Dealing with Hyperpigmentation: Effective Ways to Manage and Treat It

Hyperpigmentation is one of the common skincare problems faced by individuals irrespective of their skin tone and type. This skin condition makes some areas of the skin more pigmented and dark than the rest of the other areas. Hyperpigmentation can happen due to sunburn, acne, hormonal changes, or inflammation. Luckily hyperpigmentation is treatable if followed right approach, product, and technique.

In this blog, we will cover the causes of hyperpigmentation, effective hyperpigmentation treatments, and, much more.

Causes and Types of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a skin-related issue where some parts of the body get darker than other areas due to a pigment in the body called melanin. Let’s understand the main causes of hyperpigmentation in detail:

Main Causes of Hyperpigmentation

• Sun Exposure
  • Ultraviolet Radiation: Can cause hyperpigmentation. It is mandatory to save the skin from access exposure to the sun by applying sunscreen regularly.
• Severe inflammation and skin trauma
  • Severe skin condition or inflammation post-injury makes the skin more rough leaving behind dark spots.
  • Some surgical wounds or cuts can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Hormonal Changes
  • Pregnancy: Hyperpigmentation is triggered more during pregnancy because of hormonal imbalance and high levels of estrogen and progesterone.
  • Thyroid Issue: Thyroid also stimulates hyperpigmentation.
• Aging
  • Age spots(Liver spot): With age, melanin production becomes uneven which causes falt, brown, or black spots generally seen in older adults as these occur due to sun exposure in the face, hands, and arms.
  • Cells slow down: Older skin works very slowly so with age dark spots and patches are visible on the face.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

• Melasma: Caused by hormonal imbalances and comprises some symmetrical and blotchy patches over the face especially on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.
• Post-Infamatory Hypepigmeation: Occurs due to inflammation or injury like acne, burns, or rashes and if left untreated leaves behind dark spots.
• Freckles: Freckles are small, flat brown spots that get worse if exposed more to the sun. They are very common light-skinned people.

Remedies to Treat and Prevent Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation mechanism which makes the skin dark due to excess melanin production However incorporating or adapting some natural remedies like using plant-based ingredients, and lifestyle changes, can help in protecting or safeguarding the skin. Natural remedies for hyperpigmentation are as follows:

• Topical Natural Treatments: Look for more plant-based products. They improve the skin and also help treat hyperpigmentation.
  1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera helps heal and lighten skin.
  2. Licorice Extract: Act as a natural skin brightener, for handling dark spots.
  3. Turmeric: Best anti-inflammatory ingredient. Would be a good idea to use a mask-like to stop the color darkening, giving the skin a more even look.
• Exfoliate: It is the process of removing dirt or impurities from skin mainly called dead skin.
• Consume healthy diet: Eat healthy and good food for better skin health
  1. Take up more Vitamin C: Increase consumption of citrus fruits for better outcomes.
  2. Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps recover inflammation.
  3. Green tea

Different Ways to Prevent Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can be minimized with a regular skincare routine and usage of sunscreen. But in some extreme conditions medical treatment is required to treat the skin and dark spots.

• Chemical Peels: AHA and BHA peels help in exfoliating the top skin and removal of pigmented cells.
• Laser treatment: In some conditions undergoing laser treatment or intense pulsed light can be effective as it helps in breaking the pigmented culture of skin.
• Prescribed creams: In a few advanced cases of hyperpigmentation dermatologists recommend some creams to treat the server inflammation.

Skincare Routine For Hyperpigmented Skin

Following a proper regime for hyperpigmentation is crucial for reducing dark spots and preventing damage to the skin. Steps to follow in daily routine:

• Step 1: Cleanse: Go for a very mild and gentle cleanser and use products that contain ingredients like niacinamide or licorice extract.
• Step 2: Exfoliate Regularly: Doing exfoliation regularly will help to remove dead skin and maintain cell growth.
• Step 3: Use Serum: Use dark spot correctors or serum that targets the hyperpigmentation. Opt for ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, etc which help to lighten the skin
• Step 4: Moisturize: Ensure the skin is hydrated well for overall maintenance of the skin's life.
• Step 5: Sunscreen: Use SPF 30 for broad coverage and protection from sun damage.

Product Recommendations:

FCL Penta Peel Pads

Key ingredients: 2% Salicylic + 0.5% Hyaluronic + 2.5% Lactic Acid

Benefits: It removes dead cells promotes healthy cell turnover and smoothens the skin texture by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

FCL AHA Lightening Gel

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, Hydroquinone, Milk Protein, Grapefruit Extract, Alpha Arbutin

Benefits: Helps in dead cell removal, and gives a uniform and luminous skin tone. 

FCL Chemfree SPF 50 Physical Sunscreen

Key ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E, Golden Seaweed, Ectoin, Niacinamide

Benefits: Nourishes and revitalizes the skin while providing an exceptional natural defense against environmental stressors.

Conclusion: Hyperpigmentation can be frustrating or troublesome but can be corrected with a proper approach, and it can help to lighten the skin by making it more radiant and glowing. While treating the hyperpigmented skin ensure to use ingredients rich in vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol. Always remember consistency is key, the result may take time but follow a properly structured skincare routine to prevent further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What causes hyperpigmentation, and how to prevent it?
  Hyperpigmentation occurs due to excess melanin production triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or skin injuries. Can be prevented by using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and avoiding sun exposure.
• Can Hyperpigmentation be cured naturally?
  Yes, natural remedies like aloe vera, licorice extract, and green tea can help in lightening the hyperpigmentation over time.
• What products to consider to treat hyperpigmentation?
  Look for products that contain ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, retinoids, kojic acid, and alpha arbutin which helps lighten the dark spots.