What is Hyperpigmentation? Treatments, Causes and More

Generally speaking, hyperpigmentation is defined by darker patches of skin appearing on your body. Depending on the individual, spots of hyperpigmentation show up anywhere there is skin. This very common skin condition affects upwards of 5 million people in the United States alone! The Esthy Clinic in Los Angeles offers a multitude of treatments to help improve facial hyperpigmentation.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

There are a wide variety of potential reasons for spots of darkened skin. For one reason or another, these spots appear when your body overproduces melanin. Besides the causes listed here, there’s always a chance that it’s a result of a hormonal imbalance. This is much more rare than other causes, but if your hyperpigmentation is more dramatic and not a result of anything else, you should speak with your doctor.

Inflammation and aging

First, various traumas to your skin may cause dark spots to appear. These reasons include acne scars, blisters, serious bug bites, eczema, and even something as simple as cuts and scrapes. All of these things cause skin inflammation, which in turn, increases melanin production within your skin. 

As we start to age, our skin starts to thin and the number of cells that contain pigment is reduced. The remaining pigment cells increase though, and dark spots occur where those cells remain. While we can’t stop ourselves from growing older, we reduce the appearance of aging through treatment and routine.

Prolonged sun exposure

One of the most common (and easiest to avoid) reasons for hyperpigmentation comes from too much time in the sun. The main benefit of melanin is its ability to absorb the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Most of the time, the end result is a nice tan. When sun exposure is too frequent or excessive, dark spots appear.

To avoid hyperpigmentation as a result of sun exposure, just make sure you wear sunscreen daily! Facial sunscreens exist for everyday use that help to both protect, moisturize, and strengthen your skin’s overall health.

Melasma

When your body goes through hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, dark spots are referred to as melasma spots. While it doesn’t happen to everyone, one side effect of pregnancy happens to be an overproduction of melanin. The resulting “mask of pregnancy” leads to darkened spots in the abdomen and face. Similarly, women who take birth control may experience such side effects. Unfortunately, darkened skin spots can last for years before they fully fade away. 

Skin treatments and products that can help

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help deal with hyperpigmentation. A combination of facial treatments and the use of products at home can help clear up dark spots! The effectiveness and amount of time it takes to clear largely depends on how dark your skin is, and the reasons for it. Your esthetician will be able to estimate a plan based on your skin’s needs.

Nano-infusion facial

The nano-infusion facial is one of the best facials for helping darkened spots on your skin offered by The Esthy Clinic. This treatment makes use of growth factor serums derived from bone marrow stem cells. The active ingredients within the serum help to boost collagen production, and reduce hyperpigmentation. 

Chemical peels

Light chemical peels remove the old, outermost layer of your skin. The new skin underneath is usually brighter, less wrinkled, and smoother than the old skin. If your hyperpigmentation is caused by melasma, sun damage, or inflammation, this treatment is a great option. Your skin becomes very sensitized to sun damage after a chemical peel, so take your esthetician’s advice after your treatment and stay out of the sun for a while. 

iS Clinical Brightening Complex

The blend of ingredients in iS Clinical Brightening Complex effectively lightens hyperpigmentation. All ingredients are safe for your skin, so discoloration is reduced without sensitizing your skin. In addition, it helps to minimize the appearance of pores for a truly flawless complexion.

Retinaldehyde Serum with IconicA

One of the best anti-aging serums also helps to restore cell damage and overall skin health. The vitamins in Retinaldehyde Serum with IconicA encourage cellular respiration, and allow nutrients to enter cell membranes. Perfect for improving overall skin texture and brightness!

How to help prevent future hyperpigmentation in your skin

As you restore your skin to it’s bright, youthful appearance, you’ll want to prevent hyperpigmentation from popping up again! Follow these great guidelines to keep your skin looking its best and healthiest.

Stick to your skin care routine

The importance of a regular skin care routine cannot be overstated. As often as you may go to your esthetician, without a routine your results are limited! Stick to the products and consistency that your esthetician recommends for you to amplify the results you see in your skin.

Don’t pop pimples on your skin

Simply put, don’t mess with any pimples, blackheads, bug bites or mosquito bites. It always causes further inflammation in your skin. As stated earlier, inflammation leads to skin discoloration. Messing with these spots make them look worse for a longer period of time. Resist the urge!

Diligently apply your sunscreen

To avoid sun damage, make sure you apply sunscreen daily. If you’re going to be in the sun a lot on a given day, reapply sunscreen every two hours. Besides preventing skin discoloration, you do yourself a service by protecting against skin cancer, wrinkles, and sunburn!

Take the first step toward treating your hyperpigmentation by contacting The Esthy Clinic! We offer free consultations to get to know you and your skin. Each service is unique to your needs, and optimized for results. Let’s get your skin glowing with radiant beauty!