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Hyperpigmentation Facts
Monday 5th December 2016
Hyperpigmentation it happens to every skin in varying degrees, and as we age darker areas of pigment within the skin being to appear.
Hyperpigmentation is defined by a discolouration or abnormal darkening of the skin occurring in specific spots or covering larger patches of the skin. It can happen to any area of the body, but is most commonly found on the face, decollate and hands.
Skin can produce excess pigment in response to
- Sun exposure known as UV induced Hyperpigmentation
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Injuries that result in scarring
- Acne scarring
Skin that has been overly exposed to UV light (including indoor fluorescent lights and sunbeds) without adequate SPF protection will result in dark spots appearing often all over the face evenly spread apart.
Hormonally induced hyperpigmentation is a secondary reaction to fluctuating levels of hormones within the body.
It can occur from pregnancy, thyroid dysfunction, menopause, oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy
This type of hyperpigmentation will often occur in larger patches particularly on the forehead, jawline and upper lip and cheeks.
Post Inflammatory Induced Hyperpigmentation results when there has been a trauma to the epidermis in an area.
This may be from a burn, cut, or acne scar and is only found on the area that the trauma happened to.
The Science Bit
To better understand how to treat hyperpigmentation we need to first understand how it is produced.
Melanocytes are found In the bottom layer of the skins epidermis and contain melanin the pigment responsible for the skins colour.
Within a melanocyte cutaneous inflammation can trigger a chain reaction of events starting with the enzyme Tyrosinase.
Enzymes are catalysis In the body, and help chemical reactions to occur.
Tyrosinase acts on the amino acid tyrosin which triggers a deposit of the melanin filled melanosome into the keratinocyte.
The result is Hyperpigmentation
How to best treat Hyperpigmentation
Gentle Skin Exfoliation
Pigmentation appears darker the closer it Is to the skin surface. By using gentle exfoliants that remove dead skins cells from the surface you are able to bring the pigmentation to the surface and lift it away. Gentle chemical peels using salicylic acid or lactic acid are the best way to do this.
Increase cell turnover
By increasing the rate at which cells are produced you are able to increase the number of healthy skin cells and remove the pigmented skin cells quicker. Products containing Vitamin A are particularly helpful in doing this.
Inhibit Tyrosinase Production
By inhibiting the production of this enzyme you reduce the rate at which cells produce melanin and thus reduce hyperpigmentation.
Products containing high levels of vitamin C are useful in reducing this enzyme production.
IPL for Hyperpigmentation
IPL is a more invasive treatment used to treat hyperpigmentation but is incredibly effective. It works by targeting the cells that produce the excess melanin and brings the pigment to the surface.
The IPL causes the pigment to initially look darker and forms a micro crusting of the lesion, which will then slough off and leave a clear patch of skin where the hyperpigmentation formally was.
The golden rule when looking to prevent the most common form of hyperpigmentation is SUN PROTECTION
SPF should be worn every day to protect the skin from UV rays found in natural sunlight, artificial lighting and sunbeds.