Hyperpigmentation, it's causes and treatments.
Hyper Pigmentation is a skin condition that many of us suffer with and you may recognise it as ‘age-spots’ or patches of uneven colour brown, black, grey, red or pink depending on your skin tone.
Melanin is the pigment that gives our skin its colour and this is made by our melanocytes, as we age the number of melanocytes decrease but the remaining cells increase in size. This means as we age we are more prone to uneven pigment production. Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin, leading to those areas appearing darker than the surrounding skin
One common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. UV rays can stimulate the production of melanin in the skin as a way to protect it from further damage. This can lead to the formation of dark spots or patches on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and arms.
Hormonal changes can also play a role in hyperpigmentation. Conditions such as melasma, often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy," can cause dark patches to appear on the face due to hormonal fluctuations. The contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy can also trigger hyperpigmentation in some individuals.
Skin injuries, such as acne scars or cuts, can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When the skin is injured, the body produces excess melanin as part of the healing process, leading to dark spots or discoloration in the affected area.
Hyperpigmentation can be treated with various treatments, including topical creams, chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion but the most effective treatment is always prevention. Practicing sun protection, using sunscreen, and maintaining a healthy skincare routine can help to future proof your skin against hyperpigmentation and prevent further darkening of the skin.
One of our favourite ranges for skin prone to hyperpigmentation is the La Roche Posay Mela B3 line of products.
La Roche Posay Mela B3 not only targets the appearance of all pigment irregularities but it also intercepts excess melanin at a different stage of its production. Mela B3 contains Melasyl™ which is an interceptor of melanin precursors. This sounds a little complicated but what it means is that it acts early in the process of melanin production to avoid its overproduction and the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
Mela B3 is suitable for those who may be prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun spots (lentigo), melasma and age spots.
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