Hyperpigmentation

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered about those dark skin patches or dark spots on your face or skin? A very common skin condition, hyperpigmentation isn’t generally harmful, nor is it a sign of a serious medical condition, but it is a condition that all skin types are volatile to.

With a variety of culprits, pigmentation can vary from a lack of skincare or unchangeable genetics. Regardless of the causes, the continuation of skin pigmentation can be stopped and reversed with simple lifestyle changes or targeted treatments.

This is the process where darkening of the skin occurs in either small patches, large areas, or even the entire body.

What is skin pigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation happens when there is an excess production of melanin, which is what gives our skin its colour, and it is a fairly common skin concern that affects all skin types. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, which are located at the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis, which is why excess pigment is deposited deep within the skin, giving it a darker look than the skin around it.

Causes & types of pigmentation

  • Freckles are the most common type of pigmentation. Genetics do play a role in whether or not one is prone to freckling, but these little spots are usually the first signs of dun damage. They normally come about after repeated sun exposure, particularly on those with fairer skin complexions.
  • Melasma is more common in women as it is often triggered by hormonal changes, such as pregnancy. The cause is not always known but the condition can be made worse by excessive sun exposure, certain medications and stress. Melasma can appear on any area of the body, but are most commonly found on the stomach and face as large tan or brown patches with a distinct border.
  • Sunspots, which are also known as solar lentigines, brown spots, liver spots or age spots, are very common and normally occur on skin areas that have had repeated sun exposure, such as the hands and face. They can vary in colour from light brown to black, and need to be carefully monitored as they can potentially develop into skin cancer and melanoma.
  • Inflammatory hyperpigmentation is as of a result of injury or inflammation to the skin, such as acne, burns, eczema, friction or aggressive clinical treatments.
  • Medical conditions, such as Addison’s disease, can also cause hyperpigmentation that’s most obvious in areas of sun exposure, such as the face, neck, and hands, and areas exposure to friction, such as elbows and knees.

Treatments & Solutions

Thankfully, there are a number of solutions to treat pigmentation, as well as measures to avoid further pigmentation.

If you are uncertain about what is causing the hyperpigmentation, it’s always best to first seek professional help from your doctor, dermatologist or skin-care therapist in order to formulate the best course of treatment.

Treatment can start with something as simple as daily choices, such as wearing a sunblock of at least 15 SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays or wearing a hat that shades your face. Try to avoid the sun during the peak hours from 10 am to 2 pm, and sit in the shade to minimize sun exposure. As tempting as it is, refrain from picking at a scab or a pimple as it can create inflammation and lead to darker pigmentation.

Products

When it comes to selecting a face cream to treat or prevent pigmentation, hone in on products that have the following ingredients:

Niacinamide – Also known as vitamin B3, this powerful skincare ingredient has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and even skin tone.

Retinol – This is one of the most talked-about ingredients of the decade, and retinol can be helpful in reducing the appearance of dark pigmentation spots by speeding up natural skin cell turnover.

Vitamin C – Applying a product containing Vitamin C on your skin can help brighten the skin for a more even-toned complexion.

Kojic acid – This helps by lightening sunspots, pigmentation or marks left by acne by blocking tyrosinase, the compound responsible for melanin production, in order to inhibit the production of excess pigment.

In some cases though, home treatments will not be enough and this means that in-salon treatments are the way forward to treat hyperpigmentation. Here at Chame Skincare, we are able to advise on the course of treatments offered below, as well as the duration, in order to obtain the best results. 

Treatments

Chemical Peels:

  • Salacilic Acid Peels (Betapeel) – Treats by targeting pigmentation on lighter skin tones.
  • TCA (Tricholorectic Acid) – Treats sunspots.
  • Mela-Vita – Treats Metasma  and resistant melisma, safe on all skin types.

IPL (Intense Pulse Light) – Destroys the excessive melanin in the epidermis

Microneedling – Used in conjunction with pigmentation inhibiting serums or with UBER peel

Mesoskin – Needleless mesotherapy used with pigment inhibiting serums.

DMK Enzyme Treatment – Hydrolyzing dead cell material from the skin tissues, detoxifying the skin of all impurities and firms, tones, and tightens the skin for a firmer and youthful appearance.

Pigmentation is a tricky problem as it will re-appear after sun exposure but the continuous use of products at home, combined with the daily use of SPF, will help aid in keeping your skin healthy. If you are spending money on treatments, it is definitely worth the effort to support the treatments with supporting products. Chame Skincare is passionate about healthy skin, and our aim is to deliver treatments with definite results.

Remember, it is never too early to start a skincare and skin treatment journey.

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