How To Reduce And Prevent Hyperpigmentation

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes areas of the skin to become darker in color than the surrounding skin. It is caused by an excess buildup of melanin, the pigment produced by skin cells. 

Hyperpigmentation can occur as dark patches or spots on the facial area, hands, arms and other parts of the body. It can also affect areas where there has been previous trauma or injury to the skin such as an acne scar or a burn scar. 

While Hyperpigmentation is not dangerous and does not cause any physical discomfort, it can be a cosmetic concern for many people. Treatment options include lightening cream and laser therapy.

What are the signs and symptoms of Hyperpigmentation?

• Uneven Skin Tone: Hyperpigmentation often presents as an uneven darkening of the skin, creating patches, discoloration or circles around the eyes.
• Dark Spots: Individuals often develop small, dark spots on their face, hands and other areas of exposed skin due to increased production of melanin caused by sun damage or aging. These spots are known as age spots or liver spots and can be quite noticeable.
• Brown Patches: Brown patches can also appear on the face and other areas due to overproduction of melanin caused by hormones or certain medications such as birth control pills and antibiotics etc.
• Melasma: Melasma is a common form of Hyperpigmentation found primarily in women during pregnancy or after taking birth control pills that causes facial discoloration on the upper lip, forehead, nose and chin area due to hormone imbalance triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Sunspots: Sunspots are raised tan and brown lesions commonly found on areas exposed to intense sunlight such a face, hands and arms.. Additionally they may appear as reddish bumps known as actinic keratoses if they’re precancerous or basal cell carcinoma if cancerous.

What are possible complications of Hyperpigmentation?

• Development of post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This condition occurs when excess melanin production follows an injury or inflammation such as a wound to the skin, eczema, sunburn, psoriasis and any cutaneous inflammation due to environmental factors. As the cells heal and recover they begin to produce more melanin resulting in dark spots on the skin which are usually darker than normal but typically fade over time. As PIH can be very difficult to treat, it can become a long-term complication requiring various methods of lightening and fading such as chemical peels and laser treatments.
• Melasma: Often seen occurring in women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills, melasma causes brown patches on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin or upper lip region due to excessive exposure to sunlight coupled with genetic predisposed factors through hormone-driven stimulation of melanocytes in these areas. This type of Hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat which requires a combination approach using procedures such as bleaching creams along with laser treatments for best results.
• Premature aging symptoms: Hyperpigmentation can lead to premature aging symptoms such as wrinkles, discoloration, age spots, and uneven skin tone. This is because the excessive melanin production can cause increased damage from UV rays and other environmental factors that contribute to skin aging. 
• Scarring: If left untreated certain types of Hyperpigmentations may cause permanent scarring if progressed too far whereby systemic drugs such lasers may be needed in order for successful treatment outcomessuch as TCA cross used commonly in dermatology practices globally nowadays.

How To Reduce And Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

• Stay Hydrate & Eat Healthy Diet: Drink plenty of water which helps to flush out toxins from your body and prevents dehydration that may lead to Hyperpigmentation problems such as dark spots, acne marks, melasma, etc., An healthy diet should include foods that are packed with Vitamin C & E like oranges, tomato, cucumbers which can help reduce the pigmentation effects on your face naturally.
• Wear Sunscreen Regularly: Wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher everyday is important practice to protect your skin from sunburns and other forms of UV damage like tanning which can worsen your pigmentation issues. You need to apply sunscreen no matter what the weather is like.
• Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliation is an essential part for removing all dead skin cells which might mask a new fresh layer where you may have even toned complexion. Gently exfoliating will free up all clogged pores thereby improving texture and overall look if done regularly.
• Avoid Picking at Skin: Picking inflamed areas only worsens inflammation thereby worsening the current condition called post inflammatory Hyperpigmentation(PIH). So one needs to restrain themselves from such temptations by practicing better habits in order to avoid any sort of scarring PIH.

Try Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Radish Seeds: Boil two teaspoons of radish seeds in 4 cups of water till the quantity reduces to 1 cup. Filter and store this decoction for external application. Apply it twice daily to reduce pigmentation.
2. Sayahvi ghrita: This herbal oil can be used externally to prevent Hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes on the skin's surface.
3. Vatyalu Namak: Take 1 teaspoon of vatyalu namak with a teaspoonful of honey twice a day for good results. It helps in lightening dark patches, improves complexion, and gives an even-toned skin look.

In the event that none of these remedies are successful, you can consider surgical procedures.

What are the surgical treatments for Hyperpigmentation?

• Laser therapy: Laser therapy is used to destroy the melanin-producing cells in the treated area, resulting in a decrease in the appearance of Hyperpigmentation. The laser used will depend on the severity of the pigmentation and size of the area being treated.
• Chemical peels: Chemical peels are superficial treatments that use a solution to penetrate the skin’s top layer, removing damaged cells and improving pigmentation.
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves the application of cold temperatures to areas of the skin affected by Hyperpigmentation. This is done in order to reduce inflammation and promote depigmentation, or a lightening of the pigmented areas.
• Intense pulse light (IPL): IPL uses pulses of energy to target specific areas on the skin and can help minimize redness and discoloration associated with sun damage or acne scars.

Best doctors to consult for Hyperpigmentation?

• Dermatologists: Dermatologists are the best doctors to consult for issues related to Hyperpigmentation. They are specialists in skin care and can identify the cause of the discoloration and recommend a treatment based on that.
• Aesthetic physicians: They may also be consulted to offer treatments such as chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling to help reduce Hyperpigmentation.
• Nutritionists and naturopathic physicians: They can also provide guidance on dietary changes and lifestyle modifications that may help alleviate Hyperpigmentation symptoms.