Common problems of the skin are dark spots and uneven skin tone. They may show up after acne or a skin injury but sun exposure, hormonal changes or aging may also play a part. This darkening of the skin is known as hyperpigmentation and it can affect the face as well as other areas of the body.
There are many ways to deal with it. The treatment may vary depending on the cause of the pigmentation and how your skin reacts to it. Below are eight doctor-approved ways that may help.
Protect your skin from the sun every day
Sun exposure can intensify existing pigmentation and lead to the development of new dark spots. That’s why you should make sun protection a part of your daily routine, even if you’re not outdoors for long periods of time. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing may add further protection. Try to stay out of the sun for long periods, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Use prescription treatments as needed
Certain forms of hyperpigmentation may need medical treatment over-the-counter skincare. Dermatologists can prescribe ingredients that help to decrease the production of excess melanin. Depending on the skin concern, options may include hydroquinone, tranexamic acid or cysteamine cream. A combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a corticosteroid may be prescribed at times. Do not start these medicines on your own. A dermatologist can tell you if they’re right for your skin and how to use them.
Look for brightening ingredients in your skincare products
If you have mild pigmentation, you may find some of the over-the-counter ingredients useful. Among other things, it contains ingredients such as vitamin C, kojic acid, licorice root, niacinamide and retinol. But more products doesn’t always mean better results. Depending on your skin type, sensitivity and how severe the pigmentation is, you should choose accordingly.
Try professional chemical peels
Chemical peels can help remove dead skin on the surface and promote new skin cell growth. They can be used for superficial pigmentation such as sun spots and pigmentation left behind after inflammation. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels may be considered for superficial pigmentation, while TCA peels may be considered for deeper pigmentation. Be careful to select the type and strength of the peel, especially on darker skin types, as the wrong treatment can increase the risk of pigmentation.
Consider more dermatologist-directed therapies
Some newer treatments are also looking at pigmentation and skin lightening. They include exosome therapy and glutathione injections. These treatments have shown promising results but are still emerging options, the source noted. So, they should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. A dermatologist can help determine whether such treatments are right for your particular concern.
Be careful with home remedies
Just because something is natural does not mean it is always good for your skin. Some of the common home remedies are apple cider vinegar, aloe vera and green tea but their effect on pigmentation can be limited. For instance, aloe vera can help calm the skin and green tea has antioxidant properties. Apple cider vinegar can be used for a gentle exfoliation. But these remedies are not a substitute for treatment prescribed by a dermatologist and may irritate the skin sometimes.
Don’t pick or irritate your skin
Acne, cuts, burns, and other skin injuries can leave dark marks, particularly if your skin tends to develop pigmentation after healing. Avoid picking at pimples, bites or irritated areas. Gentle skin care may help prevent new pigmentation from developing after inflammation or injury.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple and Consistent
Hyperpigmentation is usually treated with consistency, not switching products every other day. Having a good skincare regime in place such as gentle cleansing, appropriate exfoliation and using products that are specific to your skin type will help to maintain the improvement and reduce the chances of the pigmentation returning. A healthy, balanced diet with antioxidant-rich foods, including sources of vitamins C and E, can also boost overall skin health.
When to see a dermatologist for hyperpigmentation?
Not every dark patch requires the same treatment. Melasma, sunspots and pigmentation left over from acne can have different triggers and may respond differently to treatment. If pigmentation is persistent, recurrent or not improving with your usual skincare, it is worth having it assessed by a dermatologist. Stop trying out strong products or home remedies without knowing what type of pigmentation you have.
Why Choose Dr. Sumit Sethi for Hyperpigmentation Treatment at DermaStation?
Persistent pigmentation can be frustrating, especially when the same dark patches keep reappearing. Getting the skin examined first can help identify the type of pigmentation and choose an appropriate treatment rather than trying different products randomly.
Dr. Sumit Sethi at DermaStation is a dermatologist and esthetic dermatologist who treats skin problems such as pigmentation and melasma. The clinic provides medical and esthetic dermatology services, including chemical peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments.
The right treatment approach can make a world of difference.