Hyperpigmentation
Can be classified as a skin that presents with uneven skin colour and the development is influenced by internal and external factors, one of the most harmful being UV radiation exposure. This results in an overproduction of melanin as a defence mechanism showing as dark patches.
Hyperpigmentation is the most difficult of all the skin classifications to treat and maintain. To maintain the results, it requires a long-term commitment from you to be vigilant with your homecare and in salon treatments. Before treating any pigmentation disorders, it is important to have a full understanding as to what causes the condition.
Hyperpigmentation is the result of the skin trying to protect itself from potential harm resulting in an uneven skin colour. To achieve any results in the treatment of hyperpigmentation, the triggering potential harm factor needs to be eliminated so that the skin no longer needs to be on alert.
Firstly, we need to understand what we mean by the term “skin colour”.
SKIN COLOUR
When looking at the differences in skin colour it is important to know that all ethnicities have the same number of melanocytes. It’s the density of the melanin, distribution and concentration which results in variation in skin colour.
Understanding your skin colour and tone can affect the way in which you react to the sun and how your skin can be treated with peels, laser, needling and other modalities. There are two types of skin colour.
- Constitutive skin colour
Your natural, genetically determined colour of your epidermis. It is not influenced by UV light or hormone exposure. Look at your inner arm or any area not getting any sun exposure to determine your constitutive skin colour
- Facultative skin colour
This is the result of exposure to UV light and other environmental factors. Tanning, for instance, changes in composition of melanin in the skin and increases in the amount and size of melanin produced by melanocytes. Thus, facultative skin is darker than constitutive skin
Not only is the skin colour different, but the tone of the skin can also vary between red, yellow, blue, and brown.
CAUSES OF HYPERPIGMENTED SKIN
The melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin form part of the skin’s natural mechanism of protection. Through the production of melanin, the skin protects itself to a certain degree against the harmful effects of the environment, specifically that of solar radiation.
The treatment for hyperpigmentation needs to be slow and progressive as to not over-stimulate the melanocyte cell.
The following are the key factors responsible for the development of hyperpigmentation:
- UV RADIATION – melanin production is a protective mechanism, overexposure to solar radiation will encourage overproduction of melanin. Sun induced discolouration already begins in the early 20’s and continue to worsen as the skin ages.
- MEDICATION – it is a major cause of hyperpigmentation. Drug induced pigmentation changes occur in any race whereas people with darker skin often exhibit more intense hyperpigmentation than individuals with fair skin. Medications that cause pigmentary abnormalities. Below are just a few:
- Chemotherapeutics
- Tetracyclines– antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties – acne treatment
- Psychotropic drugs – heavy tranquilisers, antipsychotic & anti-depressants
- Psoralens – treatment of psoriasis & vitiligo
- Topical Hydroquinone – skin bleaching agent
- HORMONE IMBALANCE –produced by the endocrine glands.
An imbalance of hormones is experienced at different times during life. Puberty when the body changes from childhood to adulthood and again when we are pregnant and then again, another change later in life after childbearing years. Hormonal health depends on the delicate balance between progesterone and oestrogen.
Factors causing hormonal imbalance:
- Oral Contraceptives
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
Something to think about:
In many countries the water supply is recycled and mixed with fresh water. Since synthetic hormones are not filtered out of the water, the levels of oestrogens in our drinking water are rising all the time – every time a woman on the Pill or HRT goes to the toilet in fact! “Filter your water or your water will filter you”
- STRESS – Severe stress have a direct effect on our hormones and can often cause an imbalance. If the body is in a constant or permanent state of stress, an excess of cortisol is present in the blood stream which stimulates the melanocytes to overproduce melanin, resulting in the production of pigmentation.
If hyperpigmentation is already present, high levels of stress can aggravate it further
- TRAUMA – skin trauma is when the skin or multiple skin layers of the epithelial tissue experience serious and altering physical injury. Below are just a few such traumas:
- Cuts and scratches
- Sunburns
- Burns
- Piercing and tattooing
- Friction
- Acne outbreaks severe rashes and allergic reactions
Pigmentation caused by inflammation can results in the increase and transfer of pigment to the surrounding areas
HYPERPIGMENTATION SKIN TREATMENTS
A range of different treatments are done depending on phototypes. Correct homecare and sun protection is imperative. This treatment is ideal during winter months. With this skin type it is also important that you avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Treatments are done on a 2–3-week basis depending on your skin’s sensitivity and photo type. In skins with more severe environmentally damaged with hyperpigmentation the treatments are done on a 4–6-week basis
