What Are the Treatments for Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation appears as dark patches of skin. These are areas that contain excess melanin, indicating abnormal cell function. The surrounding areas are lighter in color or of normal skin tone. Hyperpigmentation is more prevalent in areas exposed to sunlight because melanin is stimulated by sunlight, like a tan. Other agents can cause hyperpigmentation, such as medications and chemicals; hormones can induce a condition producing the "mask of pregnancy." Hyperpigmentation can be effectively treated by a professional or at home using commercially available formulations.
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Significance
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Hyperpigmentation is caused by a relative overproduction of pigment (melanin) in the top layer of skin (epidermis). Melanin production can be stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, hormones or chemicals (such as medications). Hyperpigmentation appears as brownish patches of skin, darker in color than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation is usually harmless, and when the epidermis is shed, pigmented cells are also shed. Unsightly areas can be treated by skin-care specialists and medical professionals. If other symptoms such as rash, lesions or growth accompany hyperpigmentation, medical advice should be sought.
Over-the-Counter
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Exfoliation can promote removal of the top layer of skin, stimulating new skin growth to eventually replace the pigmented layer. Over-the-counter treatments to exfoliate skin range from physical agents such as scrubs to medications containing low concentrations of acid or retinol. Over-the-counter treatments are designed to gently exfoliate skin without causing irritation. Physical exfoliants can contain fruit extracts and abrasive particles, which manually remove the superficial layer of skin. Medications such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and retinol can penetrate deeper layers of the epidermis to stimulate peeling. These medications induce dehydration of the epidermis, causing the layer to naturally shed.
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Professional Treatment
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Health-care professionals and skin-care specialists can use stronger medications containing higher concentrations than those available over the counter. Medical professionals can use lasers, chemical peels, depigmenting products, cryotherapy and dermabrasion to remove hyperpigmented skin. These specialists are trained to evaluate the condition of the skin and to monitor the effects of treatment in order to minimize damage. Treatment by a professional can induce more pronounced results.
Considerations
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Hyperpigmentation can effectively be treated and minimized over time, in order to allow normal epidermal tissue to form to replace the pigmented skin. The hyperpigmented skin layer is damaged, producing the discrepancy in skin tone. Treatments for hyperpigmentation utilize the body's natural mechanism to shed and repair skin by stimulating exfoliation. Overuse or prolonged exposure can exacerbate the condition or cause irritation (further damaged skin tissue).
Prevention/Solution
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If hyperpigmentation is caused by medication or chemicals, the condition resolves when the medication or chemical exposure stops. A major cause of hyperpigmentation is UV exposure, so sunblock protection helps to minimize the condition. Most treatments increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, especially during the repair-and-growth cycle that replaces the epidermis; sunblock protection is required to prevent further overstimulation of melanin. Additional supplementation, such as moisturizers and hydrating serums, can support healthy skin growth and relieve dehydration associated with exfoliation.
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