SKIN CONDITIONS
Hyperpigmentation
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term referring to the appearance of darker spots on the skin,whether as age spots, melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The size of these darkareas can vary from small patches to larger areas and even the entire skin. They can appearanywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, chest and hands. Hyperpigmentationoccurs when the skin overproduces melanin, most likely due to sun exposure, aging orhormonal changes.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. Excess production of melanin can lead to theappearance of hyperpigmentation.The main reason skin suffers from hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. You’ll note that the mostaffected parts are those most exposed to sunlight. Hormonal changes can also affect theproduction of melanin of the skin, for example during pregnancy or when taking birth control.And while there are certain medications that can cause the skin to overproduce melatonin, it canalso be a normal result of aging (hence the term “age spots”).
Five tips to prevent hyperpigmentation
Apply sunscreen. Use SPF 30 to 50 on a daily basis, and reapply often when the sun isstrong. Apply sunscreen to your neck and the back of your hands as part of your dailyroutine. Avoid sitting in the sun for too long if you’re prone to hyperpigmentation.
Extra UV protection. Go the extra mile with your UV protection: sunhat, 100% UV protection sunglasses, covering up your shoulders and decolleté. Reduce the usage oftanning beds to an absolute minimum or give them up entirely.
Avoid picking at the skin. If your hyperpigmentation is caused by an injury or in flammatory skin condition, avoid picking at scabs, acne or spots.
Natural remedies. Some natural remedies might be effective in avoiding hyperpigmentation. Aloe vera, soy, mulberry and green tea are said to reduce dark spots, though results might differ from person to person.
Use the right skincare. To reduce the appearance of age spots and even out skin tone, opt for a cosmetic brightening serum from a reputable source, such as the Swissforce Age Spot & Skin Brightening White Serum. It is formulated with natural ingredients suchas skin-lightening berries, brightening garden cress, and calming Vitamin B3.
