Human skin contains cells that produce melanin (melanocytes), a chemical that gives the epidermis its color. Too much melanin makes the skin hyperpigmented; common examples of this feature are freckles and age spots. Hyperpigmentation can result from exposure to the sun, from trauma to the skin or as a side effect of some drugs. Although it is not a serious medical condition, it would be wise to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Determine the Cause
Step 1. Know the different types of hyperpigmentation
Familiarizing yourself with the different types will help you determine the right course of treatment and understand how changing your lifestyle can help prevent further blemishes from forming. Here are the three types of hyperpigmentation:
- Melasma. This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal fluctuations and is normal during pregnancy. It can also occur due to thyroid dysfunction and as a side effect of taking the birth control pill or drug hormone therapy. It is quite difficult to deal with.
- Freckles. These are also known as liver or age spots. They are found in 90% of people over 60 and are caused by exposure to UV rays.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is caused by skin lesions such as psoriasis, burns, acne and some skin care treatments. It usually disappears as the epidermis regenerates and heals.
Step 2. Analyze your condition with a dermatologist
See a specialist doctor to identify the type of blemishes affecting your skin. After a careful medical history of your lifestyle and medical history, the dermatologist will examine your skin using a lamp with a magnifying glass. Expect me to ask you the following questions to try to determine your type of hyperpigmentation:
- How often do you use the tanning bed? How often do you wear sunscreen? What is your level of sun exposure?
- What are your current health conditions and what medical conditions have you had in the past?
- Are you or have you recently been pregnant? Are you taking or have you recently taken birth control pills or are you or have you been on hormone replacement therapy?
- What medications are you taking?
- What plastic surgery or professional skin treatments have you undergone?
Part 2 of 3: Seeking Treatments
Step 1. Get a prescription for topical treatment
Topical applications containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids, which exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, are useful in the treatment of all types of hyperpigmentation. You can find the following types of topical applications:
- Hydroquinone. This drug has been widely used as a skin whitener but due to its carcinogenic potential it has been banned in Italy and Europe since 2000.
- Kojic acid. This acid derives from a fungus and acts in a similar way to hydroquinone.
- Azelaic acid. Developed for the treatment of acne, it has also proved effective for hyperpigmentation.
- Mandelic acid. Derived from almonds, this type of acid is used to treat all types of hyperpigmentation.
Step 2. Consider undergoing a professional non-ablative procedure
If topical treatments don't work, your dermatologist can recommend a targeted method for your hyperpigmentation. The different procedures available are as follows:
- Skin peeling, including salicylic acid peeling, to treat dark skin areas. This method is used when topical therapy is not effective.
- IPL Therapy (Intense Pulsed Light). In this case, the equipment is able to select and act on the individual dark spots. These IPL devices are used under the close supervision of an experienced physician.
- Laser skin resurfacing treatment.
Step 3. Go to a doctor's office for microdermabrasion treatment
This is a popular option for people with hyperpigmentation. Look for an experienced professional; scraping the skin can cause irritation and make the problem worse. This procedure should not be performed too often, as the skin needs time to heal between sessions.
Step 4. Take non-prescription medications
If you want to treat hyperpigmentation by taking non-prescription medications, look for these over-the-counter options:
- Skin lightening creams. They slow down the production of melanin and remove the existing one. Look for products that contain a combination of these ingredients: soy milk, cucumber, kojic acid, calcium, azelaic acid, or arbutin.
- A topical treatment containing Retin-A or alpha hydroxy acids.
Step 5. Try a home remedy
Apply one of the following topical solutions to help lighten dark areas of the skin:
- Rosehip oil.
- Sliced cucumber, smoothie or its juice.
- Lemon juice.
- Aloe Vera.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Future Hyperpigmentation
Step 1. Limit your UV exposure
UV exposure is one of the most common causes of this condition. Although limiting exposure will have no effect on the hyperpigmentation already present, it can however help prevent further blemishes.
- Always apply sunscreen. In strong, direct sunlight, wear a hat and dress with long sleeves.
- Don't use tanning beds.
- Limit your time outdoors and do not sunbathe.
Step 2. Determine if your medications are causing the problem
In many cases it is not at all appropriate to stop taking a drug just because it causes hyperpigmentation. This condition is a common side effect of birth control pills and other hormone-containing medications. Whether it is possible to change your medication or stop taking it is something you can discuss with your doctor.
Step 3. Beware of professional skin treatments
Hyperpigmentation can result from skin trauma and can be caused by plastic surgery and other professional treatments. Make sure you do a thorough research before deciding to undergo plastic surgery. Make sure your doctor or surgeon is highly experienced.
Advice
- It is very important to consult a dermatologist before doing do-it-yourself treatments, as some solutions can damage the skin. There are many causes of hyperpigmentation. Each requires specific management and treatment.
- Age spots are the result of the skin's inability to protect itself from the sun's rays as we age. Apply a protective sunscreen every day to avoid worsening the situation and reducing the spots already present. Daily use of sunscreen throughout life can prevent or reduce age spots as you get older.
