Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that affects millions of people across the world. The condition causes patches of the skin to become darker than the normal skin tone, most commonly occurring on the back of the hands and the face but occasionally affecting other areas of the body.
Melanin, a pigment produced by skin cells, is responsible for the skin’s natural colour, however, issues with this pigment can cause irregularities in skin appearance – known as pigmentation. Skin that produces too much melanin, can lead to hyperpigmentation, resulting in darker patches of skin.
What Causes Hyperpimentation?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of Hyperpigmentation, including excessive sun exposure, skin inflammation, hormonal changes, or certain medications. It can also be a result of a skin injury or genetic factors.
The condition is most commonly found in people with darker skin tones, but it can affect anyone. Although hyperpigmentation is not a harmful medical condition, it can be a cosmetic concern for many people and can affect their self-esteem.
Understanding the causes and types of hyperpigmentation is important to determine the most effective treatment. While some cases of hyperpigmentation may fade on their own, others may require professional intervention.
In the following sections, we’ll discuss the different types of hyperpigmentation, their causes, and available treatments.
Understanding Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin types and ages but becomes more common with age. The risk of developing hyperpigmentation can also increase with a variety of environmental factors including sun exposure, unhealthy eating habits, and certain medications.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
There are different types and causes of hyperpigmentation, including:
- Melasma: Melasma is a common type of hyperpigmentation that is caused by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills. It causes brown or grey-brown patches on the face, usually on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.
- Lentigines: Lentigines, also known as age spots or liver spots, are small, dark spots that appear on the skin as people age. They are caused by exposure to the sun and typically appear on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and arms.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin around a wound, typically an acne pimple, darkens and discolours, making the skin look grey or brown.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Sun exposure
Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation, particularly in people with fair skin. The correct use of sun creams of SPF 30+ can help to reduce the risk of developing hyperpigmentation.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or when taking birth control pills can cause hyperpigmentation due to an associated increase in melanin production.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to the irritation caused by these conditions.
Genetics
Some people may be more prone to hyperpigmentation due to their genetics.
The Role of Melanin
Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and gives skin its colour. When the skin is exposed to the sun, the melanocytes produce more melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage.
This is why people with darker skin (types III to IV) are theoretically more prone to developing hyperpigmentation due to their skin having a great capacity to produce Melanin.
Identifying Hyperpigmentation
Commonly Affected Areas
Hyperpigmentation can occur on any part of the body, but some areas are more prone to it than others. The face, hands, and neck are common areas that are affected by hyperpigmentation.
Dark spots, or liver spots, are often seen on the face and hands, while dark patches of hyperpigmentation can appear on any part of the body.
Appearance and Symptoms
Dark Spots & Liver Spots
Dark spots, or liver spots, are flat, brown spots that appear on the skin. They are usually harmless, but they can be a sign of sun damage.
Skin Patches
Patches of hyperpigmentation can appear as large areas of darkened skin, or they can be small spots. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, and skin injury.
Treating Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can be a frustrating skin condition to deal with, but several aesthetic treatments are available to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Here are some of our most popular treatments to reduce hyperpigmentation:
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Pigmentation Treatment
Laser treatment is a popular option for removing hyperpigmentation. It works by using a high-energy light beam to break up the excess melanin in the affected area. This pigmentation can then be removed naturally by the body’s lymphatic system.
This treatment is effective for all skin types and can be used on any part of the body.
Find out more about IPL Pigmentation Removal.
Intracel RF-Microneedling
Intracel RF-microneedling is a relatively new treatment for hyperpigmentation that combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling.
This treatment works by creating tiny channels in the skin and delivering radiofrequency energy to the affected area.
This energy helps stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. This treatment is less invasive than laser treatment and chemical peels, but it may require several sessions to see results.
Learn more about Intracel RF Microneedling.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is a specialised treatment that involves taking a blood extract, similar to that of a normal blood test, placing this blood in a centrifuge, and then re-injecting the plasma selectively to improve natural skin healing.
This treatment is very well tolerated as it uses the patient’s own blood to produce a regenerative effect for the skin. PRP can help the skin to naturally regulate melanin production to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy uses ultrafine needles to introduce revitalising substances deep into the skin tissue. This can have multiple benefits for the skin including breaking down pigmentation and scar tissue, improving blood flow to the skin, and encouraging the skin’s natural healing process.
Mesotherapy is suitable for sensitive skin and delicate areas, including the face and nack, making it a popular choice for those with hyperpigmentation.
Find out more about mesotherapy.
Tixel Skin Resurfacing
Tixel skin resurfacing offers a deeply nourishing skin resurfacing treatment that uses thermal currents to stimulate natural skin cell function and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
This can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by breaking down the pigmented skin tissue and promoting elastin and collagen production.
Dermalux LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate the skin’s natural healing processes.
This treatment can be effective in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation as well as other skin conditions like acne scars and rosacea. It is painless and requires no downtime.
Find out more about Dermalux LED Light Therapy.
Hydrafacial
Hydrafacial uses a six-stage treatment to revitalise and refresh the skin. This unique, non-invasive treatment is administered in sequence to take your skin on a rejuvenating journey that restores elastin and collagen production while eliminating dead skin cells.
This treatment is best suited for mild hyperpigmentation and can be used to reduce its appearance while promoting healthier skin.
Find out more about Hydrafacial.
Conclusion
While hyperpigmentation is generally considered a cosmetic concern, it can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem.
However, there are a variety of treatment options available that can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and restore a more even skin tone. It is also recommended to adopt certain lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the appearance and risk of hyperpigmentation. These include wearing sunscreen, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Light Touch Clinic offers a variety of treatments that are available at our Surrey-based clinic and administered by our skin experts. Book your consultation with us today to discuss the most suitable treatment options for you.
