Hyperpigmentation

If you have patches of darker pigmentation on your face, you’re not alone! And, if you’re wondering what causes hyperpigmentation and how to get rid of it, you’ve come to the right place. Although completely removing the signs of hyperpigmentation is very difficult there are steps you can take to reduce or prevent brown spots, blotchy skin, and a rough skin texture, helping your skin look younger for longer.

Book your consultation now to treat the visible pigmentation and prevent further hyperpigmentation. During the consultation, we will examine your skin with a medical degree skin analysis and formulate a personalized treatment plan to get the best result.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation, or skin pigmentation, is when certain areas of your skin are darker than the rest. It’s a fairly common skin concern that affects people of all skin types. It can appear in smaller patches, cover larger areas, or—in rare cases—even the entire body.

Hyperpigmentation happens when your skin produces more melanin than normal. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving your skin its color. The excess pigment is deposited deep within the skin, giving it a darker look than the skin around it.

Why does hyperpigmentation get worse?

Inflammation and hormones are the two major factors that cause excess hyperpigmentation to the skin. Inflammation can include sun damage, heat, cuts, irritation, acne, hair removal, friction and even waxing.

What can cause hyperpigmentation?

These are some of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation:

  • Sun damage. It’s no secret that UV rays from the sun are harmful to your skin. In fact, they are responsible for up to 80 percent of the signs of premature skin ageing. One of these signs can be hyperpigmentation in form of age spots due to the lifelong exposure to the sun.
  • Chloasma (Melasma). Patches of dark pigmentation, usually on your face, can indicate hormonal changes. It is mostly, but not exclusively, associated with pregnancy hormones. During pregnancy, chloasma is sometimes called the ‘mask of pregnancy’.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When your skin goes through an inflammatory phase, such as acne or eczema, it may go into overdrive and produce these darker spots after it heals.
  • Medical conditions. In some cases, hyperpigmentation can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as Addison’s disease. If you’re uncertain about what is causing the hyperpigmentation, it’s always best to seek professional help from a specialist.

Which treatment is best for hyperpigmentation?

Chemical (medical) peels. A chemical peel uses acids at stronger concentrations to treat the desired area of skin. They reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by removing the top layer of your skin (epidermis). Deeper versions may also penetrate the middle layer of your skin (dermis) to produce more dramatic results.