Facial hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes discomfort for many due to uneven skin tone, dark spots, and changes in skin colour. These changes can be the result of various factors, and especially common are brown spots on the skin, age spots, and acne scars. Although hyperpigmentation is not dangerous to health, many seek ways to remove them for aesthetic reasons. In this article, we will explore how hyperpigmentations occur, what treatments are available for their removal, and how to prevent and maintain a healthy, even complexion.
Facial hyperpigmentation: how does it occur?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain areas of the skin produce too much melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. This excess melanin causes dark spots on the face and the rest of the body, resulting in an uneven complexion. Hyperpigmentation can appear for several reasons:
Exposure to the sun: UV rays stimulate the production of melanin to protect the skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection can lead to age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or taking contraceptive pills, can cause melasma – a type of hyperpigmentation known as “pregnancy mask.”
Acne scars: Inflammation caused by acne often leaves dark spots on the skin that are difficult to fade, leading to hyperpigmentation scars.
Ageing: As we age, the skin becomes thinner and more sensitive to damage, including age spots.
Inflammatory reactions: In addition to acne, inflammations caused by skin diseases or skin damage can lead to hyperpigmentation.
Is it enough to treat facial hyperpigmentation with creams or choose a treatment in an aesthetic clinic?
Treating hyperpigmentation depends on its severity, skin type, and causes. There are creams that help reduce dark spots, but in many cases, they are not sufficient to completely remove the problem.
Creams for hyperpigmentation: Creams containing active ingredients such as hydroquinone, retinoids, vitamin C, and azelaic acid can help reduce dark spots. These creams help inhibit melanin production and lighten the skin. However, the effects can be slow, and in severe cases of hyperpigmentation, creams may not be effective enough.
Treatments in aesthetic clinics: For deeper hyperpigmentation, such as age spots or post-inflammatory spots, professional treatments are often a more effective option. These treatments include laser therapies, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and light treatments, which target dark spots and help completely remove the pigment.
Generally, a combination of creams and treatments can provide the best results. Creams help with daily care and prevent new hyperpigmentation, while professional treatments target deeper layers of the skin where creams may not be powerful enough.
How to prevent hyperpigmentation?
Preventing hyperpigmentation is key to maintaining an even complexion and preventing future dark spots. Here are some tips on how to prevent the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots:
Use of creams with sun protection factor (SPF): Daily use of SPF cream of at least 30 is crucial to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which are the main cause of hyperpigmentation.
Avoiding sun exposure: Avoid direct exposure to the sun during the strongest part of the day, between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are most intense.
Wearing protective clothing and hats: When you are in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face.
Skin hydration: Moisturizing creams help maintain skin health and prevent inflammatory processes that can lead to hyperpigmentation.
Avoiding aggressive products: Use gentle skin care products to prevent irritations that can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Regular exfoliation (peeling): Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps even out the complexion.
Treatments for removing hyperpigmentation spots (stains)
When creams are not effective enough, aesthetic treatments provide excellent results for removing hyperpigmentation spots. Some of the most popular treatments include:
Laser therapy: Lasers target pigmented cells in the skin, breaking down melanin and lightening dark spots. Laser treatments can be very effective for age spots and deeper hyperpigmentation.
Chemical peeling: Chemical peeling uses acid solutions to remove the surface layer of the skin, promoting skin regeneration and reducing dark spots. This treatment can be mild (for superficial spots) or intense (for deeper hyperpigmentations).
Microdermabrasion: This technique uses fine crystals to gently remove the top layer of skin, reducing minor hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
Light treatments (IPL): Intense pulsed light (IPL) uses light beams to lighten pigmented cells. This is a non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects, ideal for superficial hyperpigmentation.
Dermapen treatments: Microneedling or Dermapen stimulates the natural process of skin regeneration, reduces scars and dark spots, and improves the overall texture of the skin.
These treatments provide faster and longer-lasting results compared to creams and are usually the first choice for more serious hyperpigmentation. Consultations with a dermatologist or an aesthetic treatment expert are essential to choose the best treatment for your skin type.
What is the fastest solution?
When talking about the speed of resolving hyperpigmentation spots, creams usually require long-term use, and results are visible only after several months. Depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation, it can take from 2 to 6 months for dark spots to lighten with the use of creams.
On the other hand, treatments such as laser therapy or chemical peels can show results after just a few weeks, depending on the type of treatment and individual skin reaction. The fastest results are usually achieved by combining treatments in an aesthetic clinic and proper home care. For optimal results, aesthetic treatments are usually conducted in series, and many patients see significant improvement after 2-3 treatments.
If you are looking for a quick and effective solution for brown spots on the skin, professional treatments such as lasers or chemical peels may be the best option, while creams will be more effective in maintaining results and preventing new spots.
Facial hyperpigmentation can be frustrating, but with the right treatments and care routine, it is possible to achieve an even and healthy complexion. Regardless of the cause of hyperpigmentation, it is crucial to start treatment on time and consult a specialist to get the best results.