Hyperpigmentation is a common condition which makes the skin darker in some spots than others. Hyperpigmentation can appear as brown, black, grey, red, or pink spots. The spots are sometimes called age spots, or sunspots. The spots can occur in one area or all over the body.
Our skin gets its colour from melanin, which is a substance found in the body. If our skin cells get damaged, they can produce too much melanin, which may cause an area to appear darker.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
There are many things that can lead to hyperpigmentation, for example:
- Sun damage can lead to darker patches of the skin
- If freckles are common in your family, genetics may play a big factor
- Some medications can cause a sensitivity to light, such as birth control pills
- Hormone changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
- Acne can also cause darker spots on the skin
- Lack of vitamins including b12 and folic acid may lead to pigmentation, too
If you notice hyperpigmentation, speak to a doctor or dermatologist, as they may be able to help you find out why you have hyperpigmentation. This may include blood tests to check vitamins, hormones, and thyroid function.
If you are taking any medication that may be causing hyperpigmentation, it may be advised to stop taking it, or to switch to a different medication.
What can you do to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation?
It may be recommended to stay out of the sun if sun damage is a factor. It’s also important to use SPF daily, even during the winter months. Make sure to choose an SPF that blocks UV rays, and it should ideally be SPF30 or higher.
You may also be prescribed some creams or ointments to put on your skin, too. There are many different options, but products that include salicylic acid, tretinoin, and niacinamide, are great.
Other, more invasive treatments include chemical peels and laser skin.
Products to consider:
Neofound Serum is a daily serum, which fights oxidative stress damage. Oxidative stress factors include pollution, excessive exposure to UV rays or sun damage, poor diet, and smoking.
The serum hydrates the skin evens out pigmentation and tone, and it encourages the production of collagen to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Profhilo Haenkenium Cream is another antioxidant cream, which maintains cellular vitality. The cream protects the skin from premature ageing, by hydrating, soothing and protecting the skin. The cream can be applied morning and night and after aesthetic treatments to soothe the skin.
You can view all of our products here.
