Hyperpigmentation: What Causes Darkened Skin?

What is Hyperpigmentation? 

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes patches or sections of skin to become darker than the surrounding skin. This usually occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its colour. These patches of hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere but, in most cases, they develop on sun-exposed areas like neck, face, tops of the arms and hands, chest, and shins. 

Keep on reading to understand hyperpigmentation causes and how to reduce hyperpigmentation through available treatment options.  

Hyperpigmentation Types 

The most common type of hyperpigmentation includes: 

• Age Spots: Also called liver spots. They are brown, tan or black spots commonly found on face and hands or on sun exposed areas. They usually affect older adults with extended sun exposure. 
• Melasma: Also known as chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy” these are large patches of darkened skin on forehead, face, and stomach. Usually, women who are pregnant or take birth control pills suffer from melisma. 
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Patches or spots that occur after inflammatory skin conditions like acne, or eczema. 
• Sunspots: Skin darkening occurs in areas with frequent sun exposure, including the face, arms, and legs.  

Hyperpigmentation Causes 

Usually, hyperpigmentation causes depend on several factors. The most common causes include: 

• Sun Damage:  The UV rays from the sun causes the body to produce more melanin to protect the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun, which can lead to age spots or sunspots. 
• Skin Inflammation or Injuries: Skin darkening can occur in people who have had inflammation of the skin including acne, eczema, lupus, or an injury to the skin. Injuries to the skin like burns are one of the top hyperpigmentation causes as well.  
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes in the body caused by menopause, pregnancy, birth control, and even cosmetics can lead to hyperpigmentation. 
• Medications:  Drugs like antimalarial medications, and tricyclic antidepressants can cause hyperpigmentation where patches of skin turn grey.  
• Medical Conditions: Adrenal insufficiency or medical conditions like thyroid or diabetes can cause the skin to darken. Addison’s disease where the body does not produce enough of the hormone cortisol can also cause hyperpigmentation.  

How to Reduce Hyperpigmentation- Available Treatment Options 

Generally, hyperpigmentation is harmless and does not require any treatment, but some people may prefer to remove or reduce it. Given below are various options available for hyperpigmentation treatment. 

• Topical Creams: Topical treatment for hyperpigmentation includes creams that include ingredients that can lighten the skin. These include vitamin C, azelaic acid, cysteamine cream, corticosteroids, retinoids, niacinamide, N-acetyl glucosamine, and glycolic acid peel. 
• Cosmetic Procedures: Cosmetic procedures can also help in lightening areas of skin to reduce hyperpigmentation. These procedures include laser therapy, chemical peels, micro-needling, and intense pulsed light. In case you are planning to undergo one of these procedures, you discuss the process and possible side effects with a skin care specialist or dermatologist. 
• Home Remedies: In certain cases, it may be possible to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation using natural remedies. Applying aloe vera gel daily on the affected area can reduce hyperpigmentation, however no research has directly linked aloe vera to reduced hyperpigmentation.  

Moreover, liquorice extract called glabridin is also known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-whitening effects. Green tea extract may also improve hyperpigmentation. However, more research is needed before scientists can fully understand whether green tea and liquorice can improve hyperpigmentation symptoms. 

Conclusion 

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition and is often harmless, but you may remove or reduce it with the help of various treatment options available. However, if you notice other symptoms alongside hyperpigmentation, you should seek medical advice from a doctor. Moreover, a dermatologist can also advise on the best treatment methods if a person wants to treat hyperpigmentation for cosmetic reasons.