Discolouration of the skin, or Hyperpigmentation, is a common skin concern affecting individuals of all skin types. Firstly we need to understand exactly what hyperpigmentation is, to truly get to the bottom of what is causing it.
What actually is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin, the skin’s colour pigment, is overproduced in certain spots on the skin, causing discoloration or darkening in a specific area
So what can contribute to hyperpigmentation and how you can you address it to achieve a more even-toned complexion?
- Sun Exposure
The number one cause of hyperpigmentation is over exposure to the Sun. UV radiation stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, leading to melasma patches often found on the upper forehead, upper cheeks, and/or upper lip areas, freckles, and sunspots (also known as age spots or liver spots). Wearing a high factor broad-spectrum suncream and keeping your skin out of the direct sunlight where possible is imperative not only for minimizing hyperpigmentation but also for other health factors.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):
PIH dark spots occur as a result of inflammation or injury to the skin, such as acne, insect bites, cuts, or burns. In response to injury, the skin produces excess melanin, resulting in dark spots or discoloration.
- Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy (melasma) can trigger hyperpigmentation. These hormonal changes can stimulate melanocytes, leading to the development of dark patches on the skin.
- Genetics:
Some people are simply more susceptible to hyperpigmentation than others due to genetic predisposition. People with darker skin tones have a higher concentration of melanin and are more prone to developing hyperpigmentation.
What treatments are available?
The 1st and most important step to an even skintone must be to protect your skin from the sun. This is a daily must have and without it any benefits from other treatments you use to treat hyperpigmentation will likely be impacted or undone.
The great news is, if you follow step 1, then there are a multitude of fantastic products and treatments which can help. Why not try the following:
- Follow a gentle skincare regime, avoiding harsh physically abrasive treatments to minimize trauma and inflammation of the skin which can lead to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Utilize leading inflammatory ingredients within your skincare routine, such as vitamin C or azelaic acid, to help prevent and fade post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Find products with advanced brightening ingredients such as Niacinamide to help actively fade and reduce dark spots.
Prickly Pear Brightening Microdart patches offer a blend of Niacinamide, Vitamin C Sodium Hyaluronate, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Madecassoside, and Bisabolol, to not only help reduce dark spots for a more even skin tone, but also hydrates and soothes the skin to help prevent further causes of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.