How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition characterized by patches of darker-colored skin. This condition is common, affects people of all ethnicities and is usually nothing to cause concern. However, the dark patches can be unsightly. Fortunately, they are preventable in some cases. Getting rid of hyperpigmentation is possible, but treatment can take a long time and cost a lot, depending on the severity of the case.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Hydroquinone cream

1. Get checked out by a dermatologist. Some diseases, such as Addison's disease, and some forms of cancer are responsible for hyperpigmentation of the skin. It's important to rule out any dangerous causes if you already have some regions of darkened skin.

2. Inform your doctor of any drugs you are taking, including birth-control pills, psychoactive drugs, diuretics, painkillers and other medications. These could be the cause of your hyperpigmentation, and changing the dosage or drug protocol may treat and prevent the condition.

3. Stay out of direct sun. Sunlight is the number-one cause of hyperpigmentation, but you can prevent dark spots from forming by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 whenever you expect sun exposure.

4. Wear a wide-brim hat in addition to sunscreen when exposed to sun during pregnancy. Melasma, also called the mask of pregnancy, is a form of hyperpigmentation that typically affects the face and can be exacerbated by sun exposure.

5. Use hydroquinone cream prophylactically before laser surgery or resurfacing. Hyperpigmentation can be a side effect of laser surgery, but some patients are able to prevent it by using hydroquinone cream, a skin lightener, beforehand.

Tips & Warnings

• Make applying sunscreen a part of your everyday routine, even if you don't expect to be out in the sun for a long time. You can get a lot of UV-light exposure just from walking to and from your car. Reapply it throughout the day.
• Don't expect treatment with hydroquinone, prior to laser resurfacing, to prevent hyperpigmentation in all cases. Its effectiveness is disputed by some dermatologists.
• Don't use harsh cleansing or moisturizing products on areas where you have experienced hyperpigmentation in the past. Skin irritation can trigger hyperpigmentation or make it worse.
• Don't expect clouds to protect you. It doesn't have to be sunny for you to get sun damage from UVA and UVB rays. Sunrays can penetrate the clouds without you realizing it.
• Don't forget to apply sunscreen to areas that are covered by clothing made of thin or sheer material. Most light fabrics do not provide adequate protection from the sun.