Hyperpigmentation (171)

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Hyperpigmentation - Overview

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition characterized by the darkening of certain areas of the skin due to an excess production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. While hyperpigmentation is usually harmless, it can be a source of distress for many individuals, affecting their self-esteem and confidence.

Types Of Hyperpigmentation:

There are several types of hyperpigmentation which includes the following:

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This type of hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of an inflammatory response to various skin injuries or conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, or even minor cuts and burns. Once the inflammation subsides, the skin might produce an excess amount of melanin, leading to dark spots or patches.

Melasma: Melasma typically affects women during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. It can also occur in individuals taking hormonal medications or with excessive sun exposure. Melasma appears as larger, irregularly shaped brown patches, commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

Sunspots: Sunspots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are caused by prolonged sun exposure over the years. They tend to appear on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms, and are more common in older individuals.

Freckles: Freckles are hereditary and commonly found in fair-skinned individuals. They are small, flat, and tan or light brown in colour. Freckles are triggered by sun exposure, becoming more prominent during sunny months.

Drug-Induced Hyperpigmentation: Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect. Examples include some antimalarial drugs, chemotherapy agents, and certain antibiotics.

Treatment For Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can be treated by topical hyperpigmentation creams, gels, lotions or serums. The most commonly used ingredients on such preparations include hydroquinone, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), kojic acid, and azelaic acid. They work by reducing melanin production in the skin which makes it best suited for use in face and other body parts which is more prone to excessive sun exposure.

Most of Creams, lotion and serums claimed for hyperpigmentation treatment of face may also contains vitamin C and few other botanical extracts also protects your skin’s natural barrier function, repairs damaged skin and enhances glow and radiance.

When it comes to hyperpigmentation treatment for dark skin or hyperpigmentation treatment for black skin, it's important to choose products that are specifically designed for darker skin tones. Additionally, tablets for pigmentation are also prescribed by doctor in severe cases. Examples of such medicines includes tranexamic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, astaxanthin, glutathione, etc.

Other best hyperpigmentation treatments include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, etc. Consult your doctor to identify the best hyperpigmentation treatment that suits you.

Also, it's important to use products that are gentle and non-irritating. Hyperpigmentation soap can also be used as a complementary treatment alongside other medications to help lighten the skin.

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