Why hyperpigmentation intensifies and how to avoid it

Hyperpigmentation causes a lot of psychological problems for patients, since dark spots on the skin that appear locally or over the entire surface of the body are considered a defect in appearance. But from the point of view of a dermatologist, it should also be important that skin pigmentation usually appears on exposed areas of the skin – on the face, arms, shoulders, and under the influence of sunlight, hyperpigmentation can increase in size and number of spots, and even in color intensity. There are quite a few cosmetic methods for dealing with skin pigmentation, they are selected individually for each patient.

Why skin pigmentation can increase

Hyperpigmentation refers to an excessively intense color of individual areas on the skin compared to the general color of the entire skin. This condition is explained by an increased concentration of melanin pigment in the cells of the epidermis. The more melanin is contained in the skin, the stronger its color can change – porcelain pink to dark brown. Melanin deposits can be diffuse or focal, due to which the surface of the body may darken completely or in separate areas. Hyperpigmentation can be explained by various pathologies and physiological causes, and therefore it happens both in the form of freckles and in the form of perioral pigment dermatitis, manifesting itself as chloasma and melasma.

Melanin synthesis is produced by the body as a protective reaction, since this pigment is able to absorb ultraviolet or infrared warm rays, which means that when the skin is heated, more and more of it is released to protect the body from overheating and burns. The more often a person is exposed to the sun, the darker their skin will darken and the more hyperpigmentation spots will become.

Possible causes of hyperpigmentation

Most often, hyperpigmentation of the skin manifests itself in those areas of the skin that are most exposed to the sun – this is the face, back surfaces of the arms, shoulders, chest. Skin pigmentation can be a congenital feature (for example, freckles), arise from sun exposure (melasma), or appear as a secondary hyperpigmentation in certain dermatological diseases (eczema).

Causes of hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the skin:

• hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, menopause);
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intoxication;
• excessive sun exposure;
• inflammatory diseases of the skin;
• taking certain medications (such as antibiotics);
• use of photosensitizing perfumes and cosmetics;
• use of some herbal infusions (for example, St. John's wort).

Often the tendency to hyperpigmentation can be transmitted as a hereditary trait, manifested during stress and severe nervous disorders.

Treatments to Help Reduce Hyperpigmentation

Therapy of hyperpigmentation should always begin with finding out the reason for which it manifested itself. For this, additional consultations with a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist are recommended. If skin malignancy is suspected, the patient should be referred to an oncologist.

Skin pigmentation responds well to treatment with chemical peels and dermabrasion. Laser skin resurfacing is very effective. With secondary hyperpigmentation, ozone therapy, photorejuvenation are prescribed. All procedures to eliminate hyperpigmentation require additional home care & nbsp; and compliance with the recommendations of the beautician – according to the care regimen and the use of protective equipment when going out into the sun.