Many people find having a facial skin condition very difficult to deal with, as it is there every single day and is not something they can easily hide. One of the most common skin disorders is hyperpigmentation, so here are some remedies to get rid of it.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when patches of the skin become darker, resulting in uneven skin tone.
It can happen when the body produces an excessive amount of melanin, which can be due to spending too much time in the sun. Patches often appear on hands, but the face is prone to them too as it is always exposed to sunlight.
Hyperpigmentation can also be the result of hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or birth control pills.
Lastly, an injury or inflammation can lead to hyperpigmentation, which is why sufferers of acne are prone to the skin condition.
Additionally, certain medications can increase melanin production, resulting in patchy-looking skin.
How can you treat it?
There are many suggestions on how to treat hyperpigmentation naturally. For instance, Healthline suggests using a solution of apple cider vinegar with water on the skin; applying aloe vera to the face; and even using dried skin of red onions or creams with the same extract (Allium cepa) in.
Green tea extract, black tea water, licorice, milk, red lentils, and even tomato puree are recommended, though there is little proof any of these remedies work effectively.
Those who find their skin condition getting them down might want something that has a greater chance of success. In this case, they can consider chemical peels or laser treatment.
Chemical peels work by removing the top layers of the skin and allowing newer skin to come to the surface. As the fresh skin will not have such strong levels of pigmentation, the skin tone will appear more even.
When it comes to laser treatment, this breaks down the excess melanin in the skin through short pulses of light. As a result, the skin pigmentation fades and patches, as well as age spots and freckles, are reduced.
Preventing further damage
People who have experienced hyperpigmentation in the past or are prone to it can take some preventative measures to ensure their condition does not worsen.
These include using gentle skincare products, being consistent with acne medication to reduce pimples, and always protecting the face in the sun.
Everyday Health recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more, even on cloudy days.
Doris J Day, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Medical School, said: “UV rays just send the pigment into overdrive, turning dark spots darker.”
Therefore, it was added: “You must wear sunblock daily on exposed areas.”
It is also wise to wear a hat, put cream on ears and neck, and avoid the sunlight when it is strongest, during the middle of the day.
If you are unhappy with your hyperpigmentation and are considering a chemical peel in Brighton, give us a call today to explore your options and learn more about the treatment.