Melasma and Hyperpigmentation are skin conditions that affect the face. Hyperpigmentation is characterized by a dark skin area formed on the skin surface that is darker than the surrounding areas. Sun exposure can cause pigments which are commonly referred to as age spots, liver spots or sunspots. Trauma, acne, skin products, chemicals and skin procedures like laser care can cause hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin forms deposits inside the skin. Anyone can be affected by this skin condition. The best way to notice that you have hyperpigmentation is the formation of freckles, large and small spots and patches. On occasion, skin areas that have been damaged, scraped or burned become darker than the surrounding tissue.
On the other hand, melasma is a skin problem that is characterized by gray-brown skin patches that are resistant to treatment. The most common skin area that is usually affected is the forehead, bridge of the nose, on the chin, cheeks and above the upper lip. Melasma is more prevalent in women during hormonal shifts like at the start of birth control medications than in men. On the other hand, sun exposure on someone who has melasma can worsen the condition.
Types of skin Hyperpigmentation
Different types of Skin hyperpigmentation can be caused by different reasons. Is it possible for hyperpigmentation to go away by itself? It all depends on the form of hyperpigmentation that you have. Below is a brief description of two types of hyperpigmentation.
Sun damage and freckles
Sun damage is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation. If overexposure to the sun causes skin damage, the skin will have difficulty in repairing itself which leads to hyperpigmentation. The skin usually recovers in most cases, but you will have to use intense moisturizers and sunscreen along with quality skincare products.
Freckles are more common on light-skinned people that on darker skin individuals. Most people assume that freckles are a lifelong condition, but a good hyperpigmentation cream that has a maximum of 4% hydroquinone can change the skin damage caused by freckles.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:
This is also referred to as acne scars. Once an acne breakout is done, the skin tries to heal by producing more melanin. Scarring of acne is a stubborn hyperpigmentation form. As time goes by, it goes away, but it still leaves traces behind. A good cream can benefit an acne scar.
Types of Melasma
There are four different types of pigmentation patterns that are diagnosed by melasma. They include dermal, epidermal, mixed and one that occurs in dark-skins. Excess melanin is found in the top layers of the skin in the epidermal type. The presence of melanophages on the dermis distinguishes the dermal melasma. The mixed type includes the dermal and epidermal type.
Treatment tips for Hyperpigmentation
Microdermabrasion
In microdermabrasion, the upper skin layer is removed gently to get rid of dark spots, sun spots and other superficial and small discolorations. DermaSweep, which is a form of microdermabrasion offers a specialized anti-pigment ingredient which is infused to brighten the skin.
Chemical Peel
Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, and TCA chemical peels are recommended to get rid of discolorations. Dermatologists recommend that chemical peels are effective in improving the healing process and removing deep pigments. The potency of the chemical peel can be manipulated to suit the depth and type of pigment.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
One common way to target sun-induced discoloration is the used of IPL. IPL involves the use of light to target the skin and blood vessels. The light lifts out the discolored regions of the skin. After a few days, the skin is expected to flake off. An IPL is commonly used after laser treatments to clean the skin.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
This treatment works wonders at erasing stubborn pigmentation. Lasers like Halo, Clear, and Braxe, create controlled micro injuries inside the skin to trigger the healing process of the skin. This results in the reduction of discoloration as fresh skin appears.
Treatment tips for Melasma
The most common therapy for melasma includes 2% of hydroquinone creams like Porcelana and Esrorica, and prescription strength 4% creams like Tri-Luma, Obagi Clear, 3% hydroquinone and NeoCutis Blanche. Some sunscreens also contain 4% hydroquinone like Obagi Sunfader and Glycine Clarifying Bleaching Sunvabish. Physicians usually prescribe products with HQ concentrations that are above 2%. Clinical studies record that creams that have 2% HQ can lighten the skin without irritations, compared to the high concentrates of HQ. These creams are normally applied to brown patches two times a day. Each morning, sunscreen should be applied over the HQ cream. All types of melasma have treatments, but the epidermal type responds much better to treatments because the pigment is close to the surface of the skin.
Melasma can clear up without treatment; there are times when it clears with the use of sunscreen and the avoidance of the sun. For some people, melasma discoloration may disappear after pregnancy or after hormonal therapy.
The combination of special creams with HQ, azelaic acid, nonphenolic bleaching agents, phenolic hypopigmenting agent,kojic acid and retinoic acid are great for treating melasma. In severe cases, a high concentration of HQ and cream are combined with ingredients such as glycolic acid, corticosteroids, and tretinoin to effectively lighten the skin.
Treatment of hyperpigmentation and melasma can be done at any age, but what is important is the frequency of treatment. It is recommended to avoid using treatments on a regular basis since your skin needs to heal after treatment is done.
Preventative measures against hyperpigmentation and melasma
Skin protection from the sun’s UV light
Lessening your exposure to UV light will help you lower the chances of getting these conditions. You need to reduce the time spent on the sun and apply sunscreen anytime you step out to the sun. The most effective sunscreens are the opaque sunblocks that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Improve your skin care
The use of gentle skin care products will help prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma. Avoid popping blemishes, picking your skin and scratching. This is important especially if you have pigmentation in some areas of your skin. If you feel some irritation on your skin, use moisturizers to massage the area instead of scratching.
Always check the potential side effects of medications
There are drugs that can bring about hyperpigmentation by increasing the production of melanin. Always check with your doctor about medications. If possible, ask for alternatives that have little effect on your skin.
Now, some treatments have a fast effect on skin conditions while some take time before changes are experienced. For instance, IPL treatment can take an average of between 7 to 14 days to resolve. But again, it depends on the level of hyperpigmentation you have. If you have severe damage, it can take at least 4 treatments that might span a few months.
Sunscreen is usually thought to have only aesthetic purposes, but it has numerous benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Shielding from UV rays
- Preventing premature aging
- Lowering of skin cancer
- Lowering face blotching
- Preventing sunburns
- Preventing from skin tanning
As much as there are benefits, overuse of sunscreen can cause skin drawbacks. Some of these issues include:
- Allergic reactions
- Increase the damage of acne
- Cause eye irritation
- Increase breast cancer risks
- Pain in hairy regions
- Cause formation of pustules in hair follicles