Effective Methods of Pigmentation Treatment

The human skin contains cells that produce melanin, the chemical responsible for skin coloration. When the cells produce too much melanin, the skin becomes excessively pigmented (hyper pigmented). 

Hyperpigmentation is characterized by darkened areas of the skin, such as age spots and freckles. It can affect men and women of all ethnic groups and is common from middle age and beyond, though younger people may also experience it.

It is caused by sun exposure, skin trauma and as a side effect of certain drugs, but may also be a symptom of certain illnesses. Even though hyperpigmentation does not cause serious health concerns, it can cause grave cosmetic implications and even depression and anxiety. 
 

So what is the best approach to pigmentation treatment? For successful eradication of skin pigmentation, the treatment should be approached in three stages: (a) determining the cause of hyperpigmentation (b) treating the pigmentation and (c) preventing further hyperpigmentation.

A. Determining the Cause of Hyperpigmentation

To determine the cause of hyperpigmentation, you need to know the various types of skin hyperpigmentation and what causes them. The three most common types are:

(i) Melasma: Skin pigmentation resulting from hormonal fluctuations. It is caused by thyroid dysfunction, hormonal therapy, pregnancy or as side effect of birth control pills. It is very difficult to treat.

(ii) Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Caused by skin injuries such as burns, psoriasis, acne and adverse effects of skin care treatments. It goes away when the skin regenerates and heals.

(iii) Lentigines: Also called age spots or liver spots, this type of hyperpigmentation occurs in more than 90% of people of the age 60 years and above. It is caused by exposure to UV rays.

For effective identification of the type of hyperpigmentation you have, it is wise to consult a dermatologist for examination and recommendations.

B. Treating the Hyperpigmentation

There are various pigmentation treatment methods. Here are the options you can consider:

(i) Prescribed topical medication: Topical applications containing retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) will exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin and help you treat any type of hyperpigmentation. Some of the topical products used in pigmentation treatment are hydroquinone (FDA approved skin lightening treatment), kojic acid, Azelaic acid and Mandelic acid.

(ii) Non-ablative professional procedures: When topical applications fail to yield desirable results, your dermatologist may recommend a procedure that can target and remove hyperpigmentation. The most common non-ablative procedures are skin peels (use of salicylic acid to treat the darkened areas), intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, and laser skin resurfacing.

(iii) Microdermabrasion therapy: Microdermabrasion is a very popular option for eradicating hyperpigmentation, but you should choose an experienced practitioner who can abrade the skin without causing skin irritation.

(iv) Over-the-counter medications: Pigmentation treatment can be achieved with certain over-the-counter medications. For example, skin lightening creams containing soy milk, kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, cucumber or hydroquinone can slow down melanin production and remove existing melanin pigments from the skin. Similarly, there are over-the-counter topical treatments containing alpha-hydroxy acids or Retin-A.

(v) Home remedies: Pigmentation treatment can also be achieved by using home-made topical applications such as aloe vera, lemon juice, rose hip oil, and cucumber juice.

 C. Preventing Further Hyperpigmentation

Whether you are still treating or have recovered from hyperpigmentation, you need to take measures to prevent further pigmentation. Here are the most effective ways of preventing hyperpigmentation:

(i) Reduced exposure to UV rays: Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation and you will most likely experience further pigmentation if you show a nonchalant attitude towards sun exposure. And even though reducing exposure to UV rays will not treat the pigmentation you already have, it will help to prevent further discoloration. Therefore, make sure to reduce your exposure to the sun by wearing sunscreen routinely (and a hat and long sleeves when you are in strong and direct sunlight), avoiding tanning beds, limiting your time outside, and avoiding sunbathing.

(ii) Changing your medications: If your hyperpigmentation is caused by a certain birth control pill or other medication containing hormones, you can prevent further hyperpigmentation by switching to a new drug or ceasing to take the medications when there are no better options.

(iii) Careful use of skin treatments: Hyperpigmentation is sometimes caused by trauma to the skin as a result of skin treatment or plastic surgery. Therefore, make sure to conduct thorough research before using any skin treatment or plastic surgery, and to choose a highly experienced practitioner for your cosmetic surgery procedures.