Hyperpigmentation

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless condition affecting your skin. Though it usually isn’t any cause for concern, it gives your skin an uneven tone that you might find to be unattractive or distracting from your complexion. 

If you have hyperpigmentation, you develop skin patches that are slightly darker in color than your natural skin tone. This is because of an excess of melanin, the pigment that determines your skin’s color. 

What causes hyperpigmentation?

You can get hyperpigmentation on any area of your skin, or it may cover your whole body. A few of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation are:

Melasma

Melasma usually appears on your face or stomach. It’s usually caused by hormonal changes and frequently appears during pregnancy.

Sun exposure

Sun spots, or age spots, come from too much sun exposure over time. As such, they typically appear on areas of skin that get lots of sun exposure like your hands, arms, and face. 

Inflammation

Often, hyperpigmentation appears in areas that were injured or inflamed. For example, an inflammatory acne breakout can leave dark spots long after it clears up. 

Certain medications

Some medications can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect, like chemotherapy drugs for cancer. 

Addison’s disease

Addison’s disease is a rare endocrine disorder that inhibits your body’s ability to produce certain hormones. It can cause hyperpigmentation in sun-exposed areas and areas exposed to friction, like your elbows or knees. 

What are my treatment options for hyperpigmentation?

At Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, we all work together to select an appropriate treatment for your hyperpigmentation. To make your skin tone more even and consistent, they may recommend one or more of the following treatments and procedures:

Peels

Peels, which use chemicals to promote cell turnover and remove dead skin cells, work well to minimize hyperpigmentation. Lynn performs these peels and helps you select the best formula for your level of hyperpigmentation with respect to any other skin concerns you have. 

Facials 

Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater offers many customizable facials that are both relaxing and great for your skin. To address hyperpigmentation, Lynn might recommend the microdermabrasion facial. It includes an application of Kojic acid, which helps treat dark spots. You can also add Kojic acid serum as a beauty booster to any other facial on the menu.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a procedure that stimulates collagen growth for healthier and stronger skin. It also improves dark spots from melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. 

Topical prescription medication

We may prescribe medication to treat your hyperpigmentation. Topical retinoids and hydroquinone both work well to lighten dark patches of skin. 

Sunscreen

If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, using sunscreen as often as possible can protect your skin from sun damage and prevent new hyperpigmentation from developing. 

If your skin tone is uneven, call Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, or book a consultation online for hyperpigmentation treatment today.