Treating Hyperpigmentation in the Practice | by Dr . Tahl Humes
SPF not only prevents hyperpigmentation but also helps improve how fast it resolves . gered by overexposure to the sun and are often seen on more mature skin . However , they can occur at any age .
The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure . Melanin offers the skin natural protection from harmful UV rays , as it acts as a UV absorbent as well as an antioxidant , scavenging free radicals . Excessive sun exposure disrupts this process , and hyperpigmentation can form . Once hyperpigmentation has developed , the sun can also exacerbate the pigment by darkening the existing spots .
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation ( PIH ) is an acquired hyperpigmentation that results from inflammation of the skin . When the skin encounters trauma or inflammation , inflammatory cells are activated . This causes melanocytes to increase pigment production and transfer pigment to surrounding keratinocytes . Various processes can cause inflammation , such as acne , drug reactions , chemical peels , and laser or device treatments . Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation ( PIH ) can occur in any skin type but is more commonly seen in darker Fitzpatrick skin types .
Hormones , especially in women , can lead to hyperpigmentation , the most common of which is melasma . The pathogenesis is not clear , but some studies have shown an increased number of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the skin of patients with hyperpigmentation . In addition to being hormon-
16 iS Skