Hyperpigmentation - Causes, Medical Conditions & Remedy
Pigmentation is actually referred to as the coloring of the skin. The disorders of skin pigmentation cause changes to the color of the skin. Melanin is the pigment which is made by cells in the skin and is responsible for the skin’s color.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that makes the skin to darken. This can affect your entire body or just some patches of your skin. Liver spots, also called age spots are a common example of hyperpigmentation. It is generally harmless but can sometimes be caused as a result of a medical condition. Some medications can also affect your skin to darken and thus, it is more of a cosmetic trouble for many people.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
1. Sun Exposure
The patches on the skin or dark spots on the skin called sun spots or age spots are caused when the body generates more melanin to safeguard the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun.
2. Skin Inflammation
After people have had inflammation of the skin, the areas of their skin can darken and that might include eczema, acne, lupus or any injury to the skin. Those who have darker skin are more likely to have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
3. Melasma
This kind of hyperpigmentation is quite common during pregnancy. When people go through hormonal changes in their body, darker patches on the skin are formed.
4. Drug Use Reactions
Certain medications, like tricyclic antidepressants and antimalarial drugs, can result in hyperpigmentation. The patches of skin may turn gray in these cases. Chemicals in topical treatments can also lead to hyperpigmentation.
Some Medical Conditions
More serious causes of hyperpigmentation include two diseases namely, hemochromatosis and Addison’s disease. The adrenal glands are affected by Addison's disease. It can result in hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the body, including folds of skin, lips, knuckles, muscles, elbows, knees, inside of the cheek, toes and can cause dizziness, Weight loss, Fatigue, Weak muscles, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Nausea, and Stomach pain.
Treatment of Hyperpigmentation
Although hyperpigmentation is non-dangerous, some people still want to get rid of it. So following are a few remedial ingredients you can try to remove hyperpigmentation and lighten dark patches of your skin:
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very essential for a young-looking and firm skin. It helps to boost the collagen production which can decrease fine lines and thicken the dermis.
The Vitamin C Face Mask with Chamomile Powder + Rosehip Powder from Kaura lightens the hyperpigmentation and enhances the skin radiation, helps to even out the skin tone by boosting the generation of melanin in the skin.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera consists of aloin which is a natural depigmenting compound. According to a study, this compound has been proven to work effectively and lighten skin as a non-toxic hyperpigmentation treatment.
The Unicorn Lotion by Kaura is made of aloe vera which is one of the purest and natural skin care remedies for hyperpigmentation as it adds a defensive layer for the skin and also benefits by retaining its moisture.
The Soothe Mask is rich in skin-loving aloe vera, minerals and vitamins which help to encourage cell turnover, lighten hyperpigmentation scars and prevent future breakouts.
3. Milk
Milk has been shown to effectively lighten skin discoloration and prevent hyperpigmentation.
The Rose Coconut Whipped Soap has goat milk which is anti-inflammatory and that may help ease swelling of the skin and also improves skin tone and skin's complexion because of its emollient features.
The Lavender Whipped Soap is made of milk that makes your skin free of impurities and silk-smooth. It helps to rinse it clean without any oil or residue.
4. Moisturizers
A good product will have moisturizing agents like vitamins and glycerin to boost cell turnover. A good moisturizing lotion can also help to further protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays and restore its lipid (fat) barrier.
Kaura’s Dreamy Body Lotion with Oats + Lavender Infusion and Cookie & Cream Body Lotion have vitamin E and vegetable glycerin in them to soften the rough patches and soothe the skin inflammation.
Try out these remedies to protect your skin from hyperpigmentation.