Although hyperpigmentation is not harmful or risky, it can cause discomfort, since most of the spots appear in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands and arms.
Hyperpigmentation are areas of the skin where the pigment known as melanin is more concentrated. This causes the area to acquire a darker tone, which can manifest itself through moles, freckles, or spots. Why happens? How to avoid it?
First of all, it should be noted that the skin has its color thanks to natural pigments such as hemoglobin, melanin and carotenoids. Melanin, in particular, colors the eyes, skin, and hair. It is formed in melanosomes from its precursor, tyrosine and tyrosinase.
Its main function is to protect DNA from damage that ultraviolet radiation can cause. However, when overstimulated, it leads to unsightly hyperpigmentation.
Why is hyperpigmentation generated?
As an article in the scientific journal Pigment Cell & Melanoma Researc h explains , one of the frequent causes of hyperpigmentation is exposure to sunlight. It stimulates the skin to form melanin and provides a protective effect against the attacks of UV rays.
In fact, this is the reason why some people choose to tan. However, when exposure is prolonged, this process is altered and skin damage occurs that, later, manifests itself with hyperpigmentation. Some of the associated risk factors are as follows:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Senile spots : that are produced by age, but also by sun exposure .
- Post-inflammatory : it arises after the healing process of a skin wound, such as a burn, a cut, psoriasis or eczema. In particular, an area without relief, but darker, is evident.
- Hormonal : melasma or chloasma. Dark areas appear irregularly when female sex hormones stimulate melanin production by exposing the skin to the sun, either during pregnancy or by taking birth control pills.
- By solar exposure : it is the main cause of hyperpigmentation. All skin spots, whether they are age spots , freckles, melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, will change their hue due to sun exposure.
- Medications : May be a side effect of some hormonal treatments, chemotherapy drugs , antimalarials, antibiotics, anticoagulant drugs and other drugs.
- Diseases : it is a sign of other pathologies, such as vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune processes, gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders.
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Measures to prevent hyperpigmentation
At a general level, there are some measures that everyone can implement to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. However, it should be clarified that, to the extent possible, they should be applied every day.
- First of all, sun protection is recommended in summer and winter . Ideally, it should have a protection factor greater than 50.
- Limit sun exposure. Do not expose yourself at times between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Wear suitable clothing that offers protection.
Depigmenting treatments
The treatment of hyperpigmentation is a challenge for professionals. Although treatments have progressed over time, there are still difficulties in reducing this problem . In fact, as detailed in a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology , topical treatments are ineffective for many patients. What are the options?
- Chemical peel : minimizes hyperpigmentation by exposing new skin with a homogeneous shade.
- Laser : the effect is similar to the acid treatment, but the dermatologist can apply it with much more precision. The most affected areas are injured with the high-energy laser light . The more intense the treatment, the more effective there is in the deeper layers of the skin.
- Topical creams : the use of hydroquinone in low concentrations is useful in many cases. Some care must be taken to avoid causing irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The vitamin C is effective against stains and is used in conjunction with other active ingredients. In recent times, substances such as kojic acid, arbutin, retinoids and azelaic acid have become very important.
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Hyperpigmentation: what to watch out for?
If new spots appear on the skin, or irregularities associated with hyperpigmentation, it is best to consult a dermatologist. The professional will be able to determine if they are normal or if they have their origin in some skin pathology . In addition, it will advise on the best options to treat it, as appropriate.
It is important to clarify that the results of the depigmentants will not be seen from one day to the next, since it requires time and consistency. In addition, they must be complemented with basic care, especially when it comes to sun protection.
Hyperpigmentation: why does it happen?
By beauty tips
Dark circles are not a serious problem for the skin. However, they are considered unsightly, as they give a tired look to the face. Are anti-dark circles creams useful? In this space we detail it.
The use of creams for dark circles is very common among women. In fact, some men have also been encouraged to use them. However, about their effectiveness there are still controversies, since there is no solid evidence to support what many companies that distribute them affirm.
