How to deal with hyperpigmentation

Like fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, hyperpigmentation is a common skin problem that develops in the face and body. Hyperpigmentation is when a dark spot appears on your skin. It can appear anywhere on the face, neck, and other parts of your body. Hyperpigmentation constantly interrupts our beauty, and we want to hide them through makeup products like high coverage foundation and concealer. But it is not a permanent solution. Thus people are always looking for a permanent solution to get rid of dark spots or hyper-pigmentations.
In this article, we will talk about the most advanced solution to significantly remove hyperpigmentation. But before that, we will define the skin concern and point out why it happens.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation refers to dark patches and spots on the skin of the face and body. It is different from sunspots, acne scars, and freckles.

It is due to the overproduction of skin pigments. Our skin color forms from melanin pigment, but if our skin cells start to overproduce melanin at a particular area, it causes dark patches known as hyperpigmentation.

Dermatologists categorize hyperpigmentation into three main types: post-inflammatory, age-spot, and melasma.

The first one can develop after any skin inflammation, including Eczema, ringworm, eczema, rashes. Age spot-associated hyperpigmentation develops typically due to aging and excessive sun exposure. It has been scientifically proven that UV rays of the sun potentially stimulate our pigment-producing cells, for which they start forming excess melanin. Even a simple bug bite can result in a dark spot that would last for weeks. Basically, any trauma to our skin develops hyperpigmentation.

Can hyperpigmentation be reversed?

Yes. This dermatological condition can be reversed. If you have a mild dark spot, you can opt for home remedies, but it is time-consuming. However, the medical cosmetology field has developed advanced treatments that effectively reduce hyperpigmentation within a short period.
 
 

Treatment options are discussed below:

Chemical peel: Dermatologists use acid to treat hyperpigmentation in chemical peel treatment. This particular acid fades away the appearance of hyperpigmentation by eliminating the epidermis. They’re all different kinds of over-the-counter chemical peels available. But you must consider professional-grade peels at a dermatologist’s clinic. These are more effective and bring quick results.

Who should try chemical peel?

Chemical peels are effective for patients who have sun damage, blotchy skin, age spots, and melasma. The treatment offers the best result for fairer skin tones.

Laser peel or skin-resurfacing:  Here, laser experts use a targeted light beam to decrease hyperpigmentation. There are two types of laser treatment available: non-ablative and ablative. In the non-ablative procedure, the laser beam targets the dermis to stimulate collagen production and tighten. On the other hand, the ablative laser is intense, which involves removing a layer of your skin, and offers a more dramatic result.

Both ablative and non-ablative lasers destroy excess pigments of your skin and promote regeneration of new cells, which provide a tight and toned finish.

Who should try this?

Ablative laser is perfect for people with fair skin, whereas non-ablative laser treatment is appropriate for people with dark skin. Before choosing any of these lasers, please consult with a certified dermatologist. He will assess your skin condition then recommend the practical option.

Intense Pulse Light therapy (IPL):  It is a non-ablative or fractional laser therapy specially designed for hyperpigmentation. It is also popular as a photo facial. IPL-therapy promotes collagen production within the dermis layer. You need multiple sessions to remove it altogether. Flat dark brown spots especially respond to this treatment. IPL treatment also reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, wrinkles, and spider veins.

Who should try this treatment?

IPL treatment works well on fair skin people.

Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion hyperpigmentation involves the elimination of your epidermis; However, its consequence gradually affects your dermis layer. Dermabrasion is highly effective to remove acne-associated hyperpigmentation. It also improves the appearance of wrinkles, large pores, and textured skin conditions such as age spots, acne scars, sun damage, injury scars, chickenpox scars.

In Dermabrasion, your dermatologist uses a drill-like hand-made tool with a wire brush. They will gently move this tool around your skin to eliminate the dermis’s entire epidermis and external layer.

Who should try this?

It works best for fair to medium skin tone.

Which treatment is appropriate for which skin tone?

Skin tone plays a crucial role in hyperpigmentation treatment. The treatment options are different for fair, medium, and dark skin tone people,

Fair skin responds well in high beam laser and IPL therapy
Medium skin reacts well to Dermabrasion and chemical peeling.
Dark skin people are strictly advised not to use high-intensity lasers, and they can use low-intensity lasers over a more significant number of sessions. Dermatologists generally recommend OTC lightening creams, Glycolic acid, and low-strength chemical peels.

Takeaway

Before choosing any treatment, you need to consult with a certified and experienced dermatologist to help you identify the root cause of hyperpigmentation. No matter which treatment option you select, you need to protect your skin from further damage from the sun and any skin trauma. After treatment, you will get a skin-protecting regimen from your expert. You should strictly follow it.