Hyperpigmentation is a common, by and large harmless but aesthetically displeasing, condition in which patches of skin darken in color. The darkening comes about when an excess of melanin forms deposits in the skin. Melanin is the brown pigment that produces normal skin color and responsible for tanning the skin exposed to sunlight.
Several people seek treatment for hyperpigmentation, or skin discoloration, not knowing exactly what it is, what caused it or how to treat it. In fact, after acne, hyperpigmentation is the second most common reason people seek out dermatologists.
There are many types of hyperpigmentation:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – usually occurs as a result of an injury or irritation such as acne, mosquito bites, eczema, or rashes.
- Melasma- is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral or patch contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications.
- Age Spots – as specified in its name, develop over time on account of age. The sun is also considerably blameworthy for causing premature age spots.
Erasing and Lightening
There are many procedures offered at our clinic that aggressively treat severe hyperpigmentation, which include: lasers, cryotherapy and chemical peels. However, for less severe hyperpigmentation always try topical treatments first.
To treat hyperpigmentation MD Beauty Secrets will add Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum and Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy w/ Hydroquinone to your daily skin care regimen. Both ingredients are prescriptive skin care products that require a physician’s supervision. For best results both should be used together.
To learn more about the ingredients click on the following links:
Dermatologists claim for over-the-counter solutions antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, are also beneficial in treating hyperpigmentation. MD Beauty Secrets offers a variety of skin care products jam-packed with antioxidants, in particular Vitamin C.
Protect and Attack
Irrespective of any type of treatment you pursue, all remedial efforts are useless and negated if you do not safeguard your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It is essential that you use sunscreen year round especially while under any sort of hyperpigmentation treatment.
The reason you need to be proactive about protecting your skin from the sun is because sun exposure will worsen your hyperpigmentation (including other dark spots, for example freckles). While the goal is to lighten and brighten hyperpigmentation the sun will do the opposite, it will tan and/or multiply the skin problem. Acne scars, blemishes, age spots and any other discolored spot will darken if exposed to the sun.
It is imperative that you not only wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher but also one that contains zinc oxide. Furthermore, if you are outdoors for long periods make sure you reapply your sunscreen every two hours. All of MD Beauty Secrets’ sunscreens contain zinc oxide and many include antioxidants such as Vitamin C for additional benefits.