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How To Help Hyperpigmentation!

1 October, 2021 - 07:03am by - Head Pixie | 7 Comments

By BR Amelia

Hyperpigmentation feels like one of those issues that sneak up on you. One moment it's not there, the next it is...

So what is hyperpigmentation? How can we avoid it? And is there anything we can do to help reduce the look of it? Read on...

What is hyperpigmentation anyway?

Hyperpigmentation is quite simply an area of skin that is darker in tone than the rest of your skin due to an increase in melanin, which is the pigment that creates our skin tone.

Sun spots and melasma are two examples of hyperpigmentation. The former being caused by sun exposure over the years, the latter often caused by hormonal changes or medication. Skin inflammation, such as acne and pimples or burns, can also result in hyperpigmentation once the skin has healed.

The size of hyperpigmentation varies - from small spots here and there, to covering larger areas (as can be seen with melasma, which can create a mask-like appearance upon one's face).

Can hyperpigmentation be avoided? Or reduced in appearance?

Hyperpigmentation is not always avoidable - especially if it is created by hormonal changes like pregnancy or the use of the oral contraceptive pill. However, when it comes to the likes of sun spots, the chances of it occuring can be reduced by keeping out of the sun and wearing sunscreen.

If you've noticed that acne/pimples/mosquito bites that have been scratched or picked at create hyperpigmentation, then resist the urge to squeeze or scritch in order to avoid its onset.

Treatment is possible, but the big rule is to talk to a skincare/health professional before engaging in treatment - even the DIY kind - as some creams have ingredients that can worsen the look of hyperpigentation over a long period of time, and some skincare treatments can also make things worse depending on the type of hyperpigmentation you have. 

If you are wanting to work at reducing your hyperpigmentation at home, then over the counter products - such as toners, serums and spot treatments - containing retinoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and/or niacinamide are available. If they're not doing the trick, a doctor can prescribe topical creams to help lighten affected areas.

If creams aren't helping, laser treatment, intense pulsed light treatments and chemical peels can also help reduce the look of hyperpigmentation.

The last word on the topic? While treating your hyperpigmentation, do be vigilant when it comes to wearing sunscreen, and again - we can't say this enough - if you do have concerns, talk to a health professional.

So, have you experienced hyperpigmentation? What kind? And what did you do to deal with it? Or are you comfortable with accepting it as part of your good self? Chat away!

Comments

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10th October, 2021

I got it pretty bad on my forehead and chin . Acne has been flaring up too .

7th October, 2021

Acne medicine, the sun and contraception caused sunspots. The medicines thinned my skin but I really wanted no more acne as I had it badly for years. Now in my 30s I still have acne I've been off the acne medicines for years they certainly do make skin more susceptible to sundamage

6th October, 2021

Yep, at about the age of 40, I saw myself in a photo; it was a profile shot and there was this pretty obvious sun splodge on the side of my face! Never noticed it before, and wasn't particularly happy about it! Many years and failed attempts with creams and serums later, I finally went to a dermatologist who used an acid something-or-other to burn it off. Sounds horrific, but she was super gentle and careful, and after about a month the splodge had totally faded. (You can't beat a professional treatment, imho.) BUT, there are two possible downsides. The splat is now very white, and while that's fine with me, because it's not obvious against my very pale skin, it would stand out a mile on a darker skinned person. And - what is absolutely not so fine with me - new splodge has appeared around the white, like it's spreading from the centre outwards. I was told this might happen, so I still trust the dermatologist, but I'm nervous to get the new stuff treated in case it then spreads even further - inching ever closer to my eye area! Anyway, all that to say... I'm keenly reading everyone's comments about this, in case someone's found a better, cream- or serum-based treatment that might deal to the darn thing!

5th October, 2021

Sadly I wasn't very good with sunscreen in my youth. My mother used to say I don't need sunscreen as I tan so easily and early got sunburnt. Then as an adult I was in the NZ Navy so out on the upper deck was my job so lots of sun exposure and even under the jawline due to the ocean's reflection. My whole face is now darker than the rest of my skin and it is really difficult to find a foundation that blends. I'll be following this thread to see what others have found successful products

5th October, 2021

I got some after having both my children down the sides of my jawline. I managed to fade it considerably with Lancome Advanced Genifique youth activating serum. That is one amazing serum!

4th October, 2021

I have started getting quite a few hyperpigmented spots. I use the la-roche posey 50+ sunblock with tint in it to help cover over the spots. And Ive just started using a retinol serum to see if that helps minimize them.

4th October, 2021

I've been lucky and don't have any so far.

JacqIAm
5th October, 2021

I'll give this serum a go thanks for the info MissDilly

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