The Best Ways to Treat and Prevent Hyperpigmentation
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Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that can be caused by many factors. While this is normal, many people feel conscious about it. They want to treat the problem as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are several ways you can treat hyperpigmentation and prevent it from happening.
You can treat hyperpigmentation at home in several ways, including using over-the-counter products and natural remedies. In this article, we’ll discuss hyperpigmentation and how to treat and prevent it.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin due to an accumulation of melanin in the skin cells. Melanin helps protect the body against UV rays. However, too much of it can cause dark spots or patches on the skin. Hyperpigmentation may also appear as brown or black spots around the body.
There are also different types of hyperpigmentation, based on what causes them. These include:
Melasma: This type of hyperpigmentation appears as irregularly shaped brown or tan patches. It’s most often seen in women during pregnancy but can occur for other reasons.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): This type of hyperpigmentation occurs after skin trauma. The most common reason for PIH is acne. It’s also known as post-acne pigmentation.
Sunspots: These are the most common form of hyperpigmentation. Sunspots develop when the skin has been exposed to sunlight for a long period.
How to Treat and Prevent Hyperpigmentation
There are a variety of treatments available to help with hyperpigmentation. Some methods require medical attention, while others are simple self-care solutions. Here are the best tips for treating and preventing hyperpigmentation:
1) Use sunscreen every day.
Sunscreen will help prevent sun damage. It protects your skin from ultraviolet radiation, which leads to hyperpigmentation. When selecting a sunscreen, choose one that provides broad-spectrum protection. A broad-spectrum and mineral sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays to protect you from all sources of damaging light.
Some tips for using sunscreen include:
Look for a sunscreen that has a SPF of 30+ .
Reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day to ensure maximum protection.
Use around 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of sunscreen for your whole face and neck.
2) Stop taking medication that can cause hyperpigmentation.
Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation. If you take these drugs, ask your skincare specialist if they could be causing the problem. They might recommend stopping the drug temporarily until the symptoms go away. They may also suggest trying an alternative drug.
Common medications that can cause hyperpigmentation are:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Birth control pills
Antimalarials
Psychotropic Drugs
3) Don’t pick at your skin.
Trying to get rid of acne and insect bites through picking them can be tempting. While some have reported success with this method, it’s not the best choice. Picking can lead to scarring, making the spots look worse. Instead, use a gentle exfoliator to gently remove dead skin cells without irritating your skin.
Exfoliators come in many forms. They contain ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and more. These ingredients can potentially improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation by helping reduce inflammation and encouraging new cell growth.
4) Use topical products.
Topical products are another way to treat hyperpigmentation. Many of them are designed specifically to address the issue. For example, some creams can lighten dark spots. They come in different forms, such as lotions, creams, ointments and gels.
These topical products can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a dermatologist. Talk to your skincare specialist about different options to find out what works best for you. Remember to use these products as directed to prevent any complications or further damage.
5) Incorporate vitamin C and niacinamide into your routine.
Vitamin C and niacinamide are two natural ingredients that can help treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps keep your skin healthy and free from blemishes. On the other hand, niacinamide can help brighten dark areas on your face.
Incorporating these ingredients into your daily routine can help improve your complexion. Adopting a certain skincare routine can help you incorporate these ingredients. For instance, a Korean skincare routine usually has various steps where you can incorporate niacinamide and vitamin C use. The routine includes steps like cleansers, sheet masks, and toners.
6) Get professional treatment.
If none of the above methods work, you may need professional assistance. A dermatologist can prescribe various treatments to help clear up your hyperpigmentation and repair skin damage.
Depending on the type of hyperpigmentation, they can perform procedures such as:
Laser therapy
Dermabrasion
Chemical peels
Intense pulse light therapy (IPL)
Remember to discuss all possible solutions with your skincare specialist to determine which treatment works best.
The Bottom Line
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes dark patches on the skin. This condition is caused by excess melanin production in the body. There are several ways to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. However, if these methods don’t work for you, you may want to consider professional treatment.
Written By: Katie Pierce
