Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Find out the cause
• Part 2 of 3: Undergoing treatment
• Part 3 of 3: Preventing hyperpigmentation in the future
• Tips
• Warnings

Human skin contains melanocytes that produce melanin, a substance that gives the skin its color. Too much melanin leads to hyperpigmentation of the skin, the best known examples of which are freckles or age spots. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by the sun, skin damage or as a side effect of certain medications. While hyperpigmentation isn't a serious condition, you may want to treat it for cosmetic reasons.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Find out the cause

1. Know the different types of hyperpigmentation. Knowing what the different types of hyperpigmentation are can help you determine the right treatment and make lifestyle changes so that it doesn't get worse. Hyperpigmentation does not only occur on the face. Here are three forms of hyperpigmentation:
   • Melasma. This form of hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal fluctuations and often occurs during pregnancy. It can also occur as a result of a thyroid abnormality, and as a side effect of the contraceptive pill or medication with hormone therapy. This type of hyperpigmentation is difficult to treat.
   • Lentigines. These are also called liver spots or age spots. 90% of people over 60 have them, and they are caused by exposure to UV rays.
   • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is caused by damage to the skin, such as psoriasis, burns, acne and certain skin therapies. It usually goes away as the skin renews and heals.
2. Talk to a dermatologist about your condition. See a dermatologist to find out what form of hyperpigmentation you have. After asking questions about your lifestyle and medical history, he / she will examine your skin with a magnifying glass and a lamp. Expect the dermatologist to ask you the following questions to determine what form of hyperpigmentation you have:
   • How often do you use the solarium? How often do you use sunscreen? How long have you been in the sun?
   • What are your current and past medical conditions?
   • Are you pregnant, or have you recently been pregnant? Are you taking the pill or hormone therapy drugs?
   • What medications do you use?
   • Have you had plastic surgery or skin treatments?
   • Did you always use sunscreen as a child?

Part 2 of 3: Undergoing treatment

1. Have a topical prescription such as a cream. For example, agents containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and retinoids, which exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, are very helpful in treating hyperpigmentation. The following types of topical agents are available for this:
   • Kojic acid. This acid is obtained from a fungus and bleaches the skin.
   • Azelaic Acid. This was actually developed as an acne remedy, but it has also been shown to be effective for hyperpigmentation.
   • Mandelic Acid. This acid is obtained from almonds and is used in all types of hyperpigmentation.
2. Consider getting medical treatment. If a topical remedy does not work, the dermatologist may be able to recommend a treatment to correct the hyperpigmentation. Possible procedures include:
   • Skin peeling, such as with salicylic acid, to remove the dark spots. A skin peeling is used when a cream does not work.
   • IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. This is only aimed at the dark spots. IPL devices should be operated by trained medical personnel only.
   • Laser therapy to renew the skin.
3. Go to a microdermabrasion beauty salon. This is very popular with people with hyperpigmentation. Go to an experienced beautician; abrasion of the skin can cause irritation, making the discoloration even worse. Microdermabrasion should not be done too often, as the skin must be able to heal properly between treatments.
4. Treat hyperpigmentation with alternative remedies. If you want to treat hyperpigmentation without a prescription, you can try the following for yourself:
   • Bleaching creams. They work by reducing the production of melanin and removing existing melanin from the skin. Look for products with a combination of the following ingredients: soy milk, cucumber, kojic acid, calcium, azelaic acid, or arbutin.
   • A topical agent containing retin-A or alpha hydroxy acids.
5. Try a home remedy. Apply any of the following to lighten dark areas of the skin:
   • Rosehip Oil
   • Cucumber slices, or cucumber puree.
   • Lemon juice
   • Aloe vera

Part 3 of 3: Preventing hyperpigmentation in the future

1. Reduce your exposure to UV rays. Exposure to UV rays is one of the main causes of hyperpigmentation. While it won't help with the hyperpigmentation you already have, it can prevent further discoloration.
   • Always put on sunscreen. Wear a hat and long sleeves in strong, direct sunlight.
   • Do not use the tanning bed.
   • Do not stay in the sun for too long or sunbathe.
2. Think about your medication. In many cases, you cannot just stop taking your medications because they cause hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common side effect of the birth control pill and other drugs that contain hormones. If you can switch to another drug, or stop, that is something to consider.
3. Beware of professional skin treatments. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by damage to the skin, which can be caused by plastic surgery and other skin treatments. Make sure you do a thorough research before having surgery. Make sure the doctor has a lot of experience.

Tips

• Age spots arise because the skin cannot protect itself from the sun when we get older. Make sure you put on a protective sunscreen every day to keep the spots you have from getting worse and getting new ones. Using sunscreen all your life can help prevent age spots later on.
• It is very important to consult a dermatologist before starting any treatment yourself, as some solutions are harmful to the skin. There are many possible causes for hyperpigmentation. Each cause requires specific treatment.

Warnings

• Melasma stains can be caused by hormonal changes in pregnant women and women taking the pill. If hormones are causing you hyperpigmentation, there is no other treatment than waiting for your hormones to return to normal.