Your body's skin cells contain a pigment known as melanin, which gives your skin its color. Aging, skin injury and exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays or cigarette smoke can advance the production of melanin, causing small clusters to clump together. This creates areas known as hyperpigmentation, or excess pigmentation, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. To combat these, you can engage in preventive methods that keep the skin as free from hyperpigmentation as possible. If hyperpigmentation does occur, treatment methods are available to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Prevention
Step 1
Cleanse, moisturize and use acne medication on any pimples on a daily basis. Because acne scarring can cause hyperpigmentation, taking good care of the skin can minimize acne damage, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, a dermatologist writing on DERMA Doctor, a skincare website. The earlier an acne blemish is treated, the less likely it will result in skin scarring.
Step 2
Apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher each day, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Even if the sun's rays are not apparent, ultraviolet radiation can still damage the skin. Be sure to apply to all areas of the face for full protection.
Step 3
Ask your physician if your birth control pills could be causing your hyperpigmentation. Excess hormones, including those present in pregnancy, can contribute to increased melanin production, which results in hyperpigmentation.
Treatment
Step 1
Apply a topical skincare treatment daily to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation areas. Examples include hydroquinone, kojic acid or retinoids, according to Smart Skincare. Considered to be more effective in their prescription strengths, these medications work to exfoliate skin cells or lighten particular areas of hyperpigmentation.
Step 2
Undergo a chemical peel if your skin does not respond to topical treatments, according to the Merck Manual Professional. Chemical peels involve applying acids such as glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to the skin in order to burn away dead skin cells, revealing fresher, newer skin underneath. The acid type used often is dependent upon the severity of your hyperpigmentation.
Step 3
Undergo laser treatment to reduce the melanin pigment in the cells and stimulate new skin cell growth, according to Dr. Kunin. Because different types of lasers exist, it's important to evaluate your hyperpigmentation with a physician or dermatologist. Laser treatments may take several applications in order to be effective.
Things You'll Need
- Skin cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Topical acne medication
- Sunscreen
- Topical skin bleaching medication
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