Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which dark spots appear due to the excess production of melanin by the melanocytes. Melanin is a natural pigment produced with the aid of the enzyme tyrosinase. The melanocytes are skin cells located in the epidermis. The main role of melanin is to protect the skin from the damaging UV rays.
Common causes of hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure. When you are exposed to the sun, melanocytes are triggered to produce melanin in order to protect the skin from the harmful UV radiation. This leads to tanning. However, excessive exposure to the sun may cause dark spots.
Cuts, wounds, acne, eczema or burns may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The process of healing may cause excess production of melanin.
Aging. As we age, cell turnover decreases. Consequently, pigmented cells are more slowly replaced by new cells. Moreover, less fats and lipids may lead to a weakened skin barrier that is more vulnerable to UV rays. You may have a look at my posts about the skin barrier and how to repair it.
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=19
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=69
Pregnancy. Hormonal changes can cause hyperpigmentation.
How to prevent it
As with all problems, the best solution is prevention.
Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 50 that you should reapply frequently especially after sweating or swimming.
Exfoliate but don’t over-exfoliate.
Use a gentle cleanser preferably in gel form that will protect you from any irritation.
Use antioxidant substances in your skincare that will protect you from the free radicals and the damage they cause. You may have a look at my related post
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=146
Moisturize and nourish to invigorate your skin barrier.
Possible treatments of hyperpigmentation
If your hyperpigmentation is severe, consult with a dermatologist who will identify the causes and will recommend you possible solutions. A doctor may suggest creams, laser treatments or chemical peels or whatever he/she thinks that can help with your issue.
Otherwise, you may try over-the-counter treatments such as
Vitamin C, an antioxidant which is a tyrosinase inhibitor while at the same time boosts collagen synthesis and enhances the efficacy of the sunscreen.
Niacinamide, prevents the transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes whereas it enhances the ceramides production and therefore strengthens the lipid barrier or skin barrier.
Alpha-arbutin, a glycosylated hydroquinone (hydroquinone with the α-anomer of D-glucose) which is used in the cosmetics industry for skin whitening, against dark spots and as an alternative to hydroquinone. It is a tyrosinase inhibitor as well.
Kojic Acid, a tyrosinase inhibitor with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Tranexamic Acid, reduces the action of the enzyme tyrosinase.
Azelaic Acid, also a tyrosinase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycolic Acid with its exfoliating properties can also help by eliminating dead cells from the surface of the skin.
Retinoids that cause cells turnover. Dead cells are eliminated and replaced by new ones.
The links to my related posts are here
Vitamin C and its derivatives
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=101
Why Vitamin C is essential in skincare
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=1205
The benefits of Niacinamide in skincare
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=527
Facts about the alpha-arbutin in skincare
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=592
Kojic Acid-uses,benefits,precautions
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=982
Tranexamic Acid for dark spots – How to use it
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=1622
A complete guide to use of Glycolic Acid
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=1179
Retinoids in skincare-Beginners guide
https://www.christiannak.com/?p=1698
Precautions
Always do a patch test before using a new substance .Never ever use all of those ingredients at the same time. You risk damaging your skin barrier making it more vulnerable to UV radiation and more susceptible to infections. You may also cause dermatological issues.
Vitamin C along with niacinamide and retinol or retinaldehyde (if your skin can tolerate them) could solve the problem. If you are a beginner, don’t introduce all these active ingredients into your skincare routine simultaneously. Give your skin the time to adapt to the new active substance.
In case, that you want to use some of the other substances mentioned above and to combine them, you should better buy a pre-formulated serum by a reliable cosmetic brand.
The bottom line: Hyperpigmentation requires time to be treated. Treating dark spots requires patience, persistence and regularity in applying the active ingredients. You can’t expect positive results overnight. Meanwhile, take all the measures to protect your skin.
Special thanks to pexels.com for the free photos download as well as to the creator of this specific photo.