How to Avoid Hyper Pigmentation

Hyper pigmentation is a very common problem that affects many people, especially those who spend a great deal of time in the sun. The darkening varies from a mild tan to a patchy brownish discoloration or a grayish black discoloration. Hyper pigmentation occurs when certain skin cells release more pigments, i.e. dark color.

Darkening of the skin due to “blueness” is called cyanosis or purple skin. Another form of darkening of skin may occur from redness and bruising. Skin darkening is known to be an important symptom of severe diseases, e.g. Addison’s disease and Scleroderma.

The brown pigments called melanin create colors of the human skin. Special cells called melanocytes produce melanin. Fair-skinned people produce very little melanin. A moderate amount of melanin is present in darker-skinned people. A very dark skinned person produces a great deal. People with albinism have no melanin.

Another possible cause of skin darkening, of “melasma” is the overexposure to the sun, found in women during pregnancy. You may find that your nipples, freckles, scars, skin around your genitals, and areas prone to friction become darker or “hyper pigmented” during pregnancy.

Tips for How to Avoid and Clear Hyper pigmentation:

• Use a face wash to clean your face
• Wash your face twice a day with lukewarm water
• Gently massage your face in a circular motion
• Most importantly, protect yourself from the sun, mainly during the daytime, because skin darkening is mainly caused by the harmful radiation of the sun. Apply sunscreen that has an SPF (Sun protection Factor) 30 to your face. Regular use will prevent the skin from turning blotchy. Limit the time you spend in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and definitely avoid tanning salons. When you’re outside, cover up and wear a hat with a brim, as well as a shirt with long sleeves, especially if you have pigmentation changes on your arms.
• Irritation may lead to disfiguring hyperpigmentation. The products that may irritate dark skin include fragrance, alcohol, dye and lanolin.
• Try to avoid all highly perfumed cosmetics
• The best possible way to clear skin darkening is to apply creams that contain ingredients such as azelaic acid, kgic acid, arbutin, vitamin C, and most recently, melanin suppressing peptides
• Exfoliate to remove dull, dead skin cells, but test the product on a small patch of skin first and make sure you slowly incorporate the exfoliator to avoid any unnecessary irritation
• For removing dirt, oil and makeup, always cleanse your skin. Avoid abrasive cleansers, which can irritate skin of color.
• In case of skin darkening during pregnancy, apply a concealing makeup and avoid direct sun exposure. Do not use skin-bleaching products now. While pregnant, wait to see if the pigmentation changes go away after you give birth.

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