What Causes Hyperpigmentation and How Can It Be Treated?

Hyperpigmentation is one of those skin care terms that gets thrown around a lot and sounds like a complicated disease, but it’s actually a pretty ordinary skin condition. Here is everything that you need to know about hyperpigmentation— symptoms, causes, and treatments.

What is hyperpigmentation and how is it caused?

Hyperpigmentation refers to the formation of dark spots on the skin due to an excessive amount of melanin (a pigment in the skin that absorbs light). Hyperpigmentation can be either contained to a small area on your body or may cover a large area. Spots come in all kinds of sizes. There are a couple of different types of hyperpigmentation: Melasma, which is caused by hormonal fluctuations, Letigines, which are caused by UV exposure and are common in people over the age of 60, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is caused by skin damage or acne.

Treatments:

Laser treatments— Laser resurfacing treatments can remedy all kinds of skin discolorations, including irregular pigmentation, sun damage, and age spots by using beams of light to reduce discolorations.

Topical applications— There are several topical applications that can improve hyperpigmentation. Lightening creams can be either purchased in over-the-counter or prescription form and will effectively decrease pigmentation over time.

Chemical Peels— Another option is to use skin peels which lighten dark spots using more concentrated ingredients for faster, more dramatic results.

Microdermabrasion Facials— Microdermabrasion facials are a popular option for treating hyperpigmentation. Microdermabrasion affects only the epidermis (outer layer of the skin), which means that it is an ideal treatment for some cases of hyperpigmentation and not effective for others.

Natural prevention— Although there are various types of hyperpigmentation, the most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sunlight. The more time you spend in the sun, the more likely your chance of developing hyperpigmentation! Existing spots will only get worse with sun exposure. Limit your exposure to UV rays by always wearing sunscreen and avoid tanning beds at all costs!

To learn more about treatments for hyperpigmentation or to schedule a consultation with one of our skin care experts at North Scottsdale Laser & Skin Care Clinic, call (480) 513-2888, or book your appointment online.