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.

Sun exposure is a major cause of hyperpigmentation. In fact, almost all stains are associated with this factor.

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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.

The evidence on the effectiveness of topical treatments against hyperpigmentation is still limited. However, these treatments seem to be useful after several applications.

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.
Beauty and personal care Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation: why does it happen?

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.

Sun exposure is a major cause of hyperpigmentation. In fact, almost all stains are associated with this factor.

You may be interested:  Shaving: mistakes and care

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.

The evidence on the effectiveness of topical treatments against hyperpigmentation is still limited. However, these treatments seem to be useful after several applications.

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.

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