Hyperpigmentation is a condition that affects around 5 million people in the U.S., with individuals with darker skin feeling the brunt of its effect. While not harmful, it can cause people to feel self-conscious about their appearance, making them wear makeup to conceal the dark patches.

Despite being a “fussy” skin condition, hyperpigmentation is most likely to appear when certain circumstances are met. Understanding these causes can help you keep the issue under control and choose the right treatment option. In this blog, you will find out how to do that.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes dark patches to appear on the skin, which is often due to an excess production of melanin. The human body naturally produces these pigments as they give your skin its color; the more you have, the deeper the hyperpigmentation can run. However, certain circumstances can cause the melanin production to go berserk, leading to different types of hyperpigmentation:

1. Sun Spots:

Frequently referred to as age spots or liver spots, they are small and flat and usually appear in areas that get the most exposure to UV rays.

2. Melasma:

Larger, symmetrical patches of dark skin that usually appear on the face or stomach, often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” The condition is most common in women undergoing hormone changes.

3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:

Dark, irregular patches that occur after an inflammatory skin condition can appear anywhere on the body.

Hyperpigmentation can also appear as freckles, periorbital hyperpigmentation, and acanthosis nigricans. The condition usually occurs in the epidermis, but a more widespread case can go as deep as the dermis. A thorough assessment of the skin can determine what treatment approach is best.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Most of the time, hyperpigmentation occurs because of: 

1. Sun Exposure

Excessive exposure to UV light can lead to hyperpigmentation due to the photooxidation of melanin in the skin. In the best-case scenario, a few days in the sun can lead to a nice tan. However, as the melanin becomes erratic in order to protect the skin, it can lead to the appearance of sunspots.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormonal fluctuations can also lead to dark spots on the skin, as the imbalance causes the melanocytes to shift within the skin. The condition is most common in pregnant women but also those taking birth control.

3. Skin Injuries

Injuries often trigger the skin’s healing process, and to promote healing and protect itself, the body raises the melanin levels in the area. This leads to a condition often referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and individuals with darker skin are more prone to developing it.

Common Treatments and Who Should Get Them

Hyperpigmentation treatments may vary based on the extent of the condition and your skin’s sensitivity levels. Since each person can respond differently, a consultation with Dr. Ostad is essential to determine the proper treatment route. The most common options are the following:

1. Topical Treatments 

When you have a mild form of hyperpigmentation, topical treatments featuring medical-grade skincare are often the way to go. The best products feature retinoids, arbutase, niacinamides, and vitamin C due to their ability to lighten the skin. Topical or oral tranexamic acid is an additional medication to treat and improve this condition. Full treatment options like the Hyperpigmentation Regimen Set are usually recommended to gradually reduce the intensity of the hyperpigmentation. 
Individuals with fair to medium skin tones are the best candidates for this. Those with darker skin tones could benefit from gentle products containing vitamin C and niacinamide, as they are not as harsh on the skin. 

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can exfoliate the epidermis, the layer in which hyperpigmentation often resides. These peels contain a sort of acid that causes the top layer to gradually shed off, revealing the healthy, non-pigmented skin cells underneath. 

Chemical peels can benefit every skin type, but the base ingredient should be chosen based on your skin’s sensitivity. For instance, peels containing salicylic and mandelic acid are gentler, making them a generally safe option for sensitive or darker skin tones. Peels made from glycolic acid are more potent and suitable for fair skin.

3. Microneedling

Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the healing process and breaking down the clusters of pigment. When combined with PRP, radiofrequency, or medical-grade skincare, it allows the skin to heal and accelerates skin turnover, evening out your skin tone. 

The best part about this treatment is that it’s minimally invasive and is suitable for every skin color and type. Since it doesn’t use harsh chemicals or high-intensity light, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is minimal.

4. Laser Treatments

Laser procedures like Fraxel® and PicoWay® are often recommended for treating hyperpigmentation, as the concentrated light can break down the pigments. Once that happens, the skin gradually removes the damaged cells, leaving an even tone behind. 

While laser treatments are often recommended for those with lighter skin tones, the beauty of these treatments is that the laser intensity can be adjusted. This means dark skin tones can also benefit from the treatment without risking post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Get Your Hyperpigmentation Treatment Today!

Hyperpigmentation can be troublesome to deal with, but it’s not an impossible mission. You just have to find the right treatment approach for your skin. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad to keep your hyperpigmentation under control!

For more information about hyperpigmentation and how to treat it, you can contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. After an appointment at his practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, he can offer the best treatment route. Alternatively, you may fill out the provided online contact form, and we will get in touch soon!