What are the types of Hyperpigmentation?
First off, what is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common issue. These dark spots appear on the face, hands, and other parts of the body exposed to sunlight. Here’s what you can do to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is darkened patches or spots on the skin that look uneven. You may have heard them called dark spots or sunspots. Hyperpigmentation is also involved in some skin conditions like melasma. There are also different types of hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation Types:
Pigment Spots
First, let’s talk about age spots/sunspots. These spots are caused by sun exposure and mainly appear on body parts that frequently receive sunlight. Such as the face, hands, arms, neck, and décolleté. These spots tend to be small, darkened spots of skin.
Melasma
Melasma, or chloasma, is a condition that causes large patches of hyperpigmentation to develop, mainly on the face. It can affect men, but it is much more common in women due to hormonal changes. Melasma occurs in up to 25% of women taking oral contraceptives and is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”.
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
This occurs when a skin injury or trauma heals and leaves a flat area of discoloration behind. We see this often in patients who suffer from acne.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Essentially, hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin, the pigment that gives our hair, eyes, and skin color. But there are several things that can trigger this increase. The most common are sun exposure, hormones, age, and skin injuries. Sun protection is the most important thing you can do to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Reducing Hyperpigmentation
There are several skin care products and cosmetic treatments that are used to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots. Laser therapy can be used to reduce the appearance of spots and chemical peels also work well to reduce the look of dark spots.
Online Dermatologist for Hyperpigmentation
Do you have hyperpigmentation spots on your face or hand? Are you tired of dealing with sunspots? We can help! Book a virtual appointment with one of our online dermatologists for hyperpigmentation to get started today.