How to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma

jeffsovayNovember 2, 2022

(Photo: iStock)

These include chin discoloration from pimples, sunburn marks on your chest from years of not applying sunscreen very carefully, and the freckle-like spots of chloasma (also known as the “pregnancy mask”). ), we all experience some form of pigmentation. It is a universal skin problem that affects people of all skin types and tones with various underlying causes. The good news is that it can be treated When prevented.we sat together Dr. Douglas C. Wuan Edmonton dermatologist currently practicing in California, and Dr. Sonya Abdullah,Dermatologist Bloor Dermatology In Toronto, we share everything you need to know about hyperpigmentation.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a broad term used to describe skin discoloration such as acne scars, sunburns and melasma. Although it is the prime season for excess deposition, UVA rays are present year-round, damaging deeper levels of the skin and even causing discoloration. , It can also cause stains. In short, hyperpigmentation is a concern regardless of the season.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

There are multiple factors that cause hyperpigmentation. The most common cause is chronic sun exposure, which can cause benign marks to appear on areas of skin that get a lot of sun exposure, such as cheeks, chest, hands and forearms, says Abdullah. In addition to damage, Wu says, hyperpigmentation can also result from skin damage, inflammation, irritation, genetic predisposition, hormonal factors, and certain medications that can play a role in general skin health. I explain that it is possible. All of these stimulate pigments. make skin cells.

What is melasma?

Melasma is a form of pigmentation that causes patches of irregular brown spots on the skin, explains Abdulla. It most often occurs on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip, but can also occur on the chest and forearms. Unlike other forms of pigmentation, it can be caused by hormonal changes. Think of it this way. All melasma is hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma.

What causes melasma?

Melasma can be caused by sun exposure or hormonal changes in the body. The skin condition is more common in women because it is related to changes in hormone levels, and is common during pregnancy, after starting oral contraceptives, or during menopause. It’s called the ‘pregnancy mask,'” says Abdulla, noting that the skin condition is caused by fluctuations in estrogen levels. The relationship between estrogen and melasma is not fully understood, but the hormone affects pigment-producing cells in the body, and increased estrogen may make cells more sensitive to sunlight. Estrogen can cause melasma in some people, but she points out that sun and heat usually play a bigger role in revitalizing the condition.

Besides pregnancy and oral contraceptives, hormone therapy (used during menopause and to treat some types of cancer) is another cause, according to Wu. Lifestyle factors such as stress can also contribute to melasma. may contribute to deterioration. This, like many other skin conditions, includes: eczemachloasma is unpredictable and can recur.

Preventing, treating, and maintaining melasma requires a more specialized approach. While regular use of anti-pigmentation ingredients is recommended (more on that below) to control pigmentation between flare-ups, a visit to the dermis is a good idea. Hydroquinone and oral tranexamic acid can be prescribed as needed apart from your skin care routine.

Are some people more likely than others to develop hyperpigmentation and melasma?

Hyperpigmentation and melasma can affect anyone, but people with darker skin are more likely to develop the condition. It can also play a role in whether you are prone to overdeposition.

How do you treat hyperpigmentation and melasma?

Both Wu and Abdullah affirm that they follow the same two-step routine when dealing with skin discoloration. “Every day, all year round Sunscreen Topical pigment-controlling active ingredients are mainstays in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and melasma,” says Wu. vitamin c skin care Product under sunscreen in the morning. Vitamin C, commonly used for whitening, is not a one-trick pony. It also minimizes free radical damage (caused by unstable molecules that attack healthy cells), prevents visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, supports collagen production and improves pigmentation. Appearance of excess deposition. Regular application of Vitamin C will improve the appearance of fine lines, brighten skin, and give you a more even, radiant complexion.

Sun protection and targeted skin care are tried and true ways to minimize hyperpigmentation, but each case is different and should be treated with a targeted approach. House also states that a correct diagnosis is important when treating hyperpigmentation. Depending on your skin, in-office treatments for dark spots such as microneedling, peels, and lasers may actually make melasma worse. So if you’re interested in a more targeted and personalized treatment for your hyperpigmentation, make an appointment with your dermatologist.

What are the best skin care ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma?

Vitamin C is a powerful dermatologist-backed and clinically tested ingredient for the prevention and treatment of dark spots, but it’s not the only option for treating hyperpigmentation. retinol, niacinamidearbutin, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, AHA Glycolic acid and lactic acid are also recommended. However, they should be slowly incorporated into his routine one at a time. (Some powerful actives don’t work well together, so it’s important to educate yourself or seek professional advice before mixing them. [other ingredients] It should be approached with caution before daily use,” warns Abdulla. Jumping headfirst into using powerful skin care ingredients like retinol and AHAs can cause irritation and exacerbate hyperpigmentation in some skin types.

How do you prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma?

As for all forms of hyperpigmentation, prevention is better than cure and much easier, so it’s worth repeating once again. To emphasize the importance of prevention, Abdullah says that when a tendency to hyperpigmentation is triggered in the skin, it persists and leads to more dark spots. Wearing SPF 30 or higher is your best defense regardless of the weather forecast (yes, even on rainy days!), plus it helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles over time and It also helps protect against skin cancer. sunglasses A sun hat is also a useful tool for prevention, adds Wu.