Hyperpigmentation is a term that refers to the darkening of the skin color more than normal— some parts of the skin get darker than others. This can be small patches of the skin or cover large areas of the body. Hyperpigmentation affects people of all skin types and can affect people at any stage in their life, right from early childhood right up to old age.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when Melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) produce excessive pigment (the substance responsible for your skin color). Over-exposure to the sun with inadequate UV protection is the biggest cause of Hyperpigmentation. That’s why many people complain about their skin darkening on their face, neck, and hands since these areas are often the most exposed to sunlight. Hormonal fluctuations in women caused by pregnancy or menopause have been known to bring about Hyperpigmentation. Also, certain medication or trauma to the skin — such as a cut, scrape, or acne—could lead to Hyperpigmentation.
Yes! There are several kinds of Hyperpigmentation, with the most common ones being melasma, photodamage, and post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Identifying the type of Hyperpigmentation you have will help you determine what the best treatment is.
Hyperpigmentation will present as dark patches or spots on the skin which do not disappear. They can appear to get darker over time, especially when exposed to sunlight often. That said, it’s always best to talk to a professional to be sure. At Dr. Aesthetica, our skin specialist will be able to determine whether you have Hyperpigmentation. We will carry out a physical exam and evaluation of your medical history to not only ascertain if you have Hyperpigmentation but also confirm what type it is.
Hyperpigmentation is usually harmless, but sometimes it can be a symptom of an underlying medication condition. So, the first step is to determine what is causing your Hyperpigmentation.
While it might not always be possible to get rid of Hyperpigmentation 100%, you can take several steps to alleviate the signs significantly.
These effective steps include:
Depending on the severity and type of pigmentation, Skin peels and/or Microneedling can be very effective treatment options for Hyperpigmentation. These skin treatments are safe, have minimal downtime, and can offer excellent results. But they are most effective if carried out by a qualified skin specialist. Here, at Dr. Aesthetica, we have had great success with these two treatments. On top of the walk-in treatments, we offer all our patients an aftercare kit with instructions on how to use it for even better results.
