Hyperpigmentation | Age Spots, Acne Scars, Melasma and Facial Discoloration

Hyperpigmentation

Here's an example of hyperpigmentation in pregnancy: note the heavy spotting on forehead and cheeks

When looking to even skin tone, it is important to block or inhibit tyrosinase production, and also to effectively, yet gently, removed discolored skin cells.

The Causes of Skin Discoloration

This is one of the most common concerns for mature clients. The melanogenesis, or pigment-producing process, generates melanin in response to inflammation, and UV exposure significantly increases inflammation levels throughout the epidermis and dermis. Sun-induced hyperpigmentation most often appears as random, sporadic freckling that may be more prevalent on the higher, more exposed areas of the face, such as the top of the forehead or the bridge of the nose.

3. Medications.. Certain medications that affect hormones can accelerate the melanin producing process. For some, medications such as birth control can induce facial discoloration.

4. Injury to Skin Resulting in Inflammation. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur after an injury such as a sunburn, an acne or eczema breakout, or even after a cut, scrape, or burn. Early treatment can help prevent development of dark spots, and the daily use of sunscreen is very important to prevent postinflammatory hyperpigmentation from becoming darker.

Fighting Skin Discoloration

1. The first, and best, cure for hyperpigmented skin is to avoid it altogether...which means using a broad spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis. Even those that have skin darkening due to hormonal issues need to do this, because the darkening is generally triggered by sun exposure--its just that it happens on an accelerated basis.

2. Next, if hyperpigmentation has already occurred, not only do you need to use a sunscreen (we recommend zinc oxide as the best, and safest, sunscreen ingredient because it not only blocks UVB rays (which is what SPF measures) but also blocks the aging UVA rays) but you also need to remove existing pigmented skin through the use of gentle exfoliation.

Hydroxy acids can not only remove the already discolored skin cells, but also may inhibit the formation of the tyrosinase enzyme, thereby slowing the process of melanin synthesis. Pumpkin enzymes are also great for this purpose.

3. Finally, you need to block the production of the tyrosinase enzyme at the cellular level. The use of anti-inflammatory agents, such as white, red, and green tea, plus licorice/kojic acid, helps because inflammation is a one of the factors that causes pigment formation. These extracts also may act as antioxidants, slowing many of the oxidation steps involved in melanin formation. An exciting new ingredient in this step is resveratrol, and l-ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a tried and true help in this step.

Want more information about skin care? Click here to read our blog! Or, shop for anti aging skin care products!