5 Best Ways to Treat and Prevent Hyperpigmentation
If dark spots or hyperpigmentation has been bothering you for quite some time, it’s time you breathe a sigh of relief. Today, you have more options than ever to not only get rid of those harmless yet undesirable dark patches but to prevent them from occurring again.
But what exactly is hyperpigmentation? It would be a patch of skin appearing darker than your natural skin tone, usually because your skin has been overproducing melanin.
What are the Factors Causing Hyperpigmentation?
The Cleveland Clinic states that there are four common factors behind hyperpigmentation, and they usually affect people to varying degrees, regardless of their skin tone.
Sun Exposure
The Mayo Clinic states that our body produces extra melanin to protect the skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. This excess melanin is responsible for tanning your skin. However, when sun exposure tends to be excessive or frequent, it can cause dark sunspots to appear.
Though sunspots are cancerous, sun-exposed skin can develop precancerous blemishes that look much like sunspots. Because of this reason, you must have your skin checked yearly to receive a clean online medical certificate from your doctor.
Inflammation
Skin trauma in the form of bug bits, acne, eczema, scraps, cuts, or vigorous rubbing and scratching can result in inflammation. Inflammation triggers pigment-producing cells that leave behind dark spots after the area is healed. The discolouration left behind after inflammation is usually called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Melasma
Melasma refers to brown patches on the skin that can be seen in women who undergo frequent fluctuations in hormones, typically during pregnancy. Though it is common in women, men can also develop melasma.
Medication or Medical Conditions
Certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarials, and antibiotics, are associated with the risk of developing hyperpigmentation. Certain chemotherapy drugs may also result in hyperpigmentation. Similarly, medical conditions, such as Addison’s disease, can trigger hyperpigmentation because of increased melanin production in the body.
What are the Best Ways of Treating and Preventing Hyperpigmentation?
Fortunately, there are several scientifically proven steps you can take to treat hyperpigmentation. Let’s take a quick look at them –
#1 – Keeping the Skin Moist to Increase Cell Turnover
While your goal may be to lighten dark spots, using an over-the-counter moisturizer can help your skin in different ways. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and retinol can improve cell turnover. On top of that, they also ensure that active brighteners can do their job more efficiently. Thus, using a good moisturizer will help your new skin cells remain healthy after replacing the old ones.
#2 – Protecting the Skin from Sun Exposure
Many people take it lightly, but the best way to prevent sun-induced discolouration is to generously apply a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher each day, preferably after every three hours, even on cool or cloudy days.
Because SPF can protect your skin from UVB short-wave rays, you should choose products containing Parsol 1789, Mexoryl, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone to protect yourself from UVA long-wave rays.
Additionally, you should also avoid going outdoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., because the sun tends to be the strongest.
#3 – Exploring Various Over-the-Counter (OTC) Whitening Options
It’s better to start your hyperpigmentation treatment as soon as possible. The brown pigment tends to penetrate deeper into the skin with time, and you would want to stop that from happening.
Over-the-counter (OCT) treatments, such as glycolic and azelaic acids, retinoids, and vitamin C, can be highly beneficial in lightening your dark spots. Such treatments work by inhibiting tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that triggers the formation of melanin. Due to the link between excess melanin production and tyrosinase, many OTC products targeting hyperpigmentation contain the aforementioned ingredients.
#4 – Considering an Rx to Treat Stubborn Discolouration
If OTC products aren't doing the job, you may need to rely on prescription medications. Many dermatologists prefer products that contain hydroquinone, either alone or with other lighteners, to fade dark spots because they slow pigment production. However, your doctor will be monitoring the treatment closely because higher concentrations of hydroquinone treatment can bleach the skin or result in sun sensitivity.
Your doctor may also prescribe benzoyl peroxide gel, cortisone cream, or tretinoin, a synthetic form of vitamin A.
#5 – Seeking High-Tech Options from Your Dermatologist
When topical treatments aren’t offering a fix, your dermatologist may suggest a more aggressive treatment to get rid of discolouration, such as microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing.
Wrapping Up
Besides sun protection and treatment, there are other steps you can take to prevent or minimize the occurrence of future dark spots. It’s best to stick to gentle skincare products that don’t burn or sting because irritation can trigger or worsen hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is infamous for causing mental distress that can severely impact your self-esteem and quality of life. If no number of cosmetic products has done you any good, it is time you consider scheduling an appointment with our online doctors in Prime Medic.
Our doctors offer video consultations and can not only prescribe medications for your condition but can also help you to get online doctors certificate.
