What Is Skin Hyperpigmentation And How Can You Treat And Prevent It

Do you have dark patches and spots on your skin? You’re not alone. This is hyperpigmentation and it’s a common skin condition several people experience. You can certainly prevent and minimize hyperpigmentation when you treat it quickly. So if you are looking to combat dark spots, blotchy and pigmented skin, you’ve come to the right place. Read on and know how to tackle and prevent hyperpigmentation with some TLC!

What are the causes of hyperpigmentation?

What is hyperpigmentation? In simple terms, it is the colouration of certain areas of the skin in a high intensity. Melanin, a pigment produced by our bodies, is responsible for pigmentation. The more the melanin, the darker shade of skin we have. Mostly, your body releases melanin when the skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun. So sun exposure is the most evident cause of pigmentation. So is that all? Nope, there’s more.

• Sun damage

You step out into the sun with an SPF. So, your skin doesn’t have a barrier in place to protect itself from the harmful UV rays. To combat this, your body triggers extra melanin production as a way to defend your skin from damage. For most parts, it gives you a tan. But prolonged exposure like this causes sun spots that are essentially hyperpigmentation.

• Melasma

Hormonal changes affect your body in a variety of ways. And of them is hyperpigmentation. The stubborn, recurrent, dark and discoloured patches of pigmentation caused by hormonal changes is known as Melasma. Melasma or chloasma are often called the ‘mask of pregnancy’ since they occur in pregnant women due to hormonal changes.

• Friction

Yes, the amount of melanin produced affects the skin colour of the entire body. But there are certain parts of the body like the underarms and inner thighs that are more prone to hyperpigmentation or discolouration. Friction can be caused by chafing, dry skin, tight clothing and sweat.

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Inflammation can occur due to skin trauma. This includes acne, eczema, cuts, scrapes, scratching. This then can kickstart pigment-producing cells which leave behind a dark spot after the acne or cut has healed. Acne spots that creep up after the pimple is gone is a form of hyperpigmentation.

• Underlying medical conditions

Several people with PCOS have pigmentation on the neck, under the arms, or near the genitals. This velvety, brown to black skin is hyperpigmentation known as acanthosis nigricans. It can also be a sign of diabetes, where insulin resistance can lead to dark spots and patches.

Few tips to treat Hyperpigmentation

Now that you know what can lead to hyperpigmentation, you may wonder if there are ways to prevent it. While some causes like underlying medical conditions need expert attention, you can adopt practices to nip hyperpigmentation in the bud.

Sunscreen: The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. So make SPF your best friend. Apply it daily before stepping out into the sun and don’t forget to reapply it at regular intervals. Choose a sunscreen that at least has SPF value of 30 or with PA+++ to ensure maximum protection from harmful UV rays.

Healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods: Eating a diet tailored for skin health can help manage hyperpigmentation. Foods like turmeric, sweet potatoes, green, leafy vegetables, berries, pumpkins, tomatoes, pomegranate and fatty fish support new skin cell growth and help fight inflammation.

Wear protective gear: If you can’t avoid the sun, gear up to combat its harmful effects on your skin. Wearing hats, scarves and coats specially designed to block the sun is a great way to prevent sun damage.

DIY face masks help too: Aloe vera gel is effective in keeping the harmful effects of sun at bay. Simply apply the gel all over and let its soothing, calming and healing properties help fade hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C plays a vital role in treating pigmentation and even potatoes contain an enzyme, which can help get rid of tan and brighten your skin. Use these potent ingredients in a DIY mask to combat hyperpigmentation. Another way to reduce pigmentation is a quick turmeric and yoghurt mask.

Chemical peels work under guidance: Chemical peels have proven to be effective in combating melasma, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. While a professional chemical peel does wonders for your skin, you can try at-home milder ones to treat discolouration and spots on the face.

Consult a dermatologist: To understand the causes behind the condition, you need to talk to a dermatologist and get specialized advice on how to treat hyperpigmentation in the best way possible.

 

5 skincare ingredients that can help tackle hyperpigmentation effectively!

1) Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a newly popular skin care ingredient that’s helping us get glowing skin. It is the amide form of niacin or vitamin B3. Niacinamide helps absorb the excess sebum on your skin. It also strengthens the skin barrier, while acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. In addition to these skin-loving properties, it works to fade pigmentation, even out skin tone and enhance the skin's elasticity. This potent skincare ingredient is a vitamin that’s stable and irritation-free with a neutral pH. And this is what makes it suitable for all skin types. It effectively helps prevent skin damage from harmful UV rays and heals any sun spots.

