How to treat hyperpigmentation on your skin?

Hyperpigmentation is a very common form of skin issue these days. A skin condition that forms patchy dark spots on your skin which is naturally supposed to be even. The condition is aggravated and even unavoidable given the fact that the sun’s rays are much stronger and harmful compared to what it was probably a decade back.

Spoiler Alert: there is no permanent cure for hyperpigmentation. All you can do is take help of the options available to lighten their appearance.

The colour of our skin and hair is determined by the presence of melanin. The more the amount of melanin on your skin, the darker your skin is. Hence, with an overproduction of melanocytes, you skin tends to get hyperpigmented. The most common causes of hyperpigmentation is over exposure to sun, genetics or even as a side effect of a drug that you have been consuming for a very long time. All of us do experience hyperpigmentation in some form or the other like moles on the skin, underlying age spots and even birth marks. The sooner you find the root cause of the problem the better equipped you are to deal with it.  A consultation with a dermatologist can help you understand what you are suffering from and what options you have to nip the problem in the bud.

Prolonged intake of drugs for balancing hormonal cycles, your periods and even birth control pills and pregnancy drugs can harm your skin causing dark marks or spots to appear on your cheeks, forehead and even upper lip. Doctors believe that at times the problems tends to affect only the top layer but with prolonged lack of care it can penetrate deeper and cause irreparable damage.  If you have a medical history consider speaking to your doctor in detail. This will help your doctor deal with the condition efficiently.

• Start using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more

Slather it all over generously. Apply it at least fifteen minutes before you expose yourself to the sun and reapply it when needed. You can use the ones in the market but if the condition has worsened do use the ones suggested by an expert.

• Apart from this, you can also try special treatments

offered like skin polishing, injecting serums, therapy and chemical peels that help you reduce these marks instantly in a few sittings.  Laser treatments is quite a rage these days. This can target a wide range of problems including treating birthmarks and removal of tattoos. Normally faster and a pain-free process, this is worth it.

• In your daily life, consider drinking at least 6-7 glasses of water.

• Minimise your caffeine intake

• Try including supplements to your diet to bridge the nutritional gap

Stick to a healthy diet. Vitamin C and B supplements are preferable.

• Make packs with natural ingredients at home

Packs of besan, curd, lemon juice or papaya work well to treat blemishes and spots. These take time but are really effective. Just be consistent with the application.

• Consider scrubbing off the dead skin cells

Do this in order to avoid the appearance of a duler looking skin. If you suffer from acne along with hyperpigmentation, be gentler on your skin. If you rub your skin too hard you will only worsen the condition.

• Look for moisturisers with alpha hydroxy acids

This works well on lightening the spots left from scars and the discoloration caused.

Although relatively harmless, hyperpigmentation can be really difficult to deal with for cosmetic reasons. Everyone desires a spot free, smoother looking skin. Hence, the earlier you start taking care of your skin, the better the results are.

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