Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that affects individuals of all skin types. Due to extra melanin, there can be spots or patches on the skin that are darker than other areas. Melanin is an amino acid that gives skin its color, and is produced by skin cells. When those skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can overproduce melanin. The melanin then clumps - which causes that area to appear darker.
There are different types of hyperpigmentation, the most common one being age spots.
Age spots, also known as sun spots or liver spots, are brown, tan, or black spots that appear on the skin with sun overexposure. These are commonly seen around the face, arms, and hands. Anyone can be affected, but they are more commonly seen on older adults or those with extended sun exposure. These spots don’t cause any other symptoms besides hyperpigmentation, but if you have spots on your skin with any other symptoms, make sure to consult your primary care doctor or dermatologist to verify that everything is normal.
Otherwise, these spots are harmless, but some people think they are unpleasant to look at, so they might seek treatment to lessen their appearance. The best way is to prevent the development of these spots by wearing sunscreen when outdoors, especially if you are someone who lives in a place that gets a lot of sun. A great option is LEMYKA's Mineral Sun Lotion UV Shield Moisturizer. Check out our blog post, “Spring is Coming! Prepare for Sun Care with Rosacea-Prone Skin” to learn more about why this product is perfect and safe for all ages.
If you already have sunspots and want to make them less noticeable, there are treatments available; however, because the pigment is located at the base of the topmost layer of skin, any treatment needs to penetrate this layer to have any effect.
Prescribed medications: talk to your dermatologist about using bleaching creams with/or retinoids to gradually fade the spots over several months. There may be side effects such as itchiness, redness, or dryness.
Laser and intense pulsed light: some of these therapies destroy melanin-producing cells without damaging the skin surface. This usually requires multiple sessions.
Chemical peels: there are certain facials or chemical exfoliating products that remove the topmost layer of skin, and new, smoother skin takes its place. You may need several treatments before beginning to see results.
There are other treatment options, but it is imperative to consult a dermatologist before pursuing any of these options so you are informed about the different risks and side effects. Stay tuned to hear about other types of skin hyperpigmentation and how to treat them!
