Human skin contains melanocyte cells that produce melanin, a chemical that gives our skin its color. Too much melanin can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin, a common example is freckles and dark spots. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun exposure, trauma to the skin, or a side effect of certain medications. Although hyperpigmentation is not a serious medical problem, you may want to know how to treat it for cosmetic purposes.
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Part 1 of 3: Determining the Cause
Step 1. Know the different types of hyperpigmentation
Getting to know the different types of hyperpigmentation will help you determine the right course of treatment and provide an outlook for lifestyle changes. This is important so that you can prevent the appearance of the discoloration in the future. Understand that hyperpigmentation doesn't just appear on your face. There are three types of hyperpigmentation below:
- Melasma. This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal irregularities and is a normal occurrence during pregnancy. This type can also occur due to impaired thyroid function and as a side effect of the contraceptive pill or hormone therapy treatment. This is a type of hyperpigmentation that is difficult to treat.
- Lentigines. Commonly referred to as black spots or dark spots. This type is found in 90% of people over 60 years old due to aging and exposure to UV rays.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)/post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This type is caused by injuries to the skin such as psoriasis, burns, acne, and those caused by certain types of skin care medications. This type usually goes away on its own as the skin regenerates and heals.
Step 2. Consult your condition with a dermatologist
See a dermatologist to find out what type of hyperpigmentation you have on your skin. After asking you about your lifestyle and medical history, the skin will be examined under a magnifying light. Make sure your dermatologist asks the following questions to help determine what type of hyperpigmentation you have:
- How often do you use a tanning bed? How often do you use sunscreen? What level of sun exposure do you face?
- What is your current and past medical condition?
- Are you pregnant or have you just given birth? Have you recently taken birth control pills or taken hormone replacement therapy?
- What treatment are you on?
- Have you had any plastic surgery or professional skin care?
- Did you use sunscreen or protection in your youth?
Part 2 of 3: Getting Treatment
Step 1. Ask for an external prescription
Over-the-counter medications contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids, which exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, helping to treat various types of hyperpigmentation. The following types of external drugs are available:
- Hydroquinone. It is the most commonly used external drug, and it is the only skin lightener approved by the FDA.
- Kojic acid. This acid comes from a fungus and works much like hydroquinone.
- Azelaic acid. Developed to treat acne. In addition, this acid is also known to be very effective for treating hyperpigmentation.
- Mandelic acid. Derived from almonds, this type of acid is used to treat a wide variety of hyperpigmentation.
Step 2. Consider getting a non-surgical professional procedure
If external treatments don't work, your dermatologist may suggest a procedure to treat hyperpigmentation on your skin. The existing procedures are as follows:
- Exfoliants, including peels with salicylic acid, to treat dark skin areas. Exfoliation is done if external treatment fails.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. The target is only at the dark spot. IPL equipment is used under close supervision by trained medical personnel.
- Laser skin resurfacing.
Step 3. Visit a salon for a microdermabrasion treatment
It is a very popular choice among people who have problems with hyperpigmentation. Look for experienced practitioners; Injuring the skin can cause irritation, making the discoloration worse. Microdermabrasion shouldn't be done too often, as your skin needs time to heal during the treatment.
Step 4. Treat hyperpigmentation with over-the-counter medications
If you want to treat hyperpigmentation without a prescription, look for over-the-counter medications that you can buy without a prescription:
- Skin lightening cream. This cream works by slowing down the production of melanin and removing it from the skin. Look for products that contain a combination of the following ingredients: hydroquinone, soy milk, cucumber, kojic acid, calcium, azelaic acid, or arbutin.
- Over-the-counter medications that contain Retin-A or alpha hydroxy acid.
Step 5. Try making your own remedy at home
Apply the following ingredients to help lighten dark skin areas:
- Rosehip oil
- Cucumber slices, pulp or juice
- Lemon juice
- Aloe vera
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Further Hyperpigmentation
Step 1. Limit yourself to UV exposure
UV exposure is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation. While limiting exposure won't have any effect on pre-existing hyperpigmentation, it will at least prevent the discoloration from getting worse.
- Always use sunscreen. In direct and strong sun exposure, wear a hat and long sleeves.
- Do not use tanning beds.
- Limit your time outdoors and don't sunbathe.
Step 2. Consider your medication
In most cases, you will not be able to stop the medication simply for fear of causing hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common side effect of contraceptives and other hormone-containing medications. If switching to a new medication or quitting is an option, this is worth considering.
Step 3. Watch out for professional skin care
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by trauma to the skin, which can be caused by plastic surgery and other professional skin care. Be sure to do further research before choosing plastic surgery. Make sure your doctor or practitioner is very experienced.
Tips
- Dark spots are a form of skin's inability to protect itself from the sun as we get older. Make sure you use sunscreen every day to avoid additional freckles and help fade existing ones. Daily use of sunscreen for the rest of your life can prevent or reduce dark spots as you get older.
- It is very important to consult a dermatologist before doing self-care such as bleaching drugs that can harm the skin. There are many causes of hyperpigmentation. Each cause has a specific management and treatment.
