Eating well, exercising, and visiting your doctor regularly are important steps to live a healthy, happy life. However, many conditions can affect you even when following these simple tasks to live a healthy lifestyle. If you have developed dark patches on various parts of your skin, you may have hyperpigmentation. While this skin condition is not life threatening, it can affect your appearance and self-esteem. With this guide, you will understand hyperpigmentation and learn how to restore your skin back to a more appealing state.
Sun Damage = Hyperpigmentation
Exposure to the sun increases your skin's production of melanin. This pigment gives your skin its color. However, excess sun exposure that leads to an excess production of melanin is known as hyperpigmentation. If you have dark spots, blotches, and patches over different areas of your skin, you are most likely dealing with sun damage.
The discolored spots and patches are not as noticeable in individuals with dark skin. The hyperpigmentation will appear prominent on light and fair skinned individuals.
Removing the Damage
Hyperpigmentation of the skin is not permanent, if it is caught early.
In early stages, the sun damage is superficial, meaning the dark spots and patches are only affecting the outer layer of your skin. Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical cream that contains hydroquinone, which effectively lightens dark areas of the skin.
Hydroquinone contains bleaching agents, which can whiten and irritate your skin excessively over time. Due to this, creams that contain hydroquinone are not recommended for long term use.
If you have a more severe case of hyperpigmentation that has damaged the underlying layer of your skin, a dermatologist may suggest a more involved treatment. Laser resurfacing is an effective option for removing a layer of skin. This process stimulates the production of collagen, which allows a new, undamaged layer of skin to grow.
Prevention
Preventing sun damage is your best weapon against hyperpigmentation. Although it is impossible to stay out of the sun completely, you can protect your skin while outdoors.
Consider wearing large brim hats and sunglasses. Make sure to apply a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection daily. If you plan to spend time outdoors for long periods of time, apply the sunscreen multiple times during the day.
The skin is your largest organ, so you must protect and maintain its look and health. Using this guide, you will learn how hyperpigmentation develops and the best options for restoring and protecting your skin.
Share3 March 2017
While I wasn't fond the reason I had to visit a dermatologist when I was a teenager (I had severe acne that she helped me manage), I feel lucky to have had the experience of visiting a dermatologist and learning just what they can do to help me have great-looking skin. I wasn't happy when I got my first wrinkle at about 30; my acne had just cleared up, and I wanted to enjoy having skin I finally loved for at least a few years! With a little more help from my dermatologist, I am now in my 50s, and many people think I am much younger than I am due to the amazing anti-aging treatments my dermatologist gives me. I want to teach what I have learned about skincare to others who need the advice, so please come back often for new skincare tips!
