Skin hyperpigmentation: causes and how to treat it

Do you have a little bit of skin that looks darker than the rest? This condition is medically known as hyperpigmentation. So, what are the causes and ways to deal with skin hyperpigmentation? Come on, find out through the following reviews!

What is skin hyperpegmentation?

Hyperpegmentation is a skin problem in which melanocytes produce too much melamine, the pigment that determines skin color, resulting in patches of skin that are darker in color than the normal surrounding skin.

Based on the trigger, skin hyperpegmentation is divided into various types.

1. Melasma

Source: iS University

Melasma is a condition characterized by the appearance of hyperpegmented patches on the face. a type of skin hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes.

Generally, this condition occurs in pregnant women, given that at that time hormonal changes are taking place. These changes affect melanin production.

However, that does not mean that melasma can only occur in women, men can also experience melasma. Apart from pregnancy, melasma can also occur if you use birth control pills.

Apart from the face, melasma can also cause a large amount of discoloration of the skin in certain areas, such as the stomach.

2. Lentigo

Lentigo is another type of hyperpigmentation of the skin that is too exposed to the sun.

When you come out and the sun is so hot, your body will automatically produce more melanin to protect your skin from long-term sun exposure.

Generally, this condition occurs on the face and hands. This one skin hyperpigmentation will usually widen or increase a lot with age.

They can vary in size, from 0.2 - 2 centimeters. Lentigo is usually dark in color, has an irregular shape, and shows clear lines or borders so that the skin looks striped.

3. Addison's disease

There are also health conditions that can cause hyperpigmentation, even if they are not skin diseases.

Addison's disease is a condition that attacks the adrenal glands, but it can cause hyperpigmentation in several parts of the body. This disease usually causes hyperpigmentation in areas that are easily exposed to sunlight.

Usually, the parts of the skin that experience hyperpigmentation due to this disease are the folds of the skin, lips, knees and elbows, toes, and inner cheeks.

This disease is usually characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

4. Inflammation of the skin

Skin hyperpigmentation can also occur due to skin inflammation. Usually, there are some parts of the skin that are darker in color than other parts of the skin after the inflammation occurs.

Inflammation of the skin includes acne, eczema, lupus, or an injury to the skin. Generally, people who experience this one cause of skin hyperpigmentation are dark skinned people.

5. Hyperpigmentation due to the use of drugs

In fact, the use of drugs can also cause hyperpigmentation of the skin. These drugs include antimalarial drugs or tricyclic antidepressants. In the case of using these medicines, the different skin color usually turns grayish in color.

On the other hand, the use of drugs that are applied topically or applied to the skin can also be a cause of hyperpigmentation, so you should be more careful when using various topicals or ointments.

How to deal with hyperpigmentation on the skin

Although there are many conditions that can cause hyperpigmentation on the skin, it does not mean that this condition cannot be treated. There are many ways that you can apply yourself in overcoming this condition.

1. Use sunscreen when traveling

If you have to be in the sun for long periods of time, you should use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.

The use of sunscreen will be very useful to help prevent you from sun exposure, as one of the causes of skin hyperpigmentation.

2. Use an ointment

The use of topical drugs or ointments can indeed be a cause of skin hyperpigmentation, however, these medicinal preparations can also be used to treat it. Choose drugs that contain ingredients such as:

• azelaic acid,
• corticosetroid,
• hydroquinone,
• retinoids such as tretinoin,
• kojic acid, and
• vitamin C.

3. Use aloe vera

Since pregnancy is the cause of one type of skin hyperpigmentation, you can use aloe vera or aloe vera to overcome this condition.

Why? The reason is, one of the studies published by the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy states that use aloe vera can help reduce melasma in pregnant women.

Aloesin, one of the natural substances found in aloe vera has the potential to lighten hyperpigmented skin by blocking the production of melanin in the skin.

Even so, no one has been able to prove that aloe vera can actually cure hyperpigmentation on the skin.

4. Use apple cider vinegar for skin hyperpigmentation

Apple cider vinegar is also thought to lighten the hyperpigmented skin. To use it, you can mix apple cider vinegar with water in a container.

Then, apply to the darker areas of the skin and let it sit for two to three minutes. When finished, rinse with warm water. Do this twice a day until you get the results you expect.

5. Use green tea extract

Apart from being useful as an antioxidant and treating inflammation, green tea extract can also be used to treat melasma and reduce inflammation sunburn . You simply boil green tea for three to five minutes.

The green tea leaves are boiled and then let stand until they are not too hot. When it's warmer, rub the tea on the dark areas of the skin. Do this step twice a day until your skin condition improves.

6. Use milk

Milk has long been known to lighten the skin due to its lactic acid content.

You can take advantage of milk by dipping a cotton ball in the liquid. After that, rub the cotton swab on the hyperpigmented skin twice a day. Do it regularly.

If you still have questions about hyperpigmentation, please consult a dermatologist.