Many people suffer from hyperpigmentation, having patches of skin slightly darker than the rest, but they might not know why they have it.
Here we discuss the main causes of hyperpigmentation and what you can do to even out your skin tone.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation includes sunspots, particularly on the hands and face; melasma from hormonal changes; and reactions to inflammation of the skin.
There are many reasons why you might develop uneven skin tone, and the patches or spots can vary dramatically in location, size and colour.
Main causes of hyperpigmentation
- Sunspots
Unsurprisingly, sunspots are caused by exposure to the sunshine, and older people are particularly prone to them, hence why they are often known as age spots too.
They appear as brown spots on the face, hands and neck and occur as the sun raises melanin production in the skin, which increases pigmentation.
- Melasma
This is when darker patches form on the skin during pregnancy, as a result of the hormonal changes in the body causing the overproduction of melanin.
It typically appears on the stomach and face, and is often known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’.
The good news is that as hormone levels settle down after having the baby, the patches should begin to fade.
Hormones are to blame for changes to skin during puberty as well, which is why lots of adolescents might experience darker spots in their teens.
- Inflammation of the skin
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur on people who have had skin inflammation in the past, including eczema, lupus, injuries, or even acne.
- Response to medications
Some people experience hyperpigmentation as a reaction to certain medications, including birth control pills, antidepressants or antimalarial drugs.
Topical treatments might also cause changes in skin colour, due to the chemical content.
- Medical conditions
Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by having underlying medical conditions.
For instance, Addison’s disease, which does not allow the body to create enough of the hormone cortisol, can cause coloured patches on lips, elbows, knees, knuckles, toes and the folds of skin.
Hemochromatosis is another condition that can lead to hyperpigmentation, thanks to the body having too much iron.
What can you do about it?
The good news is there are many ways to reduce signs of hyperpigmentation. Topical creams that lighten the skin are effective, while some people prefer to use home remedies, such as aloe vera gel and licorice extracts.
You could also see a dermatologist at a hyperpigmentation clinic who can recommend different cosmetic procedures.
Chemical peels, intense pulsed light and laser therapy are all known to even out skin tone.
Mesotherapy, which rejuvenates the skin by injecting vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants and amino acids, can also help with pigmentation, while Dermapen visibly improves uneven skin tone by stimulating collagen production.
The low-risk procedures can help people who have suffered with hyperpigmentation for some time to gain new confidence in their appearance, eliminating blemishes and promoting tissue healing.
