Causes of Hyperpigmentation and Treatment

Hyperpigmentation is where areas of skin become darker in colour than the surrounding skin. This occurs when an external influence such as UV radiation or cosmetic treatments create inflammation in the skin, which stimulates skin cells called ‘melanocytes' to produce more melanin or skin pigment. This can affect the skin colour of people of any race. 

 

The most common inflammatory trigger is UV radiation, which normally triggers a general increase in pigmentation production so we become more "tanned." However, our internal bodily controls prevent over-production of melanin. 

 

They usually occur in those areas that have had the most inflammatory exposure, such as the face, hands and the arms. Often, one may suffer different levels of darkening in different facial areas due to over-exposure to the sun. This is often in bonier parts, where the UV is ‘reflected' back off the underlying bones which can have an enhanced inflammatory effect. 

 

Changes in skin colour can also result from several other circumstances. For example, inflammation triggered by acne may result in dark spots remaining after the acne clears. Other inflammatory causes are perfumes, hair removal, injuries and burns, including some surgeries. 

 

Some skin types and/or some families naturally react faster to inflammatory triggers. Darker skin types should be aware that clinical procedures such as chemical and physical peels, injections and lasers can also cause an inflammatory response which may lead to pigmentation changes.

 

Freckles and other darkened skin patches can also become darker or more pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun.

 

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation on your skin, you know that finding a good hyperpigmentation treatment can be a difficult challenge. Costly cosmetic procedures may not even work. Turning to a topical cream may be a good start, as long as you use the right one.

 

There is no shortage of fading creams. Some, such as those containing hydroquinone, can even be harmful to your health! This particular ingredient is banned in the EU due to a cancer-question mark over it. Finding the right cream can be a frustrating process of trial and error - mistakes you make can do more damage than good. If you find an effective and healthy cream, even then, you may find that it fades your brown spots, but not completely. And you will also probably notice that after using certain products which may provide a short-term period of relief, your hyperpigmentation returns to haunt you again.