Have you ever observed odd spots which appear darker than the rest of your face? If your answer is yes, then you might be dealing with a commonly found skin problem called hyperpigmentation. The good news about this condition is that it is usually harmless. But, if it is not treated at the right time by a face moisturizer, sunscreen or other treatments, then your skin can become worse.
Hyperpigmentation is associated with the darkening of the skin. It can take in form of large patches, small spots or covers one’s entire body. Although it can happen to people with different skin types, its appearance is most noticeable on lighter or fairer complexions.
This issue is mainly caused when there is a higher than normal concentration of melanocytes in a person’s skin. These melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin in our body, and when they are exposed to sunlight, skin tanning happens. Furthermore, if there is an excessive amount of melanin produced in one part of the body, then it shows up as brown spots.
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Usually, there are three kinds of hyperpigmentation. They are as follows:
- Melasma
‘Pregnancy mask’ or melasma occurs due to changes in your hormones.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
PiH or Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation happens due to skin inflammation. This may also be related to burns, acne or cuts but the discoloration can also remain for a long time after the initial inflammation vanishes.
- Solar lentigines
Caused by sun exposure, solar lentigines or ‘liver spots” or “age spots” are found mostly on the face or hands.
Preventing hyperpigmentation is essential to improving the overall appearance of one’s face for a spotless and naturally-glowing look. Here are some tips you can adopt to avoid hyperpigmentation:
Tips to prevent Hyperpigmentation
- Reduce sun exposure
Sun is considered a primary factor in the alteration of skin complexion. It also leads to an increase in melanin production and further causes uneven skin texture and dark spots. Such a phenomenon is called dyspigmentation.
Therefore the best way to resolve it is by wearing sunscreen with added antioxidants and SPF 30 or more. A sunblock provides your skin with a protective layer which withstands the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Furthermore, try going out too much in the Sun, as too much exposure to it can lead to premature signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation.
- Exfoliate regularly
Adding exfoliation as a skincare step to your skincare routine is a great way to get radiant skin and keep pores clear. It increases cell turnover and eliminates dead skin to brighten it.
- Moisturize frequently
The secret to happy and flawless skin is moisturizer. Keeping your skin hydrated with a face moisturizer will help in retaining its youthful appearance and softness.
This is because face moisturizers such as Avon True Nutra effects Hydration Day and Hydra Boost Night Cream range from one of the leading beauty and skincare companies i.e., Avon, shower your skin with optimal nourishment, strengthen skin’s barrier, and reduce the appearance of dark spots, thus preventing hyperpigmentation.
- Try Azelaic Acid
As a naturally occurring enzyme found in rye and wheat, azelaic acid has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which prevent hyperpigmentation.
It works as a tyrosinase inhibitor and interferes with skin melanin production to block the formation of dark spots.
Even after following the above-mentioned measures, if you are still suffering from hyperpigmentation, contact your nearby dermatologist immediately and seek professional help. Furthermore, one should also remember that to manage skin conditions effectively, one should buy skincare products from the best skincare companies like Avon.
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WHAT CAUSES HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Although hyperpigmentation comes directly from an overproduction of melanin resulting from the reaction of the melanocyte, multiple factors lead to this phenomenon.
And no, they are not, contrary to what we think, only due to age and aging. It is quite possible to have brown spots from the age of 25 if you have bad habits!
The different factors at the origin of hyperpigmentation:
• Sun exposure and free radicals
Unprotected sun exposure is
the most well-known trigger for melanin production (think of the tan
you get after a day at the beach). It is also the main cause
of pigment spots because UV rays produce free radicals which
cause damage at the cellular level, including hyperpigmentation.
• Pollution
Pollution particles present in the air can become lodged in the
deep structure of the skin. This oxidizes surrounding tissue leading to free radical damage and triggers inflammation leading to hyperpigmentation
• Hormones
During hormonal changes (pregnancy, medication, contraception), the production of melanin can be overstimulated and lead to brown spots.
• Acne or inflammations
Any trauma to the skin, whether it’s a cut, pimples (acne) or even the result of a medical procedure such as peeling or laser hair removal, can damage the melanocytes by
overstimulating them, which causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Dark skins are particularly sensitive to this type of hyperpigmentation.
