Hyperpigmentation, often appearing as darkened areas or spots on the skin, is a common concern for many even at different stages of life. While it may not come as a serious health risk, pigmentation on the skin can definitely do a number on one’s appearance and self-esteem.
The good news is that with the right treatment, it can be managed and reduced with consistent results. From simple lifestyle changes to more advanced topical treatments, a number of options can help you restore an even skin tone.
Causes of Pigmentation on Skin
At a biological level, pigmentation on the skin occurs when your skin overproduces melanin – the substance responsible for adding color to your eyes, skin, and hair. Your skin does so for a number of reasons, such as excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, or even skin injuries.
Sun Exposure: The harmful UV rays from the sun can go deep into your skin to cause cell damage while leaving you with dark spots.
Hormones: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or while taking birth control, can also lead to pigmentation on the skin in the form of melasma.
Skin Injuries: This type of pigmentation happens due to inflammation. Common concerns like acne or rare ones like eczema can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), leaving dark marks once the skin heals.
Other than these, genetic reasons and environmental stressors, such as pollution, can also contribute to pigmentation on the skin.
How to treat Hyperpigmentation?
Like all skin concerns, pigmentation on the skin can also be resolved with effective products and the right kind of skincare regimen. Here are a few jumping-off points:
- Cleansing
While cleansing may come off more as an acne-related solution, it helps with pigmentation on the skin too. The right cleansers with gentle exfoliants help you renew the skin and fade pigmentation. Cleansing also helps you unclog pores and keeps your face free from acne, another leading cause of hyperpigmentation (acne scars). Infused with salicylic acid, we recommend the Dermopurifyper cleansing gel by Eucerin.
- Topical Treatments
Topical treatments like serums are one of the best ways to fade dark spots and pigmentation on the skin. Look for serums with gentle ingredients that show consistent results, such as Thiamidol. Found in Eucerin products, this anti-pigment ingredient shows visible results with only a few weeks of consistent use.
- Sun Protection
Sun can lead to new dark spots while darkening the existing pigmentation on your skin. Don’t let UV make things worse and use sunblock even on cloudy days, indoors, and always reapply after every few hours. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF that will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and keep dark spots from getting darker.
- Retinoids
Retinoids are game-changers when it comes to tacking pigmentation on skin. These Vitamin A derivatives boost skin cell turnover, helping fade pigmentation, and can also improve the texture of your skin. However, it’s vital to consult your dermatologist before bringing retinoids into your skincare.
- Clinical treatments
Be it microneedling, laser therapy, or chemical peels, clinical treatments strongly impact pigmentation on the skin and give you an even tone. However, these treatments may not suit sensitive skin types and need multiple sittings to undo the pigmentation fully. Make sure you get these treatments administered by a professional dermatologist.
Conclusion
Pigmentation on the skin can be a challenge, but with the right treatments, you can see real improvement. No matter the treatment, consistency is key! Whether you’re using serums, sunscreens, or trying professional treatments, results won’t show up overnight. But with proper skin care and patience, visibly even and clear skin is yours to have!