The downside is that advertising has seen these products as an almost "magical" resource to dispel that darkening around the eyes. However, this is not always the case. Even, its effectiveness depends on the type of dark circles and its origin. So are they really useful?
Dark circles and their possible causes
First of all, it should be remembered that dark circles are areas with increased pigmentation, which tend to give an appearance of greater age or tiredness. The skin around the eyes is more delicate and sensitive, so its blood vessels tend to dilate in certain situations.
Consequently, that darkening appears, although benign, it makes the face look bad. According to an article published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology , this situation is multifactorial in origin. That is, there are several triggers for hyperpigmentation in the area. Below we detail some.
- Family inheritance: according to said source, genetic factors explain up to 50.51% of the manifestations of dark circles.
- Aging: sun exposure and the physiological changes of the skin also lead to its development.
- Diseases : some allergies or conjunctivitis cause darker areas of the skin due to constant friction in the area around the eyes.
- Circulatory problems : these are blue in color and can be mitigated with the use of gels or creams with vitamin K , which cause an improvement in blood circulation.
- Sinking : formed by a furrow in the skin. The best treatment to reduce them is through applications of hyaluronic acid .
- Bad habits: they are those products of tiredness and bad habits such as sleeping poorly, drinking alcohol, smoking, exposing yourself to stress , etc. They have a purple color and tend to decrease noticeably with changing habits.
- Hormonal fluctuations : in periods of menstruation or in pregnancy, where there is a hormonal alteration, it is common to have dark circles.
Are dark circles creams effective?
The effectiveness of dark circles creams has been questioned on several occasions. While some professionals suggest them as an adjunct against this aesthetic problem, others consider that they are useless.
In general, as detailed in a publication in Annals of Dermatology, the best treatment for dark circles is the one chosen after identifying its underlying causes. Therefore, whether the creams work or not depends largely on the triggers of this condition.
Often times, these creams are suggested when hyperpigmentation is the result of bad habits or circulatory difficulties. However, its application must be complemented with a good diet, better sleep quality and optimal hydration .
Likewise, when choosing this type of product, the conditions in which the skin is located, the type of dark circles and the components of the product must be taken into account . The cream should cover all your preferences and needs.
Bluish dark circles, generated by stress or tiredness, seem to improve with eye contour creams . Meanwhile, brownish tones, related to aging, will require retinol, vitamin K, vitamin C, ceramides or salicylic acid.
What components should dark circles creams have?
Just as we mentioned that the choice of the product depends on the skin and the type of dark circles, the effectiveness will lie in the formula. The most effective components, according to a study published in 2016 in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, are the following:
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin K.
- Retinol.
- Caffeine.
- Kojic acid.
In addition to these components, interesting effects have also been found in creams that contain substances such as those discussed below:
- Hyaluronic acid.
- Allantoin.
- Vitamin E .
- Creatinine
- Astringent and collagen formers.
- Unsaturated fatty acids, such as linolenic acid and arachidonic acid.
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What benefits do they give to the skin?
Not only is it enough to use moisturizers, from the age of 20 the use of specific products for the eye area is recommended in order to prevent wrinkles, dark circles or bags in the periocular area. If you start using it in advance, the benefits will be seen sooner.
- They revitalize the eye contour.
- They improve the blood circulation of the area.
- They help in reducing inflammation of the lower eyelid.
- They protect the elasticity of the skin.
- Provide hydration.
- They decrease the appearance of tiredness.
Proof of use is key
Today it is believed that buying eye creams is wasting money. Far from being true, a correct choice of the product, according to the needs of the skin , will provide positive results if the product is applied consistently.
Of course, it is convenient to keep in mind that, being a problem of multifactorial origin, it is best to go to the dermatologist to determine its cause and obtain a more complete treatment. The professional will also guide you on which are the best creams according to the type of dark circles.
Are dark circles creams useful?
By beauty tips
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