Did You Know These 5 Things About Hyperpigmentation?

If there is one skin concern that you’d like to address, what would it be? For most people, it is probably their skin tone. As dark spots or hyperpigmentation can make the skin look dull, tired, and old, fading them can make a big difference. It can give you an even and brighter complexion and improve your overall radiance.

Arming yourself with the right information is helpful in treating pigmentation and improving your skin tone. Continue reading as we share five things you need to know about hyperpigmentation and what you can do to speed up its fading process.

1. Sun is not the only one to blame for dark spots.

Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure is one of the main culprits behind hyperpigmentation. Sunlight triggers the production of melanin, the skin’s pigment which also acts as natural sunscreen. This can result in a tan, which is a form of skin damage. Too much exposure can disrupt this process, resulting in hyperpigmentation.

Some people, however, are more prone to developing hyperpigmentation and for a variety of reasons:

• Hormonal imbalance (can occur during pregnancy, menopause, or from taking birth control pills)
• Aggressive skincare or treatments 
• Aging
• Inflammation and skin injuries
• Certain illnesses and medications

2. Certain foods and fragrances can trigger sun sensitivity

Some foods you consume or have been exposed can contribute to photosensitivity. Margarita burns, also known as phytophotodermatitis, is a skin reaction that happens when certain plants or juices make contact with the skin and is exposed to sunlight. 

Limes and citrus fruits, as well as celery, figs, fennel, and other plants have furocoumarin, a chemical compound that reacts with UVA rays and gets absorbed by the skin’s top layers. This can lead to rash, burning, redness, and blisters that can eventually turn into dark patches or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Certain ingredients or essential oils used in some perfumes, such as bergamot, citrus oils, and lavender can cause irritation when exposed to UV light and contribute to pigment spots. The good news is the concentration of the substances in skincare is usually low to cause irritation when combined with sun exposure.

It is also important to remember, however, that if your skin reacts badly to the sun, consult a healthcare provider if needed. You can also enjoy perfume safely by spraying it in areas that see little to no sun. These can be on or under your clothes, under your long hair, or shawl. 

3. You can speed up fading with the right treatment 

While most types of hyperpigmentation can fade on their own, it can take several months or years for them to go away completely. There are also cases where they may lighten but not fade totally. Certain medications and in-office hyperpigmentation treatments in Singapore can speed up the fading process. 

Some ingredients that can help include: 

• Retinoids – often prescribed to treat acne by accelerating cell turnover and exfoliating the skin.

• Azelaic acid – minimizes inflammation and speeds up cell turnover. It can be an alternative for those who can’t use hydroquinone. 
• Vitamin C – can help in gently exfoliating the skin and lightening brown spots with regular use. 
• Niacinamide – helps prevent the melanin pigment from transferring to skin cells, which can reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 
• Hydroquinone – is only available in Singapore by prescription. It reduces the amount of melanin in the skin and can be used to treat different types of hyperpigmentation. 

For more stubborn or persistent spots, in-office procedures such as chemical peels and lasers are worth considering. At Cutis, we have Dermamelan®, a medical depigmenting treatment. It can lighten visible pigmentation and regulate the overproduction of melanin to prevent the reformation of spots.

It can treat different types of hyperpigmentation, such as:

• Melasma
• Sunspots or solar lentigines 
• Freckles
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Blotchy skin 

Dermamelan disrupts melanin production without damaging pigment-producing cells. It involves an in-clinic phase or the application of two masks and an at-home phase to remove the mask and use complementary products for four months to regulate the overproduction of melanin. 

4. An internal approach can help with hyperpigmentation too.

For optimal results, you can consider combining internal and external hyperpigmentation treatments in Singapore. A consultation with a doctor can help with this by addressing hormonal imbalances, recommending treatments, and providing skincare recommendations.  

Eating a diet that supports skin health can also fight pigmentation and other skin issues. Some of these foods include kale, lemons, berries, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, legumes, and fatty fish. In general, a balanced diet promotes healthy skin, but you need more than just a healthy skin diet to address hyperpigmentation.  

5. Maintenance treatment is important

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are known to come back even after treating them. This is why it is important to always protect your skin from the sun, not only during summer months or when going to the beach. Make sure to always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen regardless of the weather and practice other sun protection measures. 

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it in the morning before going out and consider reapplying at noon and in the late afternoon, especially after sweating, swimming, or toweling off. A good product for hyperpigmentation is a tinted sunscreen, which has ingredients and mineral particles that can block UV and blue light.

Book a consultation today

Aside from Dermamelan®, we at Cutis also have other procedures, including lasers, dietary supplements, and prescription medication. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out which is right for you.