Hyperpigmentation is a stubborn skin condition associated with dark patches ( brown or black) on the face. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes ( melanin-producing cells) embedded in the basal layer of your skin. It protects the skin by absorbing harmful U.V radiations.
Melanin, when produced, is colourless!
Yes, you heard it right.
It is only when transported to the neighbouring skin cells, it appears dark.
When does melanin become a Problem?
Prolonged U.V exposure stimulates a chain reaction for the production of excess melanin, resulting in the appearance of pigmented blemishes called Hyperpigmentation.
Sunlight helps in Vitamin D Synthesis. A water-soluble vitamin that helps in Calcium absorption. However, overexposure to the sun especially during hours when sun rays are strong and at their peak ( usually 10- 2 pm) can lead to Hyperpigmentation.
The primary role of pigment melanin is protection from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun. However, prolonged sun exposure leads to excess production of melanin causing Hyperpigmentation.
Although Sun rays are quite potent to harm your skin all year round, summer is a time where the probability of Sun damage is the most.
Summers is a period where you enjoy the warmth of the weather and sunny beaches. However, It is also the time when the sun rays are intense enough to damage your skin, especially the sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck and bare arms and legs.
It is a time when the sun can damage your skin in a short time as compared to other months, as the intensity of sun rays is strong and the number one cause of Hyperpigmentation
Sometimes, Sun is not the cause
Others include
- Hormones
- Medications
- Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne
Sometimes, even genetics has a role in Hyperpigmentation
After having known the probable causes, let us discuss the measures you can take to prevent Hyperpigmentation.
- Wear a sunscreen
Make it a habit to wear sunscreen not just in summer or on sunny beach days, but throughout the year. Apply it to your sun-exposed areas such as the face and neck region. Sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30 is advisable.
- Reapply Sunscreen every 2 hours
Yes, Even though you’ve applied Sunscreen in the morning, chances are of it getting broken down by Direct sun exposure. Thus to keep sun damage at bay, Reapply it every 2 Hours
- Avoid Unnecessary Stepping out during the daytime
- cover sun-exposed areas of your skin e.g. Wear a brimmed hat for your face
Prevention is better than cure. Even though taking all the appropriate measures listed above, there are chances of your skin getting pigmented because the sun is stronger than all. For such cases, there is a need for you to devise a proper treatment plan and be consistent with it.
Certain treatments are effective to minimize the appearance of spots
They include
- Exfoliation
Increasing your skin cell turnover can brighten your skin. Also shedding of Pigmented cells using mild and gentle exfoliants such as Lactic acid and mandelic acid can be an effective treatment causing minimum to no irritation ( Avoid using physical exfoliants. It may cause inflammation, adding additional pigmentation ).
Try this :
5% Mandelic acid serum by Suganda
Mandelic acid has a high molecular weight, thus slowing penetration into your skin. It is both effective and gentle to your skin.
- Add skin brightening ingredients to your skincare Regimen
Vitamin C is a well-known skin brightening ingredient. Though consumed via diet, The effectiveness of Vitamin C for your skin is enhanced by applying it topically. Vitamin C inhibits melanin production by acting on enzyme tyrosinase which catalyzes melanin production.
Increased skin brightness minimizes the appearance of dark spots
- Serums
Serums contain active ingredients. They help target skin concerns specifically. Using serums that contain ingredients meant to treat Hyperpigmentation can be highly effective to combat Hyperpigmentation.
Try this: Advance Arbutin Pigmentation Serum by Suganda treats Hyperpigmentation via multiple pathways, treating all types of Hyperpigmentation including PIE ( Post-inflammatory Erythema ), PIH (post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation ) and melasma.
https://mdceuticals.com/pt/avoiding-hyperpigmentation-in-summer-dos-and-donts-pt/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000125.htm#:~:text=The%20outer%20layer%20of%20the,produce%20more%20melanin%20and%20darken.
