Hyperpigmentation: What Causes Skin To Darken?

Keeping your skin healthy is necessary since this is the outermost organ that protects your body from being affected by infectious particles. People will have different skin conditions and types depending on their hormonal changes, climate, and several other factors. Hyperpigmentation is one such issue that many people suffer from. Although it cannot be called a skin condition, it is one sort of a problem that makes the skin appear darker. It usually occurs in small patches by covering large areas over the entire body. Increased pigmentation might not always be harmful, but it can occur as a symptom to other greater medical conditions. Let us have a closer look at hyperpigmentation to see how it is caused and can be fought.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

·         Melasma

Hormonal changes are believed to be the main reason for melasma, and it usually develops in pregnant women. Hyperpigmentation in melasma can occur on any part of the body, but most commonly appear on the face and stomach.

·         Sunspots

This is a type of hyperpigmentation, also known as solar lentigines or liver spots, is caused by excess exposure to the sun. It appears as spots on the face and hands as a result of the exposure.

·         Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Acne is believed to be the common cause of this type of hyperpigmentation. It could also be a result of any inflammation or injury to the skin.

Symptoms of Pigmentation

Formation of dark patches on the skin the main symptom of hyperpigmentation, and it can appear anywhere on your body. Melanin production leads to hyperpigmentation; so, try to stay away from excessive exposure to sunlight and the factors causing inflammation. Hyperpigmented patches may have different risk factors depending on the type of disorder. Trauma to the skin, darken skin type, drugs that increase sensitivity, and oral contraceptives can trigger the condition

Causes of Pigmentation

As mentioned earlier, the excess production of melanin can lead to hyperpigmentation. It is, indeed, one of the most common causes since melanin itself is a pigment that imparts color to your skin. Several conditions can lead to the alteration of melanin production in the body by affecting the skin cells called melanocytes. You can come across multiple health conditions throughout your lifetime, and you will need to take medicines for the treatment. Certain medications that you take can lead to hyperpigmentation. Chemotherapy drugs can also cause this issue on your skin as a side effect. Melanin production can be disrupted by the change in hormone levels during pregnancy, further causing hyperpigmentation. The areas that are exposed to sunlight and friction can be affected by hyperpigmentation due to the rare endocrine disease Addison’s disease. Face, neck, hands, elbows, and knees can be affected due to this disease’s effect on melanin.

Prevention Methods

You may not always be able to prevent hyperpigmentation, but can protect yourself from the sunlight using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above, wearing clothes and hats that block sunlight, and avoiding the exposure to sunlight from 10 am to 4 pm. Some medications can also cause hyperpigmentation; avoiding them can also prevent the condition from affecting your skin

Pigmented Skin Treatments

There are a variety of pigmented skin treatments available on the market today. Some of these treatments are more effective than others, and some are more affordable than others. In this article, we will discuss the different types of pigmented skin treatments available, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

One of the most popular pigmented skin treatments is laser therapy. Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses lasers to remove the top layer of skin. This treatment is effective for treating a variety of skin conditions, including pigmented skin. Laser therapy is a relatively expensive treatment, but it is considered to be one of the most effective treatments available.

Another popular pigmented skin treatment is microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a treatment that uses tiny crystals to remove the top layer of skin. This treatment is effective for treating a variety of skin conditions, including pigmented skin. Microdermabrasion is a relatively affordable treatment, and it is considered to be one of the most effective treatments available.

Another popular pigmented skin treatment is chemical peels. Chemical peels are a treatment that uses chemicals to remove the top layer of skin. This treatment is effective for treating a variety of skin conditions, including pigmented skin. Chemical peels are a relatively affordable treatment, and they are considered to be one of the most effective treatments available.

One of the drawbacks of laser therapy is that it can be quite expensive. Another drawback of laser therapy is that it can be quite painful. Another drawback of laser therapy is that it can cause side effects, such as skin irritation.

One of the drawbacks of microdermabrasion is that it can be quite painful. Another drawback of microdermabrasion is that it can cause side effects, such as skin irritation.

One of the drawbacks of chemical peels is that they can be quite painful. Another drawback of chemical peels is that they can cause side effects, such as skin irritation.