Treat Hyperpigmentation for a Smoother Skin
Hyper-pigmentation occurs when your skin develops dark patches or spots. According to the National Cancer Institute, it can appear in the form of freckles, age-spots, or larger areas of dark skin. Usually hyper-pigmentation is harmless, if it is excessive, it can sometimes be a symptom of another medical condition. It is usually caused due to excess sun exposure over time or inflammation. Certain hormonal changes can also lead to hyperpigmentation and this usually occurs during pregnancy.
Excess production of melanin, either because of sun exposure or hormonal changes, is the root cause of hyperpigmentation. In some cases, dark spots or areas usually fade if adequate protection from the sun is undertaken. However, in some cases, some treatment is required and the following ways will help you get a healthy, clear skin.
Use topical creams and moisturizers:
An important part of healthy skin is keeping it moisturized. While washing your face and taking a shower, make sure the water is lukewarm and not hot. Also, limit your time in the shower as spending more than 10 minutes in the shower strips your skin of moisture. Using a good moisturizer that contains glycerin or hyaluronic acid along with substances like retinol which enable new cell production will lighten your hyperpigmentation. According to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, a good moisturizer also restores the skin’s barriers to help new and lighter skin cells be healthy.
Protect your skin from the sun:
Excess sun exposure for a long period of time can cause hyperpigmentation that can be treated easily with diligently protecting your skin from sun exposure. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more along with UVA and UVB protection every day. You can also use sunglasses and hats to protect your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends that, if possible, one should avoid being outdoors between 10 am and 2 pm as the sun is the strongest during this time.
Eat foods that fight discoloration:
There are different foods which can help you treat hyperpigmentation as they provide the necessary nutrients required for regulating melanin production in your body. For example, dark green leafy vegetable like kale and spinach contain carotenoids which help filter UV radiation in your body. Fruits like oranges and strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which fight free radicals in your body and regulate melanin production. Foods like nuts and seeds which have anti-inflammatory properties also contribute in treating hyperpigmentation. Vitamin B3 is particularly known to aid skin health as it aids collagen production therefore, Simply Potent’s Nicotinamide is an ideal addition to your treatment as it will aid skin health.
Use home-made face masks:
Several home remedies may also treat hyperpigmentation as they contain a mixture of antioxidants and acids. Home remedies are not as strong as chemical peeps used by dermatologists to treat skin discoloration but they can improve the quality of your skin without causing increased irritation. Applying easily available ingredients like apple cider vinegar, yogurt, aloe vera gel, green tea extract or black tea extracts can help in treating skin discoloration.
Keep your hands away from your face:
If you ever get a bug-bite or acne, make sure to keep your hands away from your face regardless of how enticing it feels. The more you touch, scratch, or pick your bug-bites, acne, or other spots on your face, the greater is the chance that it will become a dark spot.
While hyperpigmentation caused due to sun-exposure is easily preventable, in some cases, it might be caused due to inflammation or hormonal changes. You can use the above-mentioned ways to treat skin discoloration and aid skin health.
