Hyperpigmentation is a simple word that is made of two terms- 'hyper' means 'more' and 'pigment' means 'color'. Hence, it is a skin condition that is represented by darker skin on some areas than the rest of the face. It is caused by excess melanin produced in the body which doesn't pain but still doesn’t look good. Such differently shaded skin is often referred to as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots. Before looking for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, let's have a look at the causes of this problem.

What are the causes of hyperpigmentation?

There is not just one reason for hyperpigmentation; in fact, there are many. Several of them are listed below:

1. Melasma

Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a skin condition where the person gets big dark patches (of hyperpigmentation) generally on their faces. It can happen to anybody, whether it is male or female. Females generally face this during pregnancy or while taking contraceptives.

2. Sun damage

Also known as solar lentigines, sun damage is caused by heavy exposure of our skin to the sunlight. It causes age spots or pigment spots and is caused on the sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, neck, and hands. Melanin is a natural sunscreen for our skin and is boosted by constant exposure to sunlight.

3. Hormonal changes

Hormones play a vital role in causing a certain type of hyperpigmentation. Technically known as melasma or chloasma, hyperpigmentation is quite common among women and occurs when estrogen and progesterone, i.e., the female sex hormones, cause the excess production of melanin when skin gets exposed to the Sun. Some hormonal treatments can also cause hyperpigmentation at times.

4. Age factor

Growing age decreases the number of melanin-producing cells and hence, the ability of the skin to fight sun aging decreases as we age. That's the reason why people face such physiological changes when they enter their 30s or 40s. Also, aging causes a loss of vitamins like Vitamin B12 and folic acid which may cause hyperpigmentation.

5. Medications or illnesses

There are various illnesses like vitamin deficiencies, gastrointestinal diseases, autoimmune diseases, etc., and medications like antibiotics, anti-seizure, antimalarials, chemotherapy medicines, oral contraceptives, or any such medicines that cause sensitivity to light cause hyperpigmentation.

6. Skin injuries or inflammation

Sometimes skin gets injured from small acts like cuts, burns, chemical exposure, or even acne. After the wound is healed, the skin gets a little darkened and that is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How to diagnose hyperpigmentation?

There are a few steps that can help your doctor to diagnose hyperpigmentation.

1. The doctor may enquire about your medical history as in when your skin started showing changes and any medicine you are taking.
2. He can physically examine your skin normally as well as under a special ultraviolet light.
3. Certain blood tests can be ordered to check thyroid, iron, vitamins, or hormones.
4. Biopsy can also be asked for to check any abnormal skin cells.

How to prevent hyperpigmentation?

Honestly, nobody can prevent hyperpigmentation but its impact can be minimized if certain tips can be followed. You can protect your skin by following the below-mentioned tips:

1. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
2. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, whether you go outside or stay inside.
3. Always layer your skin with clothes/scarves or use caps/hats.
4. Use products containing ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because these are highly effective in blocking pollutants entering your skin.

Which product to use?

Youthful and Brightening Skin Face Serum

For treating hyperpigmentation, we provide a range of products amongst which Youthful and Brightening Skin Face Serum works the best. This product is very much capable of treating hyperpigmentation, dark spots, early signs of aging, and sun damage.

This product does not contain harmful chemicals like paraben and sulphates and hence, it is safe for all skin types. It is lightweight and hence, gets absorbed in the skin very easily. Along with vitamin C, it also contains major ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid that improve the product's efficacy.