condition is usually not dangerous or harmful to health. However, in some cases, skin hyperpigmentation is also considered a symptom of some other diseases.
Signs of increased skin pigmentation
What should I do to completely fix hyperpigmented skin? In fact, determining the appropriate treatment requires an understanding of the types of hyperpigmentation. Specifically:
#1 Skin with dark spots (Melasma)
This is the most common type of hyperpigmentation and also the most difficult to treat. This condition can appear on the faces of both men and women, but is more common in women. It is clearly shown through spots and patches of skin that are darker in color than other areas of the skin.
#2 Formation of pigment spots (Lentigines)
Pigment spots are the result of too much exposure to the sun. Or it could be caused by a larger disorder. Including sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, etc. They range in size from 0.2 - 2 cm in irregular shapes and dark borders. It's not only easy to see on your hands and face. These pigment spots also tend to appear as you get older. Specifically, people of middle age or older often suffer from this condition.
#3 Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Areas of skin that have healed after injury are darker than surrounding skin areas. This is also one of the manifestations of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Caused by skin damage such as psoriasis, burns, acne and some skin care methods. This condition only disappears after a period of time when the skin is regenerated and recovered.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
What to do with hyperpigmented skin is always a problem that many people worry about. Actually, to get the right treatment. It is extremely important to accurately determine its cause. Here are some common causes:
1 - Too much sun exposure
The cause of skin hyperpigmentation may be exposure to sunlight. Associated with excessive and long-term sun exposure activities. This stimulates the production of melanin and darkens skin areas.
2 - Dermatitis, skin injury
As mentioned above, skin diseases such as acne, atopic dermatitis, allergies, skin infections, psoriasis, insect bites, etc. Or injuries caused by scratches, burns, bruises, ... Often causes skin irritation and damage. This leads to the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In particular, after the wound heals, your skin will become flatter and darker in color than the surrounding skin.
3 - Genetic factors
Hereditary melasma is formed based on the mechanism of automatic DNA replication. According to research results, of all people with melasma, up to 45% of melasma is due to genetics.
4 - Using drugs, chemicals or heavy metals
Hyperpigmentation can be the result of skin damage. Due to cosmetic surgery or professional skin care methods. In addition, some medications have side effects that can also cause hyperpigmentation. For example, topical Retinoids, antibiotics, anti-epileptic drugs, birth control pills, chemotherapy drugs, etc. Not only cause hormonal disorders in our bodies. It also causes melanocytes to be stimulated to produce uncontrolled melanin.
5 - Hormonal disorders
Hyperpigmentation is also the result of endocrine disorders and leads to an imbalance of hormones in the body. Due to changes in Estrogen and Progesterone levels in the blood. Causes the amount of melanin cells produced to be gradually pushed to the surface of the skin. From there, melasma and other pigmentation problems such as freckles, age spots,...
What to do with hyperpigmentation?
Although hyperpigmentation cannot be completely avoided. However, you can still take some measures to prevent and minimize the risk of this happening. Find out now in the following content:
Method 1: Protect skin from UV rays
No matter which treatment you choose, it's important to protect your skin. Especially against the harmful effects of sunlight. By using daily sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 or higher. Absolutely do not expose damaged skin to direct sunlight. Also, don't forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothes when going out during rush hour.
Method 2: Use topical medication
What to do with hyperpigmented skin in mild cases? You can soothe your skin with aloe vera gel or preparations containing Vitamin B5. In more serious cases, you should immediately go to a dermatologist for early examination and treatment.
Besides, to improve hyperpigmented skin simply and effectively. Please refer to the use of topical medications that Dermalogica suggests below:
- Hydroquinone: A topical medication approved for quality by the US Food and Drug Administration. Has a safe skin lightening effect and is extremely benign for the skin.
- Kojic Acid: This acid is derived from a fungus and works similarly to Hydroquinone.
- Azelaic Acid: Besides its ability to treat acne, this drug is also effective in treating hyperpigmentation.
- Mandelic Acid: An acid derived from almonds, used to treat all types of hyperpigmentation.
Method 3: Perform non-invasive specialist procedures
Currently, there are many methods that help penetrate deep into the dermis and remove melanin deep under the skin. Not only does it not cause damage to the skin surface, but it also helps promote collagen to regenerate skin from the inside. Some popular methods include: skin peeling, flash therapy (IPL), laser shooting,... However, you should also be careful to choose a reputable facility. To ensure safety and achieve the best treatment results.
Method 4: Use skin whitening cream
What should I do to treat hyperpigmented skin other than the above methods? If you have tried many methods but they are not effective. Immediately add moisturizers to your skin care routine. This product works by slowing down the production of Melanin while also removing existing Melanin from the skin. Don't forget to look for products that contain ingredients that are good for the skin such as Cysteamine, Hydroquinone, Kojic acid, Calcium, Azelaic acid, Arbutin,... Avoid using poor quality products of unknown origin. To limit the risk of more serious skin damage.
Conclusion:
At this point, Dermalogica is confident that you have found the answer to the question of what to do with hyperpigmented skin. From there, there is more knowledge about the causes, symptoms and appropriate treatment methods. If you have any other problems with your skin. Don't hesitate to share your story with us. Therapists will always listen and find solutions to help you.