Hyperpigmentation: Causes and Treatments
As we age, our skin undergoes many changes. One common concern is hyperpigmentation. Although usually not serious, hyperpigmentation can make you feel self-conscious and cause anxiety. Learning about the causes of hyperpigmentation and the best treatment options can help you feel more in control of your skin health.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a condition where certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This happens due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of your skin, hair, and eyes. The result? Patches on your skin that range from light brown to dark brown or even greyish in colour.
Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin types, but it is more common in individuals with darker skin tones, as they naturally produce more melanin. While it isn’t harmful, hyperpigmentation can cause people to feel less confident or concerned about these changes to their skin.
Common Types of Hyperpigmentation
Melasma
Often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma causes large, irregular patches of dark skin. Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or from birth control pills, are a major cause. Sun exposure can exacerbate this condition.
Sunspots (Solar Lentigines)
These are small, flat brown spots that appear on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, shoulders, and hands.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
This type of hyperpigmentation occurs after skin inflammation or injury, such as acne, eczema, or cuts. As the skin heals, the area may darken, leaving a mark that can take time to fade.
What Causes It?
While melanin is the primary cause behind hyperpigmentation, several triggers can lead to its overproduction. Understanding these can help you prevent or manage the condition.
Sun Exposure
Sun is a major culprit when it comes to hyperpigmentation. UV rays stimulate melanin production, causing those dark spots to appear over time. The more sun exposure, the more your risk increases. This is why wearing sunscreen is a non-negotiable for anyone concerned with preventing or treating hyperpigmentation.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a significant role, particularly for women. Melasma, for example, is heavily influenced by changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels, often triggered by pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy.
Skin Injuries or Inflammation
Skin injuries, such as those caused by acne, eczema, or even a cut, can leave behind dark patches as the skin heals. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and is more common in darker skin tones.
Ageing
As we age, the skin’s ability to regenerate slows down, and years of sun exposure start to show. This is why hyperpigmentation, particularly in the form of sunspots, becomes more common in older skin.
Effective Treatments
The good news is that there are many effective treatments available to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. A combination of lifestyle changes, and topical, medical and aesthetic treatments can work together to brighten and even out your skin tone.
Sun Protection is Key
Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to hyperpigmentation, this starts with daily sun protection. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher are essential. Mineral sunscreen is best for melasma sufferers, I especially like Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 and Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Mineral Defense SPF 50. Even if you’re indoors, UV rays can penetrate windows and affect your skin. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also offer extra protection.
Topical Treatments
Here are some of the most effective ingredients to look out for:
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that brightens the skin and fades dark spots. Try CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Vitamin C Serum Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and Sarah Chapman London C1 Vitamin C Power Serum.
Retinoids
These vitamin A derivatives help to speed up cell turnover, encouraging the shedding of pigmented skin cells. I love SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Cream or Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Supercharged Vitamin A Serum.
Azelaic Acid
Often used to treat acne, azelaic acid also helps reduce dark spots caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide helps to reduce inflammation and improve skin tone. Hyperpigmentation in hands is very common, which is why you will find niacinamide in my formulation of Joonbyrd’s Confetti Sky.
Consistency is key with topical treatments. It may take several weeks or months before you see noticeable results, or you may require prescription topical medication. Consult a dermatologist for specialist advice.
Medical & Aesthetic Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
Chemical Peels
A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off, revealing fresher, less hyperpigmented skin. In my clinic, I often prefer a strong peel called Dermamelan for treating certain types of hyperpigmentation.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments, such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or Broad Band Light (BBL),and Moxi target pigment in the skin and break it down. These treatments can be highly effective but typically require multiple sessions for best results. Always consult with a qualified dermatologist to assess whether laser therapy is suitable for your skin type and type of pigmentation.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using fine needles to create tiny injuries in the skin, which stimulates the skin’s natural healing process. This can improve skin texture and help reduce hyperpigmentation, particularly when combined with topical treatments like vitamin C or tranexamic acid.
Hyperpigmentation may be a common concern but there are many treatment options available that can help you achieve your skincare goals. The key is understanding what’s causing your pigmentation and taking a consistent approach to treatment and prevention.
Always consult a dermatologist who can guide you to the best treatment plan for your skin type and concerns.
