Hyperpigmentation is often seen as a summer skin issue, but in fact it can be more of a problem during the winter months. Here’s a look at why colder weather makes hyperpigmentation worse and how it can be effectively managed. If you would like to find out more about treatments, our Windsor skin care clinic team will be delighted to help you.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding skin. It’s caused by an excess production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its colour. It can be triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, and skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
It’s not considered a medically harmful condition, but if it is on a highly visible area such as the face, then understandably many people wish to treat it for cosmetic reasons.
Why does hyperpigmentation get worse in the winter?
As we have seen, sun exposure can be a trigger for hyperpigmentation, so it’s often assumed that it’s more of a summer problem. However, the air is drier in the winter and this can strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier. Central heating and lack of humidity can also cause the skin to become drier.
When the skin barrier is disrupted by dry irritated skin that may be inflamed and itchy, it causes the melanin to release pigment that is able to penetrate deeper into the damaged layers of skin, causing the darker patches to become more pronounced.
Increased airborne irritants
In the drier winter air, the lack of moisture means that airborne allergens can travel and multiply more freely. If you have a skin condition that means you are prone to irritation and itchiness such as eczema, you may find that it becomes more difficult to manage. This leads to dry broken patches of skin, which in turn are more prone to hyperpigmentation.
The skin’s natural skin cell turnover also tends to slow down during the winter months, which means that damage can take longer to heal, and pigmented cells remain on the surface of the skin for longer.
Unsuitable skin care routines
During the winter, skin can become dry and irritated by skincare products that contain harsh chemicals, such as foaming facial cleansers and lotions containing synthetic fragrances and parabens. Overexfoliating in an attempt to remove dead skin cells can also exacerbate the problem by triggering extra melanin production.
Tips for managing hyperpigmentation in winter
Keep skin well hydrated
Use a more hydrating moisturizer, such as a product containing shea butter or cocoa butter rather than a lighter lotion during the winter months. These will help to lock in moisture and keep your skin protected from the dry air. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen if you go outside, because even in winter UV light can still damage your skin.
Keep up to date with medical skin condition treatments
If you have conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, you may wish to check up with your doctor so that you can be sure your treatment is still appropriate and effective. The doctor may be able to recommend new or more suitable prescription medications, as well as provide tailored advice on managing your condition day to day.
Consider professional cosmetic skin treatments
Professional treatments for hyperpigmentation can significantly reduce the appearance of dark patches on the skin.
Laser treatments
Laser treatments can be used to break down melanin deposits and help to fade dark spots. If you have large expanses or very pronounced pigmentation, then a course of treatments may be recommended for best results.
Dermapen microneedling
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create deliberate damage to the skin, This accelerates skin cell turnover and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to repair the microdamage. This can reduce the appearance of dark patches and also improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.
