What is hyperpigmentation? The overproduction of melanin, the key pigment that gives our skin its natural tone. There are various types and causes of hyperpigmentation such as age spots, which are a common sign of skin ageing caused by damage from UV exposure. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a temporary pigmentation that comes after an injury or an inflammatory skin disorder, like dermatitis. It is most common in people with darker skin. Melasma are patches of discolouration usually on the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, the forehead, the chin, and above the upper lip. It is often triggered by hormones and most common during pregnancy. Freckles are also hyperpigmentation which is linked to genetics. They may become darker and more visible with UV exposure.
Here are 5 tips to help prevent hyperpigmentation:
Tip 1: Protect your skin from the sun. No matter the season or weather, daily application of a moisturiser that contains sunscreen should be part of your skin-care regimen. Using SPF of 30 or more is ideal especially those containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Reapply every two hours if you’re out for extended periods of time; wearing hats; and avoiding direct sun exposure are all key.
Tip 2: Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m or buy hats. Even the best sunscreens will let some UVA rays through, causing hyperpigmentation to worsen, so buy some hats.
Tip 3: Don’t pick or scratch the skin. If you get any spots, it’s important not to pick at them. If you get a cut cover it with a Band-Aid to avoid having a permanent dark mark or scar there. Also, avoid scratching mosquito bites, which also causes darkening of the skin.
Tip 4: Discontinue using lightening creams that cause redness. Instead look for a formula that combines a lightening agent (such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, licorice extract, or mushroom extract) and an exfoliating agent (such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or retinol).
Tip 5: Look for key ingredients in your skin-care products. Some ingredients that have proven very useful in combating hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone are niacinamide, which increases surface-cell turnover; N-acetylglucosamine, which inhibits the production of excess melanin; and undecylenoyl phenylalanine, which blocks cellular signals that initiate excess melanin production. Prescription products or physician-dispensed products may also work better since they generally contain a higher concentration of the key ingredients.
