Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder in which certain areas of skin become dark and patchy. Excessive production of melanin is responsible for this condition. A number of factors like excessive sun exposure, certain hormonal imbalances,
There are three main types of hyperpigmentation, each of which is categorized by their cause.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This occurs following skin injury from acne lesions, psoriasis, burns, friction, and even certain professional skin care treatments. It begins to fade as the skin regenerates itself, a process that can take months or more. On the positive side, PIH generally responds well to treatment.
Lentigines. These are commonly known as liver spots or age spots, they are found on 90% of light-skinned individuals over the age of 60, they are not directly caused by the aging process, rather related to UV exposure.
Melasma. This is caused by hormonal fluctuations, common, for example, during pregnancy, with thyroid dysfunction, and through the use of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. It affects an estimated five to six million women in the United States alone and can often be difficult to treat.
Other factors can contribute to Hyperpigmentation:
Use of tanning beds and unprotected UV exposure
Likelihood of burning when exposed to the sun
Current and past medical conditions. There is a wide array of medical conditions that may contribute to hyperpigmentation, including Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism.
Current or recent pregnancy, or current or recent use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies. Such questions may identify a hormonal cause of hyperpigmentation. If hyperpigmentation appears in a symmetrical, masklike manner.
Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin of the face most of the time as it is exposed to external factors. It makes your skin look unpleasant and can lower your confidence as well. A number of treatment options are available for getting rid of hyperpigmentation. If you wish to get rid of the symptoms naturally, then you can try various home remedies for hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation affects women and men of all ethnic groups and features areas of darkened skin. Although it is most common in middle age and beyond, hyperpigmentation can also be seen in much younger people. Directly caused by either overactive melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, or a proliferation of the melanocytes themselves, hyperpigmentation presents no medical threat. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of disease or illness. What’s more, individuals with facial hyperpigmentation may become so concerned with the aesthetic implications of the condition that depression and anxiety may ensue. This condition deserves serious attention, including a diligent approach to skin analysis coupled with a willingness to apply creative treatment approaches.
Hyperpigmentation can also be a side effect of a number of medications, including certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, anti-seizure drugs, and more. Additionally, some topically used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, have the potential to cause paradoxical hyperpigmentation.
Prevention is key
Limiting sun exposure is paramount – remember midday is when the skin is most at risk of sun exposure so limit the time you spend in the sun at this time and the hours either side of midday. when outside try to stay in the shade, use a sunhat, broad-brimmed hat, peaked cap, or visor.
The necessity of daily sunscreen application cannot be emphasized enough.
Furthermore, following treatment for hyperpigmentation, a more focused approach to daily skin care should be implemented. An individual can much better maintain the positive effects of treatment through the use of appropriate skin care products, coupled with effective delivery systems. As is recommended for all individuals, a regimen involving four steps: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize, and Protect.
Antioxidants- An antioxidant protects cells from free radicals that are formed as a result of oxidative stress. These free radicals can damage cells over time, it should be applied before sunscreen.
Milk and Honey - Apply on affected areas. You can also try applying curd on your face and other areas of the skin.
Milk and curd have lactic acid which peels off old skin after a certain period of time. Honey has curative properties. Moreover, this remedy works wonders for hyperpigmentation.
Vegetable Juices - You can extract the juices of certain vegetables like cucumber, potato, tomato, etc. and apply it on the skin to lighten pigmentation. These juices can be applied all over the skin to lighten the complexion of the skin.
These remedies suit almost all skin types and hence anybody and everybody can try these on a regular basis. These also soothes the skin and makes you feel and look fresh all day long.
Vitamin E-Is a must in one’s diet to attain great skin. However, hyper-pigmented skin needs much more care and attention than normal skin.
Puncture one vitamin E capsule and put the contents in a bowl. Add three or four drops of olive or castor oil to it and mix well. Apply the mixture on the affected skin before going to bed. Rinse it off the next morning. Follow this remedy daily for two to three weeks.
Oatmeal Mask-You can powder oatmeal and preserve it to use as a face pack. All you have to do is take some oatmeal powder and add some milk and honey to the same. Then apply it on your entire face and all other affected areas. Leave it on till it gets completely dried. Wash it off and your pigmented areas might have lightened for sure.
Aloe Vera - is a wonder herb that helps a great deal in curing many health problems and skin disorders. It possesses antiseptic properties which helps one get rid of skin disorders like hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, eczema, etc. You can extract the gel from the Aloe Vera plant and apply it on the hyperpigmentation affected areas to lighten those fast.
Olive Oil- Has anti-inflammatory properties and is hence a very effective remedy for hyperpigmentation. All you have to do is massage your face with olive oil on a regular basis. You can also try taking steam after applying olive oil on your face. This will help remove all impurities as well as dead cells from your skin and hence reduce hyperpigmentation.
