Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin issues that we see here at The Med Spa at Day Spa by Zsuzsanna. There are several different types and causes of hyperpigmentation. Although hyperpigmentation is harmless, it does create a dull, patchy, and uneven skin tone. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent, suppress, and treat hyperpigmentation.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation, often referred to as discoloration, is uneven dark spots or patches (not freckles) on your skin.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction or irregular distribution of melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair & eyes their color. A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age & skin injuries or inflammation.
Types of Hyperpigmenation
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by acne breakout, hormonal shifts, or sun exposure. There are different types of hyperpigmentation that can occur.
1. Solar Lentigo
- Harmless patch of darkened skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure is the leading environmental cause of hyperpigmentation. Solar lentigos or lentigines are very common, especially in people over the age of 40 years.
2. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Happens when your skin makes extra melanin after it has been irritated or injured. In addition to acne and other skin injuries, other conditions that can result in PIH include eczema, psoriasis, and insect bites.
3. Melasma
- Most common in women and is thought to be triggered by changes in hormone levels from pregnancy or hormonal birth control. This can happen irrespective of UV exposure, though the sun does exacerbate it.
Preventing Hyperpigmentation
Using sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, thus preventing hyperpigmentation from forming. Sunscreen will not remove hyperpigmentation, but it can prevent existing spots from expanding and darkening.
Other ways to protect your skin is by avoiding sun exposure during times when UV rays are at their peak, and by wearing protective clothing and hats. We offer a several products that help to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring.
Bend Beauty Renew + Protect
- Helps in reducing skin sensitivity to UV-induced sunburn
- Helps improve skin hydration, elasticity & firmness
- Helps improve skin roughness & redness (from inflammation)
- Provides antioxidants for skin health
- Is a source of antioxidants for the maintenance of eye health
EltaMD Sunscreens
- #1 Dermatologist-recommended professional sunscreen brand
- All sunscreen products are forumulated with zinc oxide, a natural mineral that acts like a shield, protecting your skin from the widest range of UVA and UVB rays
- Each product is silky, blendable and sheer, making it perfect for everyday use
A to Z Shield - SPF 45
- Minimizes superficial fine lines & premature aging
- Waterproof & sweatproof - won’t run into eyes
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- Excellent for daily use or under makeup
- Formulated for all skin types
- Mineral Oil & PABA free
- Great for Rosacea types I & II
Suppressing Hyperpigmentation
Using the proper products at home can help to fade hyperpigmentation and suppresses the enzyme responsible for melanin production, tyrosinase. They typically contain one or a combination of the following ingredients:
- Hydroquinone
- Arbutin
- Kojic Acid
- Azelaic Acid
- Tranexamic Acid
- Licorice Extract
- Vitamin C
- Vit. B3 (Niacinamide)
A-Z Dermedix Ferulic C Serum 20
- 20% Vitamin C is a well established and accepted antioxidant that protects against environmental factors
- 1.5% Vitamin E helps protect against scarring & skin discoloration
- 0.5% Vitamin B helps even out skin tone and assists the healing process
- 1% Ferulic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that significantly improves the efficacy of the other antioxidants to extend their life and therefore, action in improving the skin
PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro
- Delivers a visibly dramatic reduction in the appearance of stubborn discoloration
- Helps improve the appearance of discoloration as early in as 4 weeks
- Helps fade the size and intensity of dark spots while helping protect against the appearance of new dark spots
- Helps minimize the appearance of brown patches left behind by hormonal changes and other forms of discoloration
- Effective on all skin types and tones
PCA Skin Pigment Bar
- A blend of advanced ingredients calms skin and promotes an even skin tone
- Ideal for discolorations on the full body, including the face and scalp
- Great for everyday
Removing Hyperpigmentation
For stubborn, hard to treat hyperpigmentation, more advanced, aggressive procedures may be recommended after you’ve exhausted other options.
PCA Skin Pigment Correct Peel
- An effective blend of lactic, mandelic, pyruvic, and tranexamic acids gently and effectively lifts visible hyperpigmentation and helps prevent new visible discoloration from occuring.
- Effective on visible hyperpigmentation on all skin tones.
- Provides a 17% reduction in visible hyperpigmentation one week after one treatment.
- No downtime
inMode Lumecca IPL - Intense Pulsed Light
- Non-invasive treatment
- Ideal treatment for both light and dark skin tones
- Rejuvenates and revitalizes the skin
- Resolves pigmentation concerns, including freckles, lesions, age spots & rosacea
- Includes a sapphire cooling tip which makes the procedure more comfortable
- Smooths the skin texture & evens skin tone