What is the Cause of Hyperpigmentation?

What is the Cause of Hyperpigmentation?

There is no one cause for hyperpigmentation in general, it can be caused by a variety of things.  Darkening of the skin in one area can sometimes indicate the area has been injured, past inflammation, hormonal changes, sun damage, skin disease and several other things.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

woman with hyperpigmentation

Skin injury-Have you ever been burned by something?  It may not be disfiguring bu chances are they'll be a burn mark or hyperpigmentation that's left behind.  This is an example of an injury to the skin that causes darkening.  Other things such as surgery can cause hyperpigmentation and even lasers that are used for hair removal and anti-aging treatments.

Inflammation of the skin-People that are plagued by acne and constant breakouts are an example of people who have hyperpigmentation as a result of inflammation of the skin.  Another example is someone who has played rough sports and continuously gets hit in the same spot and has an area or areas that are darker as a result of repeated inflammation of the skin in that area.  

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Skin Disease-There are many diseases of the skin that also cause the skin to darken or even in some spots.  Example of this are lupus, vitiligo, psoriasis, or even some kinds of infection of the skin can cause hyperpigmentation.  Some of these are auto immune diseases which will need to be battled for a lifetime, but some can be cured and are only temporary.

Hormones-This is a big cause of hyperpigmentation for expectant women and also women that take hormonal birth control.  It can be quite disfiguring for a while and even permanent if the source of the hyperpigmentation is not removed or stopped immediately.  If birth control is what's causing the discoloration if you stop using them, it may go away on its own or you may need to use a skin lightening cream and then sunblock to keep it at bay.  If it comes on suddenly during pregnancy, it usually goes away when the hormones return to normal.

Sun Damage-Even though there's been extensive education some people don't know about the dangers of staying in the sun for extended periods of time without sun protection.  Not only can it cause skin cancer but it can also cause sun damage that is permanent unless skin lightening creams are used.  Once the area of sun damage is lightened it is important to use sunscreen daily so that the sun damage will not come back.

How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation

woman with sunscreen on

The good news about this is that though there are many things that can cause hyperpigmentation, there are products that can remove it.  Always choose quality products that remove hyperpigmentation and that are healthy for your body and skin and if possible manufactured in the U.S. and that have good reviews.

Removing hyperpigmentation from the face-

1. Exfoliate at least once a week using a brightening scrub.  For less sensitive skin types and faster results, exfoliating can be done once every other day.

2. Apply a skin lightening cream that is more natural but that will give you good results so that it gets the job done and doesn't take forever.  

3. Apply sunscreen daily.

Removing hyperpigmentation from the Body-

1. Cleanse and exfoliate using an exfoliating cloth and kojic acid bar.

2. Use a skin lightening lotion and keep any areas that are being lightened covered

3. Apply sunscreen daily to any areas that will be exposed.  

It is also important to remember that even with sunscreen on, while lightening the skin, do not spend extended amounts of time, more than 10-15 minutes out in extended sunlight.

 

For more information on the cause of hyperpigmentation and how to get rid of it, live chat with a knowledgeable skin care representative on this site 24/7.

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