Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Human skin contains melanocyte cells, a pigment found in the skin, hair and eyes, through the synthesis of melanin. The overproduction of melanin leads to hyperpigmentation, which is the most common manifestation of freckles and age spots. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun exposure, skin damage, medical problems or side effects from certain medications. Although hyperpigmentation is not a dangerous disease, you may want to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Determine the cause

1. 

   Understand different types of hyperpigmentation. Knowing the types of hyperpigmentation will help you identify the right treatment and make some lifestyle changes to prevent worse skin discoloration. Understand that hyperpigmentation doesn't just happen on the face. There are four types of hyperpigmentation:
   • Melasma (Melasma). This is hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes and usually occurs in pregnant women. Skin pigmentation also occurs as a result of thyroid dysfunction and as a side effect of oral contraceptives or hormone therapies. This is the most difficult type of hyperpigmentation to treat.
   • Lentigines, also known as age spots. These spots appear in 90% of people over the age of 60, and are often caused by exposure to UV rays. The dark pigmentation spots that are not caused by the sun are caused by a larger disorder.
   • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by skin lesions such as psoriasis, burns, acne, and certain skin care methods. This usually goes away when the skin is regenerated and restored.
   • Drug-induced hyperpigmentation. This is a secondary type of hyperpigmentation, also known as lichen planus, and is caused by drug-induced inflammation and skin rashes. This disease is not contagious.

2. 

   
   
   Talk to your dermatologist about your condition. See a dermatologist to determine what type of hyperpigmentation you have. After you provide some lifestyle details and medical history, you will have a skin exam with a skin light. Your dermatologist may ask you the following questions to determine what type of hyperpigmentation your skin is affected:
   • Do you often use tanning beds? How often do you wear sunscreen? How often are you exposed to the sun?
   • What diseases do you have now and in the past?
   • Are you currently or recently pregnant? Are you currently or recently on oral contraceptives or using hormone replacement therapy?
   • What medicines are you taking?
   • What cosmetic surgery or professional skin care have you undergone?
   • Did you use sunscreens or sun protection creams from youthful UV rays?
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Part 2 of 3: Finding treatments

1. 

   
   
   Get a prescription for topical medication. Topical medications containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids that help exfoliate and rejuvenate are also helpful in treating all types of hyperpigmentation. Here are some commonly used topical medications:
   • Hydroquinone. This topical medication is most commonly used and is the only skin lightening product approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
   • Kojic Acid. This acid is derived from a fungus and acts similarly to hydroquinone.
   • Azelaic Acid. Formulated to treat acne, the drug is also effective in treating hyperpigmentation.
   • Mandelic Acid. Derived from almonds, this acid is used to treat all types of hyperpigmentation.

2. 

   
   
   Be sure to use a specialist non-invasive procedure. If topical medications are ineffective, your dermatologist may recommend a procedure for hyperpigmentation. These tips include:
   • Exfoliation, including peeling skin with salicylic acid to treat dull areas. Exfoliation is used when topical medications aren't working.
   • Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). This method targets only selected dark spots. IPL equipment is used under the strict supervision of a specialist.
   • Laser resurfacing.

3. 

   Visit the salon to be treated with super abrasive skin therapy. This is a very popular treatment for hyperpigmentation. Find an experienced doctor; Skin abrasion can irritate and worsen skin discoloration. Super abrasion should not be used too often, as the skin takes time to recover between treatments.

4. 

   Treatment of hyperpigmentation with drugs over the counter. If you want to treat hyperpigmentation without a prescription, consider the following over-the-counter options:
   • Skin Brightening Cream: This product works by slowing down melanin production and removing existing melanin on the skin. Look for products that incorporate the following ingredients: cysteamine, hydroquinone, soy milk, cucumber, kojic acid, calcium, azelaic acid, or arbutin.
   • Creams containing Retin-A or alpha-hydroxy acids.

5. 

   Try home remedies. You can apply any of the following ingredients to lighten darker areas:
   • Rosehip oil
   • Cucumber sliced, ground or juice
   • Lemon juice
   • Aloe
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Part 3 of 3: Prevent hyperpigmentation from worsening

1. 

   Limit your exposure to UV rays. UV exposure is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation. While there is no cure for existing hyperpigmentation, limiting UV exposure may help prevent further discoloration.
   • Always wear sunscreen. Wear a hat and long-sleeved shirt when in harsh sunlight.
   • Do not use a tanning bed.
   • Limit time outdoors and don't sunbathe.

2. 

   Consider the medications you are taking. In many cases, you cannot stop taking the medication just because it causes hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common side effect of birth control pills and other hormonal drugs. If you can change your medication or stop taking it, consider this. Always speak with your doctor before stopping any medication prescribed.

3. 

   Be careful with professional skin care methods. Hyperpigmentation can be a result of skin damage that can be caused by cosmetic surgery and professional skin care methods. You need to do some research before deciding on plastic surgery, and make sure your doctor has a lot of experience. advertisement

Advice

• It is very important to consult a dermatologist before applying home remedies, as some whitening solutions can be harmful to the skin. There are many causes of hyperpigmentation, each with a specific way to control and treat it.
• Age spots are caused by overproduction of melanin. Be sure to wear sunscreen every day to prevent age spots from appearing more. Sunscreen used every day for a lifetime can prevent or reduce age spots as you get older.
• Check for hyperpigmentation regularly, especially if you have darker skin. Hyperpigmentation is more common in people with dark hair, dark eyes, and olive skin.

Warning

• Melasma can appear from hormonal changes in pregnant women and women taking hormonal birth control pills. If your hyperpigmentation is caused by hormones, there is no other way to treat it than to wait for the hormonal effects to end.