Women of colour usually have a problem with uneven skin colour. Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where some areas of the skin become darker in comparison to the surrounding skin areas. This is a very common problem among women with darker skin tones. Hyperpigmentation is not physically harmful, but it can cause a lot of challenges. However, the condition can be improved by addressing its causes.
What is the main cause of hyperpigmentation?
Many women of colour deal with different dark patches/marks on their skin. While there are various types of hyperpigmentation, some of them tend to appear the same. This condition can happen for many reasons. One of the best ways to treat the condition is to identify its main cause. Skin darkening or hyperpigmentation has many causative factors. They are highlighted below:
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/skin injury
The injury response system of the skin is usually activated by breakouts, rashes, burns, and wounds. These responses are steps taken by the body as a way of healing. Inflammation is the main element of healing. This is because the inflammatory cells are transported to that location to get rid of damaged tissue. It then prepares that area of the skin for rebuilding.
Melasma
Melasma is a brown-gray discoloration which occurs on the face. Women of colour usually suffer from Melasma. While experts do not know the reason for this condition, it is probably caused by a combination of hormones, sun exposure, and genetics.
Medications
One of the main causes of hyperpigmentation is medications. About 10% to 20% of the time, hyperpigmentation is caused due to improper medication. However, the pigmentation pattern and colour may vary in individual cases. Some medications that can cause hyperpigmentation include blood pressure medications, tetracycline antibiotics, psychotropic medicines, and so on.
Medical conditions
While it is rare among patients, hyperpigmentation can usually be caused by medical problems. Some medical conditions that cause hyperpigmentation include Addison’s disease, Hemochromatosis, Vitamin deficiencies, and acanthosis nigricans.
Why are people of colour prone to hyperpigmentation?
Darker skin tones are known for their ability to easily produce the pigment in comparison to lighter skin. Melanocytes are the cells used for producing pigments and they do this as a reaction to inflammation, skin injury, and sun exposure. Another group of skin cells (keratinocytes) are used to hold the melanin organ that provides the tone of our skin. If these cells get disrupted, they release this pigment under the skin’s surface. This causes hyperpigmentation. Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that afflicts women in 90% of the cases. This skin condition is usually linked to hormones, sun exposure, and genetics. Women have certain hormones in their skin that also accelerate the process of skin darkening. Darker skin-toned women have a higher amount of pigment in the skin in addition to female hormones, which makes them vulnerable to Melasma.
How can hyperpigmentation be prevented?
People who are vulnerable to hyperpigmentation can not be free from the skin condition. However, some measures can be taken for them to minimize the condition. One of the best ways to prevent this condition is to protect the skin.
Hyperpigmentation prevention tips
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that has a holistic treatment approach. The first step in treating the condition is to understand why you have it in the first place. When treating hyperpigmentation, if you want to get the best results, you will need to address the main cause of the condition. Beyond this step, you can fade out these spots in three methods as well as even out the skin. These methods include skin protection, procedures, and medications.
Skin protection
Skin protection is one of the ways of treating hyperpigmentation. It is important to protect the skin from blue light and the sun. these are light sources that are known for their darkening effects on the skin. To protect the skin, the best solution is to use iron-oxide-containing mineral sunscreens.
Medications
Numerous medications can be used to treat hyperpigmentation. The best medication to be used in this case will depend on the locations affected by the skin condition, skin sensitivity, and whether pregnant or not. In most cases, you will get the desired results if you combine, alternate, or rotate these treatments. To treat this skin condition properly, you may try using certain medications such as Hydroquinone, Arbutin, Retinoids, Alpha hydroxy acids, L-cysteamine, and Tranexamic acid. Retinoids like tretinoin have proven to be successful against hyperpigmentation. You can buy tretinoin online. In addition, you can also get all other medications such as tretinoin online.
Procedures
Cosmetic procedures can be used to quickly tone the skin a lot faster There are various ways that you can use to tone out the skin. These procedures include:
Lasers: There are laser treatment routines that can be used to target pigments. This is great when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peels: You can apply chemicals to your skin as a way to treat hyperpigmentation. When this is done, this helps to exfoliate the external layers and reveal evenly toned-out skin below.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a process that can be used to treat hyperpigmentation. This process involves the use of rough crystals that can be used to gently exfoliate the external, dead cell layers of the skin. Microdermabrasion is a process that increases the penetration process of the topical applied for an even skin tone.
What is the healing time for hyperpigmentation?
When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, the time it takes to get rid of the condition varies. When treating this skin condition, the time you need before you get a reliable result is usually from months to years. The condition is rarely permanent. The most important treatment procedure is to quickly identify its primary cause and work to solve the problem early.
Conclusion
Hyperpigmentation is a very common issue among women with darker skin tones. While it can be treated, one of the best ways to improve the condition involves understanding its root cause. Another way to treat the condition is to protect your skin while also exploring various other treatment options that provide an even skin pigment.
