Hyperpigmentation – 4 methods that work
Very basically speaking pigmentation means color. It can be the color of one’s hair, mucous membrane, eyes or skin. For purposes of this article we will focus on skin color.
Skin color of humans is based on melanin. In the skin, this is produced by melanocytes within the epidermis. Even though it has not been definitely determined through evolution, it appears based on certain individuals within ethnic groups; more or less melanin may be present. This determines skin colors ranging from white to black. The pinkish hue seen in light skinned individuals is actually from their blood vessels below the skin’s surface.
Human skin color is also greatly influenced by exposure to ultra violet rays. In most cases this being the sun. This explains why people from Africa who have been exposed to high degrees of sun exposure will be dark skinned. This is nature’s way to protect these individuals from damage to the skin that may occur in a person from say, Asia or Europe, when being subjected to the same conditions. This is also why light skinned people develop tans the more they are out in the sun.
However, as many of us are well aware, over exposure to the sun will result in very painful sunburn. Over time, this can result in permanent damage being done, such as, melanoma, a very serious and deadly cancer. While some exposure to ultra violet rays is considered healthy as it produces vitamin D, great caution must be exercised to avoid disease as discussed above.
In contrast, people lacking in melanins may contract an abnormality called albinism or being referred to as albinos. This lack of melanin results in skin pigmentation that is exceptionally pale.
Research has recently revealed that in general, women produce as much as four percent less melanin then men. This is most likely due to the fact that women’s bodies have a much greater requirement for calcium during their child bearing period.
Hyperpigmentation, also known as age spots, liver spots or sunspots – can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or race. Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which the skin produces more melanin, which is why they produce spots darker than the surrounding skin. The exact causes of hyperpigmentation are not included in this article, but it’s important to mention that the main cause of Hyperpigmentation is UV radiation. This article will focus on seven main hyperpigmentation treatments.
Method 1: Mechanical exfoliation.
The process of removing upper skin layers is known as exfoliation. Although it sounds painful, if done gradually, can be an effective hyperpigmentation treatment, it frees skin from damaged and dark cells, and exposing new and unblemished under skin. In the case of mechanical exfoliation, agents such as salt or sugar crystals act as abrasives to remove skin cells, because they are rubbed on the skin.
Method 2: Chemical exfoliation.
This method involves a chemical process where alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs), citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are used. These acids are often present in a variety of cosmetic products and can be an effective hyperpigmentation treatment.
Method 3: Laser treatment.
Lasers are common in today’s society and are often used in skin care arena. Lasers used in the treatment of pigmentation use intense pulsed light (IPL). Most hyper-pigmentation, including freckles, can be removed from the IPL, which generates a strong flash of light that is capable of removing pigmented areas effectively. Lasers can also be used to vaporize the upper skin layers, leaving healthy skin exposed. Although lasers can be an effective treatment option for hyperpigmentation, it appears to be expensive and available only through a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon.
Method 4: Bleaching
Bleaching uses substances that signal cells to stop the production of melanin. Azelaic acid, koljic, vitamin E, Vitamin C, bearberry, hydroquinone and licorice root are among the most popular components used singly or in a combined form, to temporarily stop the production of melanin. Hydroquinone is an ingredient commonly used in treatment to fight skin Hyperpigmentation.
In summary, all four methods are suitable for treating hyperpigmentation. However, the most effective treatment of hyperpigmentation is combining several methods. For example, some products of skin care consist of agents that help in mechanical and chemical exfoliation.
Hyperpigmentation occurs due to lack of melanin and hormones. It is a symptom of severe disease. It is caused by sun rays and with skin lotions which causes infection, swelling, pain and irritation. It affects face and hands. Skin becomes into redness by heat. It will appear like dark spot and skin doesn’t look good. It is caused due to melanocytes, which produces melanin. In some situation it causes only pain without swelling and redness will be seen at the part of the affected area only. It will occur more to those people who expose themselves to sun rays. The main cause of hyperpigmentation is due to excess of melanin in the body. Melanin means it gives color to skin, hair and to iris of eye feathers and to scales. If the body makes more melanin means body becomes darker.
Its production gets affected when body is weak or unhealthy or sick. Melanin is a pigment that produces color in hair, skin and eyes. Here the main cause is sun light and also one more cause is hormones. Apart from the expose of skin to sun rays, UV rays also causes skin cancer. As rays falls on the skin, melanocytes are produced and absorbs UV rays more by this we can protect our skin from sun rays. When the level of melanocytes increases in our body skin becomes dark.
When it becomes too much of melanocytes in body it turns into hyperpigmentation. When it reaches this stage dark spot will increase or existing dark spot may become darker. It may present on skin as permanent for years also. Mainly this problem raises in common people. It is better way to be safe by protecting skin with clothes. As all we know prevention is better than cure.