Hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition characterized by dark patches, can be a cosmetic problem for many people. The overproduction of melanin causes it, the pigment responsible for skin color, and is often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, and inflammation. Pigment spots can appear at absolutely any age, with any skin color, sensitivity, and type. As a rule, pigment spots are flat and oval, and may be accompanied by dryness, roughening of the skin, and protruding blood vessels. There are several types of pigmentation, each with different characteristics and symptoms, as well as the causes of pigmentation.
Types of Pigmentation
- Senile pigment spots (sunspots)
- Sparrow egg spot
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Atopic dermatitis
Senile pigment spots (sunspots)
It is characterized by round-shaped stains with clear borders. The initial color is light brown, but it gradually darkens to black. The size varies from the size of a grain of rice to several centimeters. It tends to appear in areas that are exposed to ultraviolet rays, such as the high points of the cheekbones and can appear as early as one’s 20s.
Sparrow egg spot
It is commonly called “freckles”. Small brown spots, about 1 to 5 mm in diameter, appear on the cheeks and nose. It is characterized by strong genetic factors, becoming darker from childhood to adolescence and becoming thinner with age. It tends to darken under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation
Areas affected by acne, injury, burns, or insect bites become inflamed, and melanocytes stimulated by the inflammation produce melanin. Usually, once the irritation subsides, the pigmentation will subside, and as the skin turns over, it will gradually become thinner and less noticeable, but if the symptoms worsen, it will not disappear and will remain as “post-inflammatory pigmentation.” There are also cases of darkening of the pores in the armpits and other areas due to the continued removal of unwanted hair, which is also classified as this type of stain. In some cases, it is difficult to distinguish from senile pigment spots.
Melasma.
The color is light brown to blackish brown (brown), and it is characterized by a fluffy map-like shape with no clear borders. When the balance of female hormones is disturbed, it often appears symmetrically on the cheekbones, cheeks, under the nose, around the mouth, and on the forehead. It often occurs in women in their 30s and 40s and menopausal women.
Atopic dermatitis
Areas with repeated atopic dermatitis are also prone to pigmentation due to repeated itching and inflammation. In particular, areas affected by atopic dermatitis have thinner skin and reduced barrier function, making them susceptible to external stimuli and prone to pigmentation.
Cause of Hyperpigmentation
- Pigmentation due to ultraviolet rays and sunburn
- Pigmentation due to friction
- Pigmentation due to hormonal imbalance and stress
- Pigmentation caused by chemicals
Pigmentation due to ultraviolet rays and sunburn
Ultraviolet rays are said to be the main cause of pigmentation and worsening. Ultraviolet rays cause major damage to the skin when they penetrate the skin, but melanin is a substance produced to protect the skin from the damage caused by UV rays. So, for example, no matter how high-quality whitening treatment or whitening cosmetics you use, if you neglect UV protection and your skin continues to be exposed to UV rays, melanin pigment will continue to be produced and its effectiveness will be halved. It’s so much so.
The main cause of “senile pigment spots” is thought to be the accumulation of damage from ultraviolet rays over many years. Other conditions such as sparrow ovarian spots,” ‘’post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,’’ and melasma are also known to be exacerbated by the effects of ultraviolet rays.
Pigmentation due to friction
“Friction” to the skin is a major cause comparable to ultraviolet rays. “Friction” is not limited to the act of scrubbing with a nylon towel; for example, rubbing the skin with a sheet-type makeup remover, applying pressure during self-massage, or using a facial massager to apply a little more force. Even casual everyday actions such as rubbing the puff vigorously when applying foundation can cause “friction” and “irritation” to the skin. Skin that has been subjected to friction thickens the epidermis to withstand the irritation caused by the friction, and melanin production is stimulated to prevent exposure to damage from ultraviolet rays.
