What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition characterized by darkening of an area resulting from an overproduction of melanin or pigment. Although it is relatively common, it is harmless. However, on cosmetic grounds, it can be an annoying condition to some individuals in its possession. Hyperpigmentation can occur when there is an abnormally high concentration of melanocytes (melanin producing cells) or when melanocytes become hyperactive. For example, exposure to the sun stimulates production of melanin which can affect anyone – regardless of ethnicity – but the condition is more prevalent in individuals from certain ethnicities including Mediterranean, Asian, Latin and African. You can get hyperpigmentation in any body part including face, hands, legs, or neck. Common types of hyperpigmentation include pregnancy-induced melasma, Lentigo/lentigenes, solar lentigens (sun spots or age spots), and melasma (commonly referred to as ‘pregnancy mask’) caused hormonal changes.

Cause of Hyperpigmentation
Several factors can lead to hyperpigmentation, including sun damage, overexposure to the sun, picking at the skin, heredity, changes in hormones, certain medications like antibiotics, anti-seizure and hormonal treatments and injuries to the skin such as acne. Burns can trigger alterations of melanocytes and eventually lead to skin discoloration.

How To Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation?
Unluckily, there is no magic pill that can completely eliminate hyperpigmentation at the moment. However, there are several options for treating the condition by making it appear lighter and hence reduce its notability. These include skin brightening products, home remedies, laser treatments, and depigmentation creams and masks. Keeping off from direct contact with the sun is recommendable if it was the cause of the condition since further exposure would elevate hyperpigmentation. By understanding that skin discoloration can mean presence of dead cells, it calls for the need of regular exfoliation to slough off the build up, and hence help in minimizing hyperpigmentation. Always use a mild exfoliant and light peels avoiding abrasive methods which can actually aggravate the condition. Individuals with dry and sensitive skin should exfoliate 1-2 times every week. However, if you have a discolored oily skin, exfoliating 2-3 times every week is a worth action plan.

Acne Scars vs. Hyperpigmentation
At times, it is hard to clearly tell the difference between an acne scar and hyperpigmentation. Nevertheless, some cases of ‘acne scars’ turns out not being true acne scars but rather a form of Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). If you get a mark that develops from an acne lesion, and does not heal and fade away after 6-12 months, chances are that the particular mark represents a true scar. In other words, if it happens to be a permanent mark, it signifies a scar, but if it disappears with time, it is simply a form of Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. In any case, a proper examination by a dermatologist will help in distinguishing between the two, based on the information that you will provide about your past skin condition.

Treatment for Hyperpigmentation
To curb hyperpigmentation, you must embark on a customized skin care practice to minimize its appearance. This is from the fact that there in no known OTC or prescribed medication for dealing with the condition. Additionally, make sure that you always use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. Explore to discover some key ingredients in skincare products which can help you in the fight against hyperpigmentation including alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs). Glycolic acid and lactic acid are some examples of AHAs, which function by removing the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, which in turn reduces hyperpigmentation. If you experience severe discoloration, it is important to consult a dermatologist for advice to the best treatment approaches.

Final Words
Although Hyperpigmentation is a harmless condition, some people may be coerced to suffer from low self-esteem just because of their skin appearances –especially it happens to be visible to others all the time. Since there is no known comprehensive treatment approach at the moment, making efforts to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation is necessary. This is achievable through the use of skin lightening creams, home remedies, or make ups. In preventing hyperpigmentation, you should first understand your skin type before resulting to skincare products regimen to avert chances of aggravating your appearance.