I have
alllllllways suffered from hyperpigmentation.
And, being breakout prone it seems like I will get a bump that goes away
in a few days but the dark mark that it leaves behind lasts FOREVER!
Hyperpigmentation is an overproduction of melanin. It is darkened, flat patches of skin that are
dark in color and vary in shape in size.
It can be triggered by different factors such as sun exposure, genetic,
age, hormones and trauma to the skin such as an injury or inflammation. Many patients who have come to me for
treatment for hyperpigmentation have told me that when they get a tan or lots
of sun the dark spots “go away”. SO
false! Sun exposure is the cause of
hyperpigmentation. The sun is what
triggers that over production of melanin.
So, once the sun exacerbates those dark spots it can cause freckles, age
spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and makes them even darker.
Melasma is a
form of hyperpigmentation that is brought on by female hormones. Women who have been pregnant or taken birth
control often experience Melasma which resembles a face mask. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this but,
avoiding sun exposure and using a very good broad-spectrum sunscreen with a
high spf can keep it at bay. Although it
is more prevalent amongst people with darker skin tones I have known a lot of
patients with fair skin tones to suffer from melasma.
Dealing with
acne, eczema or psoriasis and any type of trauma to the skin can cause the
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A
lot of times they will leave a very dark and discolored mark after the healing
process has occurred. There are creams
such as hydroquinone and tretinoin cream that lighten the dark spots that must
be prescribed by a dermatologist. You
don’t want to use these creams for a long period of time. Some research has found that they can thin
your skin.
If the
hyperpigmentation is driving you crazy, like it does me, I would suggest doing
a series of chemical peels. The peel removes the surface layers of skin which
will help to lighten the uneven tone.
About 2-3 days after you have the treatment the skin will begin to peel
leaving you with new, smooth, evenly pigmented skin. I love it!
My skin feels like a baby’s bottom and has a gorgeous glow. A series of 6 treatments are suggested ever
3-4 weeks. You can’t forget to use that
sunscreen though…when you are going through you treatments your skin will be
sensitive.
After doing
some research I found this spf by Elta MD Skincare. It is specifically for acne prone skin with UVA & UVB protection and will help to protect your skin from getting new hyperpigmentation and fade out the old!
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