Skin Hyperpigmentation on the Face: Causes & Symptoms

Pigmentation refers to the unexplained darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) of the skin. Causes can usually be pinpointed to UVR exposure, trauma, medication, a chemical substance, or hormonal and Vitamin A & C deficiencies. And not forgetting essential fatty acid deficiency. Other causes trigger skin diseases such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

Normal skin contains cells called melanocytes that produce melanin, the brown skin coloring pigment of the skin, and when these melanocytes are either abnormal or abnormally distributed, it results in pigmentation ‘problems’. Although most skin conditions that cause discoloration are harmless, people need to know when there is a cause for concern.

Eventually most of us will struggle with some kind of pigmentation problem that occurs regardless of your ethnicity or skin color. The skin will either appear lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than normal in certain areas. This occurs because the skin produces either too much or too little melanin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes and is the pigment/color of your skin. The amount of melanin present will determine your skin color. Melanin is triggered by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which creates the color of our skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin has two major forms.

Eumelanin– brown skin and hair color

Pheomelan– imparts a yellow to reddish hue

Melanin is the skin’s natural ‘Sun block’ as, depending on the amount present, it protects the skin from UV rays. You could then say that melanin or in this case a ‘tan’ is the skin’s natural defense mechanism against the sun. This is why skin type IV to VI is less susceptible to sunburn. This however, does not mean that these skin types are immune to the problems associated with pigmentation.

Hormonal Pigmentation 

Chloasma and melasma are terms used to describe pigmentation that is caused due to abnormal hormone levels in the body. These levels are influenced by pregnancy, mild ovarian or thyroid dysfunction, the contraceptive pill and some photosensitising medications. Chloasma is also referred to as the pregnancy mask and will often fade after birth. Melasma is seen as symmetric pigmented macules extending over large areas, the cheeks, upper lip, chin and forehead and is more common in women than men. It is also more common in you darker skin types. This however does not exclude lighter skins if there is a family history of pigmentation.

Photomelanosis

This is increased pigmentation due to sun exposure and is most commonly found on the face, neck and back. It may appear patchy or as diffused darkening of the exposed skin

What causes it? Most pigmentation are caused by sun damage. Age or liver spots are the most common form of skin hyperpigmentation. Excessive sun exposure can cause the overproduction of melanin in the skin, which results to dark spot formation. Freckles, another form of hyperpigmentation, are caused mainly by genetics, although excessive exposure to harmful UV rays may also trigger its formation. Other forms of skin pigmentation may be caused by skin conditions such as acne which results to dark marks after healing. Burns, injuries, drug treatment and cosmetic surgery are among the less frequent causes of dark spot formation.

Different types of skin pigmentation problems can emerge as you get older. More often than not, these pigmentation problems appear due to damages in the structure of the skin. These damages can be caused by scratching your skin, wrong use of chemical peelers or excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.

However, there are effective treatments today that work in improving the vibrancy of your skin tone and getting rid of dermis blemishes. With just a bit of patience, you can pull it off easily. Here are some of the tips that can help reduce skin pigmentation problems:

Exfoliation is the key 

Most people fail to understand the importance of exfoliation. Washing your skin alone does not cut it. Soaps do not get rid of dead skin cells and deep-seated dirt. That being said, dead skin cells, sebum, bacteria and dirt can accumulate in your pores. Because the pores are blocked, the lightening product you are using will not work well for your skin. This might even facilitate product build-up.

You definitely need to exfoliate your dermis. Why don’t you try using malic acid found in apple cider vinegar? Many people also use this to get rid of dark pimple scars. It has lightening benefits as well. It can help lessen pigmentation problems. Mix equal portions of malic acid and water. You can also add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice for better effects. Lemon juice has bleaching properties. Place the mixture in a small bottle and use it as a toner.

Hit the sack

Sleeping is also essential in preventing uneven skin tone and dermis pigmentation problems. When you sleep, your brain releases a hormone called melatonin. This hormone helps reduce the negative effects of UV rays. It prevents dermis discoloration brought about by excessive exposure to the sun.

Use an effective natural lightening moisturizer 

Choose a moisturizer that contains Extrapone Nutgrass, Phytessence Wakame and Maracuja. Extrapone Nutgrass contains bleaching properties that can lighten up the skin by up to 45% during the first two weeks of use. This ingredient also has anti-irritant properties so it can get rid of rashes. It makes skin softer and smoother. Phytessence Wakame is a type of sea kelp that can prevent the loss of hyaluronic acid. This acid is needed to make skin look dewy and supple. Maracuja contains emollient properties similar to human skin. It can duplicate the moisture-retaining and producing functions of the dermis.

Take pearl powder supplements 

Ancient Chinese women used pearl powder to enhance their complexion. This has shown remarkable benefits in lessening skin damage and pigmentation issues. It also makes the skin rosier and more radiant.

Natural home remedies require patience and the effects are seen only after consistent and persistent efforts:

Papaya

Grate a papaya and extract the juice. Apply this juice to the pigmented area. You can even apply it to the entire face to get that shine and glow. Regularly apply this for about a month. You will begin to see amazing results. This is because the enzyme in papaya has properties that help remove dead cells. Every time you apply papaya juice, it removes dead cells and new cell generation gradually removes the pigmented parts.

Almond and milk

It is known that dryness is one of the causes of pigmentation. Removing the dryness is hence essential. Almond contains natural fatty acids. The nutrients present in almonds help nourish it. Milk is also known to be a lightening agent. For this treatment, soak almonds in milk overnight. Crush them into a paste. Apply this paste on the pigmented areas.

Guava and banana

The lycopene content of guava makes it a great treatment for darkening. Banana is also known for its lightening properties. Make a pulp by crushing guava and banana and apply on pigmented areas.

Avocados

Avocados are known to be rich in fatty acids, vitamin C and oleic acid. This makes them very good agents for rejuvenation and healing.

Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter can help soothe and heal the skin as it has antioxidant properties. Cocoa nourishes and helps prevent hyperpigmentation.

Castor oil

Castor oil and vitamin E leaves your skin smooth and silky. Vitamin E helps revive it.

If you’d like to know more about pigmentation solutions suitable for you, please call us to arrange a consultation session. We are available from 8am to 12 midnight DAILY.

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