Hyperpigmentation, like acne, can lower one’s self-esteem. It can be one or more areas in the skin that are usually darker than the others. It can be associated with aging or when your skin produces too much pigment or melanin. This concern is too common that there are a lot of products and services claiming to get rid of them for good, but before you shed cash on it, it’s important to know what this discoloration is about, what causes it, and how to treat it properly.
Types Of Hyperpigmentation
Aging is not the only factor that causes hyperpigmentation; there are a lot of things that may encourage the skin to produce more pigment. Lucky you, there are effective ways on how to treat it but before you can get the right remedy, it’s important to know what type of discoloration it is. Here are a few types of spots you should be aware of:
Age Spots
If you’re not a fan of SPF or you spend a lot of time in tanning beds, it’s more likely that you get age or sunspots. This discoloration is caused when the sun’s ultraviolet rays have directly damaged your skin. It can develop anywhere in your body but commonly, it can be found on the hand or in the face.
Freckles
Although the sunlight plays a small role in the development of freckles, it’s not the culprit for this type of discoloration. Your genes, instead, is the main reason why you have freckles; meaning, you have this become one or both of your parents have it. You might ask why babies don’t have it. It’s because freckles only start to develop when you’re exposed to the sun. Therefore, the longer you are outside, the darker it will get.
Melasma
Also known as the “mask of pregnancy”, this type of discoloration often happens to women after pregnancy. Melasma usually develops on the face, neck, shoulder, and areas that are often exposed in the sun. It is characterized by gray or light brown patches and can be minimized with the help of a sunscreen.
Moles
Moles are clumped or clustered skin pigment cells that may come out after birth or during the first 20 years of your life. Although it may look unpleasant, it is harmless unless it developed into melanoma or also known as skin cancer.
Scars
Wounds are almost inevitable and the annoying part, once it is healed, is the scar left in the skin. For some people, it leaves noticeable dark spots that won’t go easily. Even something as small as acne or eczema rash can cause discoloration once treated.
How To Treat Discoloration
Hyperpigmentation cannot heal or fade on its own, unlike what others believe. It can be treated, however, with the help of some products or a dermatological treatment. Depending on how mild or stubborn the hyperpigmentation is, there is a right procedure that will make it go away temporarily or for good.
Browsing online, you may see a lot of natural options you can use at home, such as arbutin, licorice root, and soy; or a bunch of much stronger chemical alternatives like retinoids, hydroquinone, antioxidants, and alpha hydroxy acids. And not to forget, sunscreen — an essential product that may not help in removing the discoloration per se but will help in developing and preventing age spots and other types of hyperpigmentation from getting worse. Now, some of these may work but it will probably take time and money so if you want a quicker, more effective way to resolve discoloration issue, the very best thing you can do is visit a professional.
We get it — a trip to a dermatologist can be expensive but all these peels, serums, and creams will not work as fast as they should (or may not even work at all) until a certified aesthetician applied a professional-grade chemical peel and state-of-the-line calibrated lasers. Whatever professional treatment to be applied, it will depend on your skin’s texture, tone, and level of sensitivity. Aside from determining the specific type of discoloration, you’re dealing with, your budget will also be considered. If you want to learn more about your skin concern and the treatment options for age spots, melasma, freckles, and other types of hyperpigmentation, contact us or book an appointment for a consultation.
Be sure to manage your expectations. Removing hyperpigmentation doesn’t happen overnight and some may not be removed completely at all, such as the freckles. Remember, these are inherited condition that’s why it’s even harder to get rid off compared to melasma. If you feel conscious about it, the quickest and cost-effective way to conceal it is with a concealer or foundation.
