Hyperpigmentation Explained

Have you been noticing the appearance of dark spots on your skin or face after pregnancy or recent exposure to the sun? You may be experiencing hyperpigmentation, a skin condition that affects about five million men and women in the United States.

What is Pigmentation?

To understand hyperpigmentation, you have to learn what pigmentation is first. Our bodies naturally create melanin, the pigment that gives humans different skin colors. Your skin, hair, eye color, and genes are all determined by how much melanin your body has within it.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes dark or tan discoloration on different areas of the skin. It occurs when your skin produces too much melanin, which is the dark pigment that gives humans different skin colors. It’s common in both men and women, but it’s especially common in people with darker skin tones.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

There are many factors, but the most common are sun exposure, hormonal changes, or exposure to light from screens and electronic devices.

Kinds of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can take many forms. Here are some common kinds you may be familiar with:

• Freckles: Yes, freckles! Freckles are harmless spots on the skin that come from an excess of melanin in the body.
• Age Spots: Age spots are also harmless and appear as small, dark splotches on the skin. Age spots are more common in older adults, but young adults can get them too, especially with increased sun exposure.
• Melasma: These dark spots can be caused by changes in hormones like pregnancy.

How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

To prevent hyperpigmentation, it’s important to be diligent with your sun protection measures. Regular application of a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher each day will help prevent hyperpigmentation. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen with longer exposure to the sun, especially on beach days or when you sweat. It’s important to avoid excessive sun exposure and to practice sun-safe behaviors, like wearing sun-protective clothing. We also recommend that you seek shade outdoors whenever possible.

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation?

It’s important to speak with a skincare professional about treatment options for hyperpigmentation. Some common treatment options can include:

• Retinol application
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapies
• Topical brightening products

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Patience and consistency are key when treating this. Ask your skincare professional about projected timelines for brightening hyperpigmentation.

About SomaSou

SomaSou is Del Ray’s first MedSpa offering services to help our community regain vitality, strength, and confidence in themselves. SomaSou means “your body,” and we give you options to help you feel confident about it. Start your journey by taking an active role in your well-being and schedule a consultation with us today. For more information about our services and to schedule a treatment, please contact us.

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