What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. The darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin colour of people of any race, but is particularly prevalent in darker skin tones.
Age spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation, which occurs due to sun damage and usually appear around the hands or face, areas frequently exposed to the sunlight.
Melasma spots are similar in appearance but are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes such as pregnancy or birth control.
How can hyperpigmentation be treated?
The Derma White Treatment – this treatment consists of a natural and herbal alternative to a chemical peel. The treatment aims to lighten skin and areas of increased melanin, in more delicate and sensitive skin, in order to avoid further damage to the skin’s surface.
Lightening Creams – Lightening creams are over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that work with select ingredients to help decrease pigmentation. Many of these creams are available in stronger prescription forms. They’re usually applied once or twice a day to help lighten the skin over time. Topical treatments for lightening also come in gel form.
Face Acids/Chemical Peels – These treatments work by exfoliating, or shedding, the top layer of your skin. Whenever you exfoliate your skin, new skin cells emerge to take the place of the old ones. The process helps even out your skin tone and makes it smoother overall.
Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion is an in-office procedure used to treat hyperpigmentation that affects the epidermis only (superficial scarring). During the procedure a clinician will use a drill-like handheld tool with a wire brush or other abrasive attachment. The tool is then swept across your skin to rapidly remove the affected area.
The choice of treatment for your hyperpigmentation entirely depends on the severity, the cause, your skin type/sensitivity and your general lifestyle. Each treatment comes with its own individual benefits, therefore it is best to speak to a clinician before you decide how to go forward.
