Acne and inflammation are not just skin problems that can cause us pain. Discoloration of the skin can also become a problem, especially with age. Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening or discoloration of the skin due to the excessive production of melanin, the pigment that causes skin color. It can manifest as pigmentation of age spots, sun spots, melasma (pregnancy mask), or post-inflammatory pigmentation from acne or other skin damage. It is very common and most of us will experience it in our lifetimes, but what causes it and how can we handle it?
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What causes hyperpigmentation?
These are some of the most common causes of solar spots and pigmentation.
Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin, causing sun spots and age spots. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, the use of birth control, or hormone replacement therapy can cause the liver. Inflammation: Acne, eczema, or other skin damage can cause post-pigmentation after inflammation. Medicine: Some drugs, such as antimalarial and chemotherapeutic drugs, can increase melanin production and lead to discoloration. Aging: With age, melanocyte cells become more active, leading to age spots and liver spots.
How do you treat it?
From topical products to specialized procedures, there are a variety of treatment options available for hyperpigmentation. Topical treatments such as commercially available creams and prescription creams containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, codinate, azerate, retinoids, vitamin C, and niacinamide can help fade pigmentation. Professional chemical exfoliation containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHAS) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can also help to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. While intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser therapy can target and degrade excess melanin in the skin, microneedling is also a procedure that creates controlled microinjuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and stimulate cell turnover.
The best product to treat hyperpigmentation
Kellen Bartov
Booster Peel & Glow Serum
Sarah Chapman
Skinesis Skin Tone Perfect Booster
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Good C Vitamin C Serum
La Prairie
White caviar essence illuminates the front skin
La Roche Posai
Mera B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum, Niacinamide
Kellen Bartov | Booster Peel & Glow Serum
This serum contains a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAS) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA).
Sara Chapman | Skinesis Skin Tone Perfect Booster
Formed with plant skin lightening agents, this skin-correcting booster works to reduce the appearance of age spots, sunlight damage, stains, spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation, melasma, and other skin discoloration. It also targets uneven textures of brighter overall complexion.
Dr. Barbara Sturm | Good C Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that inhibits melanin production and helps brighten the skin. This serum is formulated with a stable form of vitamin C to effectively target high-speed cupping.
La Prairie | White Caviar Essence Lights the Front Skin
This gorgeous essence is infused with a unique bright complex with a caviar extract that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and promote a more even skin tone.
La Roche Posai | Mera B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum, Niacinamide
Niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3, is known for its ability to inhibit melanin production and improve hyperpigmentation. This serum is specifically formulated to target dark spots and discolouration.
Read next: Does your skin need niacinamide? |4 of the best serum
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