Our Mama Cica Oil Control Overnight Mask powered by 2% niacinamide along with wonderful ingredients like cica, Korean ginseng, lotus root, calendula extracts and tamanu oil, deep cleanses, exfoliates and unclogs pores. This helps prevent acne, oiliness and blemishes on your face. It is packed with the goodness of. All these ingredients make it a go-to choice for taking care of breakouts, blackheads, dark spots and pigmentation.

Read Here: Niacinamide Is The Skincare Secret You Need To Know

2) Bakuchiol

This gentle, plant-based skincare ingredient is an unexpected but happy surprise. Bakuchiol is an extract derived from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant. It is considered to be a gentler, natural alternative to retinol. It has all the benefits of retinol minus the side effects like dryness, tightness, peeling, and redness. It boosts skin cell turnover and regeneration and stimulates collagen production. Most importantly, it smoothens skin texture and reduces hyperpigmentation or dark spots, breakouts and blemishes.

Our bestselling Bravocado Intense Brightening Serum is a great choice to even out skin tone and brighten your complexion. The quick absorbing formula gets rid of dark spots, blemishes and balances moisture levels. The serum is packed with the natural goodness of bakuchiol, avocado, pomegranate, rice water and 2% niacinamide. It also has skin firming ingredients like arginine, allantoin and hyaluronic acid. All these natural and potent ingredients along with bakuchiol make it a go-to for hyperpigmentation.

Read Here: Bakuchiol: The Plant-Based Retinol Alternative That Will Transform Your Skin

3) Glycolic acid

 

What's a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane? It’s glycolic acid! It is one of the most well-known and widely used alpha-hydroxy acids in skincare. It is a great humectant with amazing anti-ageing, depigmentation properties. This is considered the golden standard of AHAs and it exfoliates dead skin cells from the skin's surface. These properties make it easy for it to penetrate your skin and work effectively. It sloughs away tough, rough layers of dead skin cells, making way for more radiant and even-toned skin.

Try the Mama Cica Instabright Peel Pads which contain glycolic acid and papaya extracts. These pre-soaked pads gently exfoliate the skin while promoting cell renewal for clear, smooth and spotless skin. They not only lighten spots but also unclog pores and are suitable for all skin types. This exfoliating product has the goodness of cica, Korean ginseng and lotus root that keep your skin hydrated, smooth and dewy soft.

Read Here: AHAS Vs BHAS: What Acids Should You Include In Your Skincare?

4) Vitamin C 

There’s one skincare ingredient you could use for splendid results, and that’s vitamin C! It is hailed as one of the most effective antioxidants. Vitamin C has great brightening properties and great at preventing premature ageing. This superstar also slows down excess melanin production in your skin. You know that melanin is what gives the skin colour. So when there is an excess of it in a certain spot, it causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Pick our effective Mama Cica Dark Spot Correcting Ampoule packed with potent actives to target multiple skin concerns. It gets rid of dark spots, pimples, uneven skin tone and dullness. It has lotus root, an excellent source of vitamin C that brightens complexion, lightens spots and prevents signs of ageing. This ampoule is a skin-clarifying formula infused with hyaluronic acid goodness that makes your skin plump, lightens spots, improves skin texture and makes skin better-looking! 

Read Here: Vitamin C: Does It Live Up To The Hype?

5) Hyaluronic acid 

Hyaluronic acid holds the key to plump, hydrated skin. Unlike what you think of when you see the word ‘acid’, it isn’t harsh, abrasive or stripping. Hyaluronic acid is actually found naturally in our skin cells and it helps them maintain optimal moisture levels. However, with age and environmental aggressors, the levels of hyaluronic in your skin diminish over time. Here’s where skincare with hyaluronic acid (or HA) comes in. Did you know that hyaluronic acid can hold up to 600 to 1000 times its weight in water? Hydration goals!

If getting rid of hyperpigmentation is your goal, you can’t forget your under eyes. Dark circles are hyperpigmentation of the delicate skin around your eyes and need extra love and care. Use the intensely nourishing Mama Cica Dark Circle Fading Under Eye Cream that comes with an advanced formula powered by hyaluronic acid and orange peel oil. This effective eye cream minimizes dark circles, under-eye puffiness and brightens skin. It comes with an easy to use rollerball applicator that massages away under-eye puffiness, cools skin and improves blood circulation.

Read Here: Hyaluronic Acid - What Is It And What Does It Do?

Yes, hyperpigmentation isn’t a flaw that you MUST fix. But if it’s on your list of skincare goals, try our wide range of skin-brightening products packed with the goodness of natural Korean ingredients.