Woman with hyperpigmentation

What Causes Hyperpigmentation and How to Fix It

Hyperpigmentation can have lots of different causes. The root of your problem may be more than just sun exposure, though that is a significant factor and you should always wear sunscreen! Knowing the underlying cause of your dark spots can help you be better equipped to treat them and find the right products that will work best for you. Today, we’re going to talk about five common causes of hyperpigmentation, as well as a few ways to treat it.

 Tonique customer before and after photo

**Actual Tonique customer before and after**

  1. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is usually caused by an excess production of melanin, which is produced by melanocytes in the lower layer of the epidermis. UV rays increase melanocyte activity, and where there are more melanin cells, dark spots will appear. Wearing sunscreen daily is essential to helping prevent these kinds of dark spots.
  2. Acne scarring can be difficult to fade cause of dark spots. This post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result of nodular acne lesions. Once the breakout has cleared up, these darkened scars are left behind. While they may hang around for months or years, they are usually not permanent and can be faded with proper products.
  3. Addison’s Disease and other adrenal insufficiency issues are diseases in which hormones stimulate melanin synthesis. In the case of Addison’s Disease, there isn’t enough production of steroid hormones. Symptoms other than skin darkening can include abdominal pain, weight loss, and weakness. Such diseases can be triggered by stress from injuries, infections, surgeries, etc.
  4. Melasma, AKA the "mask of pregnancy," is another prevalent cause of hyperpigmentation. It can be caused by genetics, hormones, sun exposure, or skin irritation. Contrary to its nickname, it can occur in anyone. It is, however, widespread among pregnant women or those taking contraceptives or undergoing hormone replacement therapies.5.
  5. Lupus, specifically the cutaneous kind, can cause lesions that most often happen on the scalp, neck, face, ears, and hands. While they usually heal, there is a chance that hyperpigmentation will remain afterward. These lesions typically pop up in areas of skin that are subject to sun exposure.

 Tonique customer before and after photo

**Actual Tonique customer before and after**

The key to fading unwanted hyperpigmentation is knowing if you have an underlying cause for it and sticking to a good skincare routine. Tonique has a full line of natural, good-for-your-skin brightening cleansers, treatments, masks, toners, moisturizers, and any other product you'd need in your regime.  For example, for more stubborn hyperpigmentation our semi-custom gel creme for face is perfect and for the body our green tea lotion is a customer fave!

Our customer service representatives are online 24/7 to help answer your questions and help you pick out the products that are right for you. Chat with us today! And remember, if you think you may have a serious medical condition as some of those listed above, always talk to your doctor.

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