Skin pigmentation and Brown spots often occurring on the face are quite common. Previous inflammations, hormonal changes, and sun exposure to your skin could cause skin pigmentation. Even then, skin pigmentation might happen at different ages.

1. What causes and triggers hyperpigmentation?

An increase in melanin in your skin causes Hyperpigmentation. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives the skin, eyes, and hair color. Also, several factors might trigger an increment in melanin production, however, the main reasons are skin injuries, sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal influences, and age.

Often, Acne sufferers tend to experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but there are other factors that could cause parts of the skin to grow darker – like birthmarks, scarring, solar, skin cancers, and actinic keratoses – however, these are not considered as types of hyperpigmentation.

But, be sure to discuss with your dermatologist or pharmacist in case you’re concerned about your dark spot or when they begin to itch, bleed, or change in color or size.

2. Treatment

Protecting the skin from the sun rays is the first prevention and treatment for any form of pigmentation. Also, in order to prevent possible sun damage and hyperpigmentation, you could consider wearing UVB or UVA shielding sunscreens. These offer your skin with antioxidants and even then, avoid having long periods of exposure to the sun.

Pigment lasers are effective in the treatment of skin pigmentation. Often the lasers will offer excellent results but they have a lower risk of resulting in post-laser pigmentation. But, be sure to choose the appropriate pigment laser that addresses your skin problem. And by choosing to use lasers, you will be able to improve skin texture, pore size, acne scar removal, pigmentation, and fine line removal.

Lightening creams that are only accessible with a prescription note, and have a higher medical-grade might help you in lightening any superficial pigmentation.

3. Dermatological treatments: Hyperpigmentation removal

Dermatological treatments like laser therapy and chemical peels may help you reduce hyperpigmentation:

• Chemical peels are done by applying some chemical solutions to your neck, hands, and face, exfoliate skin (dead cells removal), stimulate the growth of new cells thus revealing new skin.
• Laser therapies offer the same effects, but they are more precise since the dermatologist has control of the treatment intensity. They consist of ‘zapping’ the areas that are affected using high-energy light. By getting the mildest of treatments, it will work only on the skin’s surface layer (epidermis), while the use of the more intense treatments will penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin.

4. Things to note before treating skin pigmentation

Laser treatments can be most effective if given by a well-trained and qualified doctor. Your doctor will talk to you about the different laser treatments, the expected outcomes, and how many sessions are recommended depending on your skin condition. Your doctor will also talk to you about the possible downtime or complications.

It’s important that you have a precise diagnosis before you start on the acne scar removal as some skin pigmentation could worsen after an aggressive treatment as it is when it comes to melasma.