Treatment for Hyperpigmentation
Maybe it’s a small dark spot on your cheek. Perhaps it’s a spot so large you look like the phantom of the opera. Known medically as hyperpigmentation, those spots might not affect your physical health, but they definitely affect how you feel about yourself. If you’re embarrassed by what you see in the mirror, it’s time to find a treatment for hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is when the skin or fingernails become darker due to an increase in melanin, the pigment-producing substance in our bodies. This unsightly and embarrassing disorder can be caused by a number of hormonal conditions, such as pregnancy or Addison’s disease. During pregnancy, hyperpigmentation of the face is called melasma. If it happens as a result of age or sun damage, it’s referred to as a sun spot.
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Skin darkening can also be caused by eczema, acne, allergic reactions or other skin inflammation. In addition, if your ancestry is Asian, African, Latin, or Mediterranean, you could be at increased risk of hyperpigmentation.
Here are some common medical ways to get rid of your blotches and patches.
Hydroquinone: This has been a treatment for hyperpigmentation for more than half a century and works by blocking the production of melanin. It’s often combined with other skin lighteners, such as retinoids, vitamin C, and glycolic acid. It must be carefully applied only to darkened skin areas because it will lighten any skin it comes into contact with. Some users also report skin irritation when using hydroquinone.
Retinoid creams: A common acne treatment, retinoids, such as tretinoin, treat dark patches and spots by exfoliating the skin and blocking the melanin production. It can take several weeks or months for users to see real results. While it can be effective, it can also cause unpleasant side effects. In one study of African-American melasma patients, nearly 88% reported moderate skin peeling, rashes, or redness.
Laser resurfacing: In this treatment for moderately or severely hyperpigmented skin, a doctor will use a laser to destroy several layers of skin and reveal the fresh skin underneath. The new skin is likely to be tender and can remain pink for up to several months. It may also trigger blisters and, like any medical procedure, infection. Be sure to consult with a qualified health care professional before choosing this option.
Chemical peels: This treatment for hyperpigmentation is performed by a dermatologist. He or she will use an acid, such as glycolic or salicylic, to peel away at the top layers of skin. It has many of the same side effects as laser resurfacing, including the possibility of raw, pink skin.
No matter which type of medical treatment you choose—topical prescriptions or medical procedures—you’ll want to check with your health insurance company first. Many of these skin lightening treatments are considered cosmetic in nature and may not be covered. The result? You’ll end up digging deeply into your own pockets to pay for it.
Treatment for hyperpigmentation isn’t limited to prescription drugs or medical procedures. There are natural treatments you can make in your own home that can rid your skin of those embarrassing blotches. Some home skin-lightening programs even use ingredients that may reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. You’ll also want to look for a program that not only teaches you ways to lighten your skin, but also teaches you how to care for your skin so it looks as healthy and youthful as possible.
Remember, no matter which treatment you choose, it’s important to protect your skin from sunlight. The sun’s rays can actually reverse any therapy you’ve invested in and trigger more dark patches. Find a good sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays and apply it religiously every single day. You may also want to start wearing a brimmed hat when you’re in direct sunlight.
With an effective, all-natural skin-lightening treatment and proper protection from the sun, you can find a path to the new, fresh skin you deserve.
