Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common and ignored skin concerns by Indians. It occurs when our skin starts overproducing Melanin.
What is Melanin?
Melanin is a pigment that provides our skin with its colour. When Melanin is getting overproduced, and it does not get distributed evenly, it collects in patches and creates dark spots or patches known as hyperpigmentation. Overexposure to the sun, medical conditions, injury and age are also a few reasons for the change in the skin tone.
Other names of hyperpigmentation are sun spots, liver spots or age spots. And it can occur either in one area of the body or all over.
What are the different types of hyperpigmentation?
Freckles
Freckles are the small brown spots that are caused when you expose yourself to the sun for long hours. The face, neck, chest and hands are the most common parts where Freckles occur.
Melasma
Melasma is light to dark brown pigmentation on the face. Apart from sun exposure, hormonal changes, especially those related to pregnancy, are the main reasons for this kind of change in skin tone. These patches occur mainly on the cheeks, forehead, nose bridge, chin and upper lip. Melasma also appears as a side effect of taking birth control pills. Even if a person is not taking any treatment for Melasma, they should not miss wearing sunscreen because sun rays worsen the condition.
Photo ageing
Photo ageing is also known as solar lentigines, liver spots, and age spots. It is the result of prolonged sun exposure and show up in the late thirties or early forties.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is related to acne and any trauma to the skin. Dark spots caused by acne, or scratches on any insect bite, or pigment cells can cause more uneven skin tone in response to the injury.
Birthmarks
Dark spots are present right from birth. Birthmarks are caused by malformed blood vessels and clusters of pigmented cells. Generally, these marks go away with time or get fade.
What are the major reasons that cause hyperpigmentation?
- Hormonal changes
- Sun exposure
- Skin injuries and inflammation
- Medication
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid disorders
- Not getting enough vitamins, such as B12 and folic acid.
Let’s know the right treatment for hyperpigmentation
Always consult your dermatologist before starting with any treatment and get the underlying cause diagnosed.
Topical Treatment, Over the counter solutions
Topical gel or creams help rid the skin of its topmost layer and bring new cells to the surface. The most successful formulation of topical gels to treat hyperpigmentation is Tranexamic acid and Kojic acid. But, topical treatment makes the skin sensitive to the sun; therefore, it is essential to wear sunscreen while continuing with the treatment.
At FCL, there are 4 products that can help you treat hyperpigmentation.
FCL Penta Peel Pads are an at-home chemical peel treatment that helps you get rid of dead skin cells and treat hyperpigmentation. It gently removes the dead cells and promotes healthy cell turnover imparting a smooth texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
FCL AHA Lightening Gel HQ is a fast-acting skin lightening gel with clinically proven ingredients which gives a comprehensive treatment. This gel helps to promote lighter skin and minimize the appearance of dark spots. Its key ingredient, Hydroquinone reduces melanin formation by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme.
This lightening gel inhibits the activity of tyrosinase and controls the production of Melanin, resulting in a fairer skin tone.
This customized formulation for men is potent enough to penetrate through the hard male skin and treat sun-damaged skin, Melasma, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and dull skin to give the desired results.
Most important: Protect the skin from sun damage
The biggest factors for hyperpigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation. It causes an increase in melanin production which results in dark patches. The more you expose yourself to the sun, the more you are at risk for increased skin pigmentation. So, protect yourself from UV rays. Apply sunscreen daily no matter what the season is, and wear protective clothing.
Please remember: Any skin or health treatment takes time to show the desired results. Be consistent with your routine for improved condition.
Please note: Do a patch test first on the back of your arm or behind your ear. Wear sunscreen while being on a topical treatment.
Read more - Acids in skincare routine are not scary but a boon
