The skin is the largest and one of the most complex organs on the body. Several layers make up the skin, with the epidermis on the surface and the dermis and hypodermis on the deeper layers.
Because of its size, it is also home to a range of conditions ranging from very simple and common to very complicated and rare.
One common condition that affects the skin is hyperpigmentation, which can be simple but also complicated.
Read below for a more in-depth understanding of this prevalent skin condition that so many of us will encounter sooner or later.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the polymer in the skin that produces pigments goes on an overdrive. It is generally harmless compared to other skin conditions, but it can be bothersome for some people. It may result in self-consciousness, anxiety, and even depression. Fortunately, most kinds of hyperpigmentation can be treated. To manage hyperpigmentation, you must have a deeper understanding of what causes it.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is basically the darkening of the skin. It can occur in clusters and becomes more noticeable when there is a change in the environment or skin, like after an acne breakout or prolonged sun exposure.
Hyperpigmentation usually occurs in spots or brown patches and can affect anyone.
There are three major types of hyperpigmentation:
Sun Spots – Also called age spots, sun spots are flat dark brown spots that usually develop on the face, back of the hands, back of the neck, and the chest. This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive sunburn over the years and is common amongst people with mature skin or anti-aging concerns.
Sunspots can make occur much earlier on people with lighter complexions or those with consistent, unprotected sun exposure. This type of hyperpigmentation is often due to a person’s lifestyle and is one of the easiest to prevent.
Melasma – This type of hyperpigmentation is a result of hormonal changes and often affects women, especially those who are pregnant or on birth control. Melasma usually appears on the face.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is a type of hyperpigmentation that usually occurs after the skin suffered some other kind of skin disorder like dermatitis and acne. People with deep and dark skin tones are the ones most commonly affected by PIH.
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How to Treat Hyperpigmentation
An excellent way to get rid of any type of hyperpigmentation is to avoid it. Incorporating the best lifestyle practices can help combat hyperpigmentation. Avoid excessive sun exposure, and always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you need to be out in the sun.
Cover your skin as much as possible. Eating a balanced diet packed with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals will also help prevent hyperpigmentation. Skin-loving foods such as leafy greens, berries, fish, and healthy fats are a great place to start.
Once you see the first signs of hyperpigmentation, you ‘d want to treat them right away. The most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation includes lightening creams and other skin brightening products. It will also help to add a few products that encourage cell regeneration so your skin can produce nutrients that promote good skin health. There are also several natural treatments you can try to reduce the effects of hyperpigmentation on your complexion.
Hyperpigmentation Products
One easy and effective way to treat hyperpigmentation is by using hyperpigmentation products. Several hyperpigmentation products are available in both over-the-counter and prescription-grade strengths. Make sure to read the ingredients label of the product you want to purchase to make sure it doesn’t contain any chemicals that may harm your skin or health further.
Natural Hyperpigmentation Treatments
If you prefer to avoid chemical-based hyperpigmentation creams altogether, you can try a few different natural treatments to reduce the appearance of your skin discoloration. These are the vital ingredients to look out for in supplements or natural skincare products if you want to reverse the effects of hyperpigmentation naturally:
Collagen and elastin – these two essential proteins produced by our bodies help strengthen the skin and improve its elasticity. However, as we age, our production of these nutrients decreases, which leads to a more delicate skin that is susceptible to damage such as hyperpigmentation.
When choosing a hyperpigmentation product, look for one that contains collagen and elastin, or works to stimulate the production of these two. You can also take collagen supplements. Make sure to consult with your General Practitioner before taking any supplement.
Vitamin C – There are a lot of hyperpigmentation products that contain Vitamin C because of the ingredient’s brightening properties. Several popular vitamin C serums that help brighten the skin even provide a bit of antioxidant protection.
Essential Oils – In the realm of health and wellness, essential oils are famous for their numerous healing effects. For hyperpigmentation, try lemon essential oil to neutralize dark spots on your skin. But keep in mind never to apply pure essential oil directly on the skin without diluting it in a carrier oil.
Chemical Peels & Laser Hyperpigmentation Treatments
If brightening products can’t reverse the effects of hyperpigmentation on your skin, several cosmetic procedures like chemical peels or microdermabrasion may give you the relief you want. There are also numerous types of laser therapies that are used to treat certain degrees of hyperpigmentation. These kinds of intense treatments, done by a professional, can help with uneven skin tone and speed up the healing process. However, it will still take a few sessions before your hyperpigmentation lightens.
A laser hyperpigmentation treatment is a more advanced treatment that is often highly effective, quick, and easy to do. In this kind of treatment, the affected skin is gently removed using infrared lasers.
A chemical peel is a more aggressive hyperpigmentation treatment where the top layer of the skin is removed to allow healthy new skin to take its place.
Make sure to consult your doctor before trying any of these advanced treatments.
For safe and natural hyperpigmentation products that really work, head on to our website now! Sea Active Skincare offers a range of natural products that prevent and treat hyperpigmentation. Our products are carefully formulated using safe and natural ingredients to make sure it suits even those with the most challenging skin conditions.