Perfection is a myth yet we crave perfect skin. We don’t blame you, it’s human nature to want the best for your skin. But having perfect skin is more than just looking your best, it is about feeling your best.
But what does it mean to have a perfect skin? A clean and pimple-free skin surely counts but there are other skin conditions that can deteriorate the appearance of your skin. One such skin condition is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation affects the complexion of your skin, making you look darker than it is.
We will be learning more about hyperpigmentation in this blog post, including an in-depth peak into the skin condition and the possible treatment approaches.
What is hyperpigmentation? What causes it?
In simple words, hyperpigmentation is the darkening of certain portions of your skin. It happens when your skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for giving colour to your skin. Certain other skin conditions such as acne, sun spots, bruises and burns increase the likeliness of hyperpigmentation.
It is a very common skin condition that affects a sizeable group of people. However, it is the people with darker skin tones who mostly have the condition, owing to a higher melanin content in their skin.
Types of hyperpigmentation
Age spots or sun spots
Sun spots are usually caused by overexposure to UVA/UVB rays. These sun spots are characterised by brown or tan spots that appear on the skin.
Melasma
Melasma is often characterised by large portions of darkened skin. It can be most commonly found on the forehead and stomach. Melasma is the kind of hyperpigmentation caused by pregnancy. Even though this kind of skin condition is mostly observed in pregnant women, it is also found in people with medium to darker skin tones.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
As the name suggests, this type of hyperpigmentation is observed after certain inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
How to treat hyperpigmentation?
Here are certain tips that can help with hyperpigmentation:
Limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen
There is no denying that sun gives you vitamin D, but it is also the culprit as it is the leading cause of many skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation. So, one pro tip here to avoid worsening the condition is to wear sunscreen every day.
Here are certain facts about sunscreen that you need to know:
- Wearing sunscreen once a day is not at all sufficient. You must reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, more frequently if you sweat regardless of SPF. Aim to invest in a sunscreen with SPF 30++
- You need sunscreen even on cloudy days and even when you are indoors. Why? Because sun rays still penetrate through the clouds and windows, exposing you to them and leading to skin damage.
- A BB cream having SPF content is not sufficient. You still need to apply a layer of sunscreen for maximum protection.
In addition, try to limit sun exposure. Refrain from going out during peak hours. But if it is that essential, wear full sleeves, a hat and sunglasses, apart from applying sunscreen.
Do not touch your face
We know how often you touch your face. If you have time to kill, don’t spend it touching your face time and time again. Just so you know touching your face can worsen hyperpigmentation.
As hyperpigmentation can also be caused by inflammatory conditions, picking at a pimple or scratching the skin spots can lead to inflammation and ultimately, hyperpigmentation. You must wash your hands first if you need to use them to apply makeup or sunscreen.
Apply topical treatment creams
The most common treatment approach for hyperpigmentation is topical prescription medicines. As no one size fits all, there is no one particular over-the-counter medication that would work for everybody. The treatment for the condition will vary according to your skin condition, skin type and your medical history. You must consult your dermatologist to devise the most effective treatment for you, keeping your allergies and any other medical condition in mind.
Closing thoughts
Understanding hyperpigmentation is key if you want to tackle it head-on and find effective treatment approaches. By getting a handle on what causes it and the different types out there, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to make smart choices.
From slathering on creams to making some lifestyle tweaks or dabbling in natural remedies, there are plenty of options to explore. Contact your dermatologist to seek treatment that would work best for you without causing any side effects.
With a bit of effort and a whole lot of patience, you’ll be well on your way to rocking a more even, glowing and radiant complexion. So, go on, embrace your journey to reclaiming that skin confidence!
