HOW TO GET RID OF HYPERPIGMENTATION – Causes & Solutions
How and why does hyperpigmentation occur? Let’s explore the causes then discuss some solutions.
Multiple factors trigger hyperpigmentation. Sun damage, inflammation, hormones and genetics all contribute to hyperpigmentation. A common cause of hyperpigmentation is inflammation. Post inflammatory erythema (PIE) and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) both leave their mark once the primary inflammation subsides. PIE and PIH typically linger after acne breakouts, but any trauma to the skin can leave a mark. PIE shows up as a red mark, typically seen in Fitzpatrick types I, II and III. Darker skin tones tend to heal with brownish marks, PIH. Years of exposure to UV is another common cause of hyperpigmentation. UV triggers melanocytes to pump out pigment. Melasma is form of hyperpigmentation thought to be caused by genetics, hormones and heat. It shows up as larger patches of pigment and is best diagnosed by a professional as it can be stubborn and chronic. Once you determined the cause of your hyperpigmentation you can create a plan to tackle it!
Pigmentation from sun damage is best treated with combination of lighters & brighteners, products to disperse pigment, then exfoliators to slough off the dead pigmented cells. If you have acne marks step one is to get your acne under control then introduce lighters, brighteners and antioxidants. Typically stubborn pigmentation and melasma are best adressed with prescription formulas and in-office treatments.
Tackling hyperpigmentation requires a three-pronged approach, prevention, disbursement and finally exfoliation. Prevention starts with SPF plus a host of tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in pigment production. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C & E, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, licorice root, kojic acid, and azelaic acid inhibit this enzyme triggered cascade and with variable effectiveness can limit pigmentation. Retinoids and hydroquinone break up pigment deposits in the skin. Retinoids are a trifecta when it comes to pigment. As antioxidants they prevent but they also disburse and lift pigment. Hydroquinone disperses pigment and despite the debate remains the go-to when addressing melasma according to dermatologists Dr Spiering and Dr. Idriss. Alternatives for deep, stubborn pigmentation are in-office procedures like laser, peels, IPL etc. Most often it takes a combination of treatments, depending on pigment depth of pigment to get desired results.
In this video https://youtu.be/DTpS05RG1uo I explain in detail how to take these three steps to reduce your hyperpigmentation. Take a look and join the B50S skincare community. I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.
After watching the video you will find some amazing multi-tasking products and my top SPF recommendations in ShopMyShelf. Click the link to explore products and start your anti-hyperpigmentation journey.
Wishing you living life to the fullest in you best skin every day 💜
RESOURCES / ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Dr Spiering’s | Master Class | Hydroquinone https://youtu.be/RO5UVBo_gCE
Dr Shereene Idriss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79rIVH-4ZQU
Easy as PIE (Postinflammatory Erythema) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ /
The Hunt for Natural Skin Whitening Agents https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/10/12/5326/htm
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics February 1996, 276 (2) 765-769;
Arbutin: mechanism of its depigmenting action in human melanocyte culture. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8632348/