Removal of Facial Pigmentation

To avoid skin discoloration, fake a tan and take cover under a wide-brimmed hat.

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, hyperpigmentation is the uneven darkening of skin due to excessive melanin, which forms deposits in the skin. People of all skin colors develop hyperpigmentation. Age or liver spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation. Though excessive sun exposure is the main culprit, hormonal changes due to pregnancy or birth control pills and illness have the potential to cause skin discoloration. It is essential to determine the primary cause of skin discoloration, avoid UV rays and select the right skin treatment. For some, additional treatments, such as a bleaching cream, is unnecessary, while others benefit from a combination of procedures and treatments.

Things You'll Need

• UVB and UVA blocking sunscreen (recommended for everyone)
• Topical medications (optional)
• Rosehip oil and vitamin E capsules

Instructions

Determine the Cause of Hyperpigmentation

1. The "Reader's Digest Guide to Skin Care" proposes that before selecting the appropriate skin lightening strategy, it is important to identify the underlying cause of discoloration. If discoloration occurs due to pimples, then one must treat the acne problem. There are three signs to look for: first, spots appear after getting pimples; second, skin darkens after using an irritating product; third, spots appear after sun exposure.

2. Block UV rays. Avoiding the sun is essential in preventing and diminishing skin discoloration. No matter what skin color, protect skin with a sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreens which block only UVB rays do half the job, so it's necessary to find one that blocks UVA rays, as well. Julie Gabriel in "The Green Beauty Guide" recommends choosing a sunscreen which contains Mexoryl (also called ecamsule or terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid). Mexoryl provides the most efficient UVA protection. Along with a high-quality sunscreen, choose large sunglasses, which provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.

3. Consider a topical medication. There are a variety of creams and lotions which reduce skin discoloration. Key ingredients to look for are hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, licorice and retinoids. Most creams labeled as "bleaching creams" have hydroquinone as a main ingredient, but consumers need to be aware that this ingredient is also considered a carcinogen ( a cancer-causing agent). Kojic acid, on the other hand, is not carcinogenic, but it makes the skin more sensitive. Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) are effective skin lighteners, but one must use with caution due to the irritation which is common among first-time users.

   Overall, it's best to consult with a dermatologist when choosing the right topical medication.

4. Depending on the type of skin discoloration, you may benefit from chemical peels. A chemical peel involves applying acid to skin in order to destroy the upper layer of skin. New skin develops in its place. There are different strengths of chemical peels: superficial, medium and deep, which requires an anesthetic.

5. Consider dermabrasion. Dermabrasion involves using a stream of crystals or a diamond wand to gently exfoliate the skin. This procedure does not require an anesthetic. It works well on superficial skin defects, such as fine lines, enlarged pores and slight discoloration.

6. Make your own treatment. Liz Earle in "Skin Care Secrets: How to Have Healthy, Beautiful Skin" advises massaging a little rosehip oil with the contents of one vitamin E capsule into the skin every night. This is an easy and safe skin lightening strategy that women with all skin types may use.

References

• "Skin Care Secrets: How to Have Naturally Healthy, Beautiful Skin"; Earle, Liz; 2010
• "The Green Beauty Guide"; Gabriel, Julie; 2008
• "Reader's Digest Guide to Skin Care"; Taylor, Susan, M.D., Holloway, Victoria, M.D.; 2009
• The Beauty Brains: Is Kojic Acid Skin Lightening Safe?
• American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Hyperpigmentation