Pigmentation and Hyperpigmentation – Causes, Precautions, and Treatments

While most of us dream of clear, blemish-free skin, the reality becomes quite different for many as they experience hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation comes with discoloration of the skin and may result in the way we feel about our looks. We desire to look confident in our skin but a skin consisting of blemishes ruins that confidence.

There are multiple types of hyperpigmentation and there may be many causes behind it. Read on to know all about hyperpigmentation, its causes, and the treatment options available.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the discoloration of the skin which can be in form of brown spots, pink small spots, or larger patches. They can appear on the face, neck, and other parts of the body. This skin discoloration appears due to the unusual increase in the melanin produced by the specialized skin cells (Melanocytes). The melanin can be altered due to multiple factors and results in either lighter pigmentation or stronger discoloration (hyperpigmentation).

Different Types of Hyperpigmentation

When the discoloration is less, the condition is called pigmentation or hypopigmentation but if the condition is severe, it is hyperpigmentation. There are many types of pigmentation and hyperpigmentation:

1. Sun Spots

Sunspots are the kind of pigmentation where dark or light brown flat spots appear on your skin. They are usually in areas that may be overexposed to the sun or UV rays like the neck, face, chest, and hands. These spots get darkened with age and hence are also called ‘Age Spots’.

2. Melasma

Light or medium brown patches on the skin are called melasma. This type of hyperpigmentation may appear on the cheeks, forehead, and above the lips and is majorly due to hormonal imbalance.

3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

This is the kind of hyperpigmentation that one may get post severe acne. Also known as acne pigmentation, they appear as the skin starts to heal after acne. The acne scars left behind and the melanin developed in the healing skin cause dark marks.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation causes are many and they can appear again and again in one’s lifetime.  Some of the reasons for getting pigmentation and hyperpigmentation are:

1. Sun Exposure – Sun damage is one of the most common causes of brown spots. Sun damage can cause larger patches of pigmentation.

2. Ultraviolet Radiation – UV radiation is emitted by the sun and also from artificial light sources. UV rays can also cause pigmentation in the exposed areas as it penetrates and damages the skin.

3. Age – Years of sun exposure and UV rays can also cause hyperpigmentation marks on the face, sides of the face, cheeks, neck, etc.

4. Acne – Acne and the scars left behind by acne may also result in hyperpigmentation. The inflammation of the skin when starts to heal itself also develops melanin in excess to protect from further acne. This causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

5. Infections – Skin infections can cause hyperpigmentation as they impact skin texture.

6. Hormonal Imbalance – Hormonal changes are caused by many factors like pregnancy, birth control pills, or genetics. This hormonal imbalance causes hyperpigmentation like melasma and other kinds of spots and patches.

7. Allergies – Rashes or discoloration can also be caused by allergic reactions. Allergies caused by certain foods or medicines etc. may lead to rashes or pigmented marks on the skin.

 Precautions of Hyperpigmentation

Pigmentation and hyperpigmentation have no home remedies and are best treated by a skin specialist. Dermatologists at AAYNA suggest taking precautions rather than going for DIY remedies at home.
Avoiding pigmentation as well as hyperpigmentation calls for a use of a generous amount of sunscreen. At least an SPF of 30 should be used for sun protection and one can also try SPF 50 or more after getting a practitioner’s advice. Skin prone to hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation is likely to get sunburn easily and is also damaged from the UV rays from the artificial sources indoors. It is essential to reapply sunscreen every 3 hours for proper protection.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment at AAYNA

The good news is that it is possible with the use of advanced skincare and technology to treat both pigmentation and hyperpigmentation. However, these treatments may cause a sense of unease in some minds, but they are safe, dermatologically approved, non-invasive, and require no injectables or surgery. Let’s have a look at some of the Treatments for Hyperpigmentation available at AAYNA:

1. Medlite C6 Pigmentation Treatment – This gold standard treatment uses a Q-switched ND YAG laser to effectively remove pigmentation and hyperpigmentation. The Medlite C6 laser uses selective photothermolysis which safely breaks the pigment particles, resulting in blemish-free smooth skin. This is especially for pigmentation and hyperpigmentation and is a non-invasive, safe treatment done by experts at AAYNA.
2. AAYNA Miracle – AAYNA Miracle uses the power of micro-needling to treat not only pigmentation and hyperpigmentation but also to treat fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and sun-damaged skin. The treatment is also beneficial for oily skin and uneven skin tone and the skin texture is improved by the micro-needling technique. Micro-needling stimulates collagen production and helps in faster healing of the damaged skin which results in your skin becoming youthful and beautiful in the long run.
3. AAYNA Signature Facial – To address pigmentation and sun damage, deep hydration is also essential. With the revolutionary technique of suction tip, clean and blemish-free skin is possible in just a single sitting facial. The facial involves exfoliation of dead skin cells and serum infusion for glowing and soothing the skin. Then extraction is done by the suction tip to remove impurities and blackheads and deep hydration is provided to the skin for a protected and healthy skin. LED light therapy is also used to provide skin smoothing and to improve texture. Pigmentation is removed while providing the correct nourishment to the skin.
4. AAYNA Renew – The power of micro-needling is paired with the scientifically proven benefits of radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production and get rid of the damaged upper layer of the skin. It improves skin elastin and rejuvenates the skin, lowering the age of your face and neck. Without any downtime, AAYNA Renew effectively improves skin texture and gives clear, blemish-free skin devoid of hyperpigmentation.
5. AAYNA ClearLift – Also known as a 4-D facelift, AAYNA ClearLift makes combined use of two laser wavelengths to treat pigmentary concerns. It remodels collagen to lift the skin removing lines, wrinkles, and folds. It treats open pores along with patchy pigmentation marks.
6. Pigment Corrector Creams – For light pigmentation that may not require a cosmetic treatment, pigment corrector creams may work well. These creams are a combination of many ingredients and vitamins and hence it is best to consult a dermatologist before using them.

Get Hyperpigmentation and Pigmentation Removed at AAYNA Clinic

Some of the best dermatologists in India are specialized in these pigmentation & hyperpigmentation treatments at the AAYNA clinic. These are safe, clinically proven, non0-invasive treatments done by trained professionals. At AAYNA, we use the most advanced technology for safe, reliable, and effective procedures. Supervised by doctors, these treatments require no recovery time and do not cause any damage to the skin. We specialize in pigment correction procedures and customize the treatments according to the need and skin type of the patient. Call today to get a thorough consultation to get your skin issues resolved by AAYNA doctors.