Skin pigmentation is one of the most common issues faced by many people at some point in their lives. When dark spots or patches appear on the skin, it is termed as hyperpigmentation, leading many people to seek out effective skin pigmentation treatment. On the other hand, when the patches of skin appear lighter than usual, it is known as hypopigmentation.
The role of pigment in determining skin colour
Melanin is a group of natural pigments located in the basal layer of the epidermis and is found in almost all organisms. It plays a major role in determining the natural colour of one’s skin pigmentation. Melanin also protects the skin by absorbing UV rays from the sun. Hence, the more melanin, the more protection!
It is the UVA radiation that makes us tan. When these rays enter the lower layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), they trigger melanocytes. This increases melanin production, causing tanning. Melanin is our body’s way of protecting us from the harmful effects of UV radiation. UVA radiation can lead to cellular damage, while UVB radiation can lead to sunburn.
Pigmentation irregularities can occur when UVA radiation damages melanocytes, causing them to release melanin irregularly into the skin. While this can happen anywhere in the body, it is commonly found in areas exposed to the sun such as the arms, the back of the hands, and face. Pigmentation is not only caused by many different reasons but is also present in different people with various intensities.
Causes of pigmentation
The body produces excess melanin when melanocytes become damaged. This can be due to factors such as sun damage, skin trauma, acne scarring, stress, hormone irregularities, and hereditary predispositions. Skin types can also play a role in pigmentation. Fairer and lighter skin types will be more affected by sun damage, darker skin types will be impacted more by skin trauma, and olive skin types will be more affected by hormonal changes.
Types of pigmentation can vary including flat brown marks, age spots, large darker patches, and an uneven skin tone.
Types of pigmentation
● Hyperpigmentation is often caused by hormonal influences, inflammation, sun exposure, skin injuries, and age.
● Melasma mainly appears on the face and sometimes the back, neck, and arms. It can be caused by hormonal changes such as during pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy, and medications that cause sensitivity to sunlight.
● Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is temporary and occurs after an injury to the skin such as a thermal burn. Its colour can vary between red, white, very dark brown, pink and purple, affecting both men and women of all skin types.
● Solar lentigines, also known as age spots, liver spots, or sun spots, are small, flat, and darkened spots that have clearly defined edges. They can be caused by years of UV sun exposure on the skin.
● Solar keratoses, also called actinic keratosis, are sunspots that appear as bumpy, rough pink patches. They usually affect people over the age of 40 and can turn into skin cancer if not treated.
How to treat pigmentation?
If you are looking for skin pigmentation treatment, there are many face pigmentation creams available on the market. However, make sure you are choosing a topical face cream that contains a powerful active ingredient called hydroquinone.
Skin pigmentation creams that contain hydroquinone help fade away unwanted pigmentation such as dark spots, melasma, brown marks, freckles, and age spots. It can offer long-lasting and effective results for mild, moderate, and hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone helps to stop the formation of excess melanin at the source in melanocytes.
Also, you should be aware of where you are on the pigmentation scale as this will help in choosing a solution that best suited for you. When using a topical cream, apply it religiously for at least 6 weeks to see the best results. Once you feel that the spots have begun to fade away, you can use it occasionally to maintain results.
Always remember to take a patch test before application of the skin pigmentation cream. While mild irritation is common, if you feel any discomfort, stop using it and consult a dermatologist.
Tips to prevent pigmentation
● One of the best ways to prevent hyperpigmentation is to avoid sun exposure.
● You must always use sunscreen while stepping outside of the home. The sunscreen you use must have an SPF of at least 30 or more for protecting your skin and preventing the hyperpigmentation from becoming darker.
● To prevent hyperpigmentation after an injury, avoid picking at the spots or acne.