Human skin contains melanocyte cells that produce melanin, a pigment found in the skin, hair and eyes, through a process called melanogenesis. Too much melanin leads to hyperpigmented skin, common examples of which include freckles and age spots
Hyperpigmentation, or darkening, can be a result of any type of skin trauma—a breakout, a bug bite, or even an area you scratched or picked a few times. That, and exposure to the sun. Skin often releases color in response to injury, and it can take months for the color to fade. Thankfully, there are tools to expedite the fading. While hyperpigmentation is not a serious medical condition, you may want to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.
There are also home remedies like applying any of the following topically to help to lighten dark areas of the skin:
- Rose hip oil
- Sliced, pureed or the juice of cucumber
- Lemon juice
- Aloe Vera
For persistent skin concerns, it’s important to seek medical guidance to identify the hyperpigmentation causes and treatment options best suited for you. A proper diagnosis can help determine the type of hyperpigmentation and suggest lifestyle changes to prevent further discoloration.
After identifying the course prescription for a topical application can be administered, which is a set of applications containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids, which exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, are helpful in treating hyperpigmentation of all types.
If topical treatments don’t work, a dermatologist might recommend getting a procedure done to target your hyperpigmentation.
Available procedures include the following:
- Skin peels, including salicylic acid peels, to treat darkened skin areas. Skin peels are used when topical therapy fails.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. These target selective dark spots only. IPL devices are used under strict supervision under a trained physician.
- Laser skin resurfacing.
Written by: Dr Pranav Pancholi
Dr. Pranav Pancholi is a qualified Skin dermatologist practicing as a cosmetic dermato-surgeon at Avane Dermatology Clinic, located at Yaya Center Nairobi.
