Hyper Pigmentation
Uneven Skin Tone
There are environmental and hormonal factors as well as reaction to certain medicines that impact our skins. Dark spots and patches start appearing especially on our face, neck and chest and hands. Overexposure to sun remains one of the major causes of skin discolorations while Sunscreens remains the number one protection against Hyperpigmentation. In some individuals, heightened photosensitivity caused by environmental factors, various drugs and certain treatments can occur.
There are 3 main types of “dyschromia” or pigmentation:
- 1. Solar Lentigos.
Commonly known as liver spots, have nothing to do with the liver, but appear as freckles in the adult years from culminative effects of years of chronic sun exposure. There is heightened photosensitivity from medicines such as:
- Anti Hystamines-Benedry
- Anti diabetics
- Barbiturates
- Oral Contraceptives- estrogen
- Antibiotics-cleocyn,minocycline,tetrocyclin
- Accutane
- Tretinoin- Retin A
- Thyroxin
- 2. Melasma / Mask like Hyperpigmentation.
Darkening, sometimes a “mustache” or extending to the cheeks & side of the face can be worsened by:
- Hormone replacement
- Oral contraceptives
- Diuretics
- Antibiotics
- High Doses of Vitamin A& C
The other possibilities:
- Hair bleaching
- Some Perfumes
- Some Make-up products
- 3. Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.
Limited to the area of trauma, there is a darkening of skin from insult to the skin:
- Mosquito bite
- Hair Removal
- Waxing
- Depilatories
- Abrasion or cut
- Post surgery
Products and treatments ranging from mild bleaches to acid peels can help reverse Hyperpigmentation. For a person who has high pigment potential, our protocol includes:
- Incorporating anti inflammatives
- Turning off enzyme Tyrosinase production
- Recommendation of limiting Sun exposure
- Protection with a good Sunscreen
Helpful Hints
- Lose weight. Pigmentation will be easier to address whether it is caused from ingrown hairs, tweezing, picking, shaving.
- Avoid the Sun! Never skip the full spectrum sun block and remember to reapply including neck and hands.
- Apply sun block 30minutes before sun exposure even on cloudy days.
- Reapply Sun block every hour when involved with outdoor activity.
- Get car windows tinted to the legal limits.
- Skip ‘active’ products on irritated skin, use a cortisone cream and a sun block, and call the aesthetician.
- Get treatments every 2 weeks thus allowing the superficial exfoliation to ensure a better penetration of therapeutic products.
- Get follow up visits no less than every month and get product potency and lifestyle issues reevaluated.
- Get refills before running out to ensure that you do not have to start over.
- Do not apply scented aftershaves or colognes on exposed areas of the skin.
- Wear 100% UV protection sunglasses or get eyeglasses ‘coated’ by an optometrist.
- Do not scrub dead skin cells when flaking. Ask for a mask from the aesthetician.
- Do not use wash cloths, buffing pads or abrasive scrubs. Never scrub with towels.
- Apply retinoid and skin lighteners as directed and make sure all traces have been absorbed by the skin.
- Never dot lighteners or apply too thickly and avoid the mouth area for a few days if it becomes darkened, too dry or irritated.
back to top