Pigmentation due to hormonal imbalance and stress
Melasma is thought to occur when melanin production is stimulated by a substance called plasmin (melanocyte activating factor), which is released during hormonal imbalances such as pregnancy, childbirth, pill use, and menopause. In addition, although genetic factors are thought to be the main cause of sparrow ovarian spots, a relationship with female hormones has also been pointed out, as changes in female hormones can cause them to become noticeable during pregnancy.
In addition, pigment cells called melanocytes, which are said to be melanin production factories, are closely related to the nervous system of the brain, so it is said that when strong stress is applied, melanin production is stimulated and stains are more likely to form.
Pigmentation caused by chemicals
Some chemicals such as tar and fragrances contained in cosmetics tend to cause allergic reactions such as itching and rashes, which can be a trigger. Related to this, some cases are caused by daily friction against the skin from nylon towels and clothes, as well as plants such as lacquer and ginkgo biloba.
The care and treatment methods for pigmentation vary depending on the cause. To cure the pigmentation that you are concerned about, it is important to know the cause. First, visit a cosmetic dermatologist and have them diagnose which type of pigmentation you have.
Treatments
Natural Pigmentation treatments at home
The best treatment for pigmentation on the face at home is quality skincare products – not natural remedies. There are many problems with the natural remedies often suggested for fading dark spots, such as lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
There are no scientific studies that show evidence of these remedies fading dark spots. Scientific journals often record scarring of the skin and worsening of hyperpigmentation when these remedies are used as an attempt to remove dark spots.
So, if you’re wondering how to remove pigmentation from your face at home, be sure to use well-formulated skincare products – not natural remedies. The best way to treat pigmentation at home is with quality skincare that includes ingredients such as Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, or Vitamin C
Retinoid Creams and Serums
This family of skincare ingredients includes retinol, a potent Vitamin A derivative. If you’re looking for an effective pigmentation removal cream, try one formulated with Retinol. It works by supporting cellular turnover, replacing old and pigmented cells with new and healthy ones. It’s the best treatment for face pigmentation and anti-aging.
Face acid
I know what you’re thinking. Acids are something you want to put on your skin? These exfoliating ingredients are often formulated into cleansers, scrubs, and facial treatments to help lighten dark spots and improve skin texture.
Face acids fall into two categories – Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs).
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Malic Acid are all examples of effective AHAs that lighten dark spots for even-toned skin. Salicylic Acid is the only BHA used for skin care, and in higher concentrations, it can also address the appearance of dark spots on the skin. Using it a few times a week is a great way to get the benefits of this dark spot-fading face acid for your skin.
Sun protection
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 regularly, even on cloudy days, and remember to reapply it every two hours when outdoors.
- Cover your skin with light, long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
- Try to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Tanning lamps to maintain a summer tan can cause similar damage to natural UV rays, so it would be best to avoid them.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation are non-invasive skin revitalizing treatment dedicated to counteracting visible signs of aging and pigmentation. A chemical Exfoliation utilizes a more potent concentration to treat an area of the skin.
Intensive chemical Exfoliation to remove pigmentation from the face should be performed by professionals at beauty spas. However, it’s possible to buy less potent options that you can use safely at home to fade dark spots.
Laser Treatments
If you want to know how to remove pigmentation from the skin for good, laser treatment is the way to go. It’s one of the best treatments to remove pigmentation from the face – these high-powered lasers target excessive melanin, lightening imperfections for even-toned skin.
The laser targets the pigmented lesions, which absorb the light without damaging the surrounding skin cells revealing new, even-toned skin. It’s the professional treatment to truly lighten dark spots, especially if you feel like you’ve tried everything without getting visible results.
Conclusion
Hyperpigmentation and spots are very common skin phenomena and are a growing concern for people around the world. They are related to sex, phenotype, and where you live, and are naturally triggered by biological aging, but are also greatly accelerated by UV exposure. It may seem like an obstacle to achieving perfect skin, but with the right prevention and a proper skincare routine, you can achieve radiant, even skin. Start your skincare today with vegan and clean products without silicones, mineral oils, parabens, animal derivatives, or artificial colorings. Wear sunglasses when you go out. Happy and healthy skin to you all.
