Skin Discoloration: What to do with Hyperpigmentation
What is hyperpigmentation? When we talk about hyperpigmentation, it includes freckles, age spots or liver spots, pregnancy mask or melasma and also dark patches. The main causes of hyperpigmentation are sun damage and hormonal imbalance, which stated in my skin discoloration article.
Hyperpigmentation is a very common skin concern that you can find mostly in women, regardless the races, although you can see dark patches in older men too. Some hyperpigmentation issues might be cosmetically resolved while some issues require dermatologist’s attention and treatment.
Hyperpigmentation Issues
- Freckles
Freckles are hyperpigmentation issues that usually develop on people with fair skin, due to sun ray damage. There are two types of freckles: Ephelides and Lentigines. Ephelides are freckles that gain intensity during summer and fade during winter, while Lentigines develop darker spot and do not fade. The long term effect of this hyperpigmentation spots is causing skin devastating, especially to the skin texture.
- Age Spots | Liver Spots
Age spots or liver spots are similar to freckles. The occurrence of this hyperpigmentation mark is normally later in life and can develop on any skin type. However, its occurrence is not really due to age, but more to sun damage. You can always refer my skin discoloration article for knowing 3 phases causing hyperpigmentation.
- Pregnancy mask | Melasma | Chloasma
Another form of hyperpigmentation is pregnancy mask which is a result of hormonal changes. Pregnant women are among those who are normally exposed to this type of hyperpigmentation issue mainly on face and abdomen due to the excessive production of melanin. Although the pregnancy mask will fade after delivery, traces can still remain. Besides, women who take oral contraceptives can also be affected with this type of skin disorder.
- Dark Patches
Dark patches are hyperpigmentation mark commonly seen on skin of senior citizens. The main causes are aging and also sun damage.
Hyperpigmentation Treatments
- Laser
This could be the fastest method with the least effort for hyperpigmentation treatment. Normally, it requires at least 6 to 8 treatments several weeks apart and you can get your dark spots disappeared after the laser treatment. However, it can lead to permanent scarring in some cases. Before you use laser on your face, make sure you choose a clinic that does a test patch somewhere discreetly.
- Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is another option for hyperpigmentation treatment. In this treatment, liquid nitrogen is applied to the spot and freezes it off. It can be treated with one or two visits and. Like laser, it has some risks and you need to wisely choose a well trusted clinic for this treatment.
- Skin Care Treatments | Products
Using quality skin care treatments are the other option if you are intent on getting rid of hyperpigmentation marks on your skin. As you read my skin discoloration article, you will know that there are 3 phases causing hyperpigmentation. As such, you must use clinical tested skin care products that target on these different 3 phases.
a) Minimize the activation of skin discoloration: Ingredients such as Carnosine, Hexapeptide-2 and Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane) Extract are effective in reducing the appearance of existing dark spots, uneven skin tone and discoloration. Of course, you need to use sun block with at least SPF15 daily on your face.
b) Inhibits the synthesis of skin discoloration: Clinical studies show that Brightex and Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane (THDM) can help preventing the formation of new dark spots and discoloration.
c) Visibly reduces the expression of skin discoloration on skin surface: Creatinine and Fairtex in Triphasic White System can help maintaining even and bright the skin tone.
In fact, research on 3 phases causing skin discoloration is carried by Dr Bryan B. Fuller over 20 years. This research has resulted in more than 40 peer review publications and 11 U.S. patents, covering various commercial uses of hyperpigmentation stimulators and inhibitors. As a biologist and biochemist specializing in molecular endocrinology, Dr. Fuller is currently an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and an adjunct professor of dermatology at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
No matter what hyperpigmentation treatments you choose to use, always remember your goals are to minimize the activation of skin discoloration, reduce melanin production and even out pigmentation. Besides choose a treatment, you need to take consideration of other factors such as lifestyle and eating habit. And always understand skin care basic and get more natural skin care tips before you jump into any hyperpigmentation treatments.