If you have dark spots on your face or patches of dark spots on your face, it could be hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the body increases production of pigment and causes these dark spots. The increase in production is caused by a number of reasons. Read on for further information about hyperpigmentation.
What Is Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin caused by excess pigment production.
- Sun exposure. The cause of this can be due to exposure to the sun. Overexposure to the suns harmful rays or to UVA and UVB rays found in tanning beds can also be the culprit.
- Hormones. Hormone fluctuations can also be to blame for these patches on your face. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, while taking oral contraceptives, or while going through menopause can all be a cause.
- Scarring or injury. If you've had an injury to the epidermis, it could cause hyperpigmentation. Scars left behind after the injury, along with sun exposure can cause the skin to darken. Injuries such as scrapes or scratches, as well as acne can lead to hyperpigmentation.
How To Treat Hyperpigmentation
If you have noticed hyperpigmentation on your skin, get to a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and for treatment options. You can also help treat this at home by doing the following:
- Exfoliate. Exfoliate your skin using gentle exfoliation and chemical peels. You can exfoliate using a cleanser with exfoliating beads, or use a peel that contains salicylic acid. These can help to remove the pigment on the epidermis, which can help lighten the dark patches on your skin.
- Increase cell production. Increase cell production and turnover in the skin by using retinols which contain Vitamin A. This can help increase your cell production and can thus improve your overall skin tone.
- Limit UV exposure. Sun exposure can cause a lot of your hyperpigmentation, or be a contributing factor. Limiting your sun exposure can help prevent and improve your skin tone. Try your best to stay out of the sun, or wear sunscreen anytime you are out in the sun. Also wearing a large hat that helps block the sun on the face, as well as wearing sunglasses can help keep sunlight off of the face.
Hyperpigmentation can occur on the face and other areas of the body as well. Reduce your sun exposure and exfoliate your skin, and increase your cell turnover using retinols. Talk to your dermatologist about other ways to treat your hyperpigmentation. For more information, visit websites like http://www.eastcarolinadermatology.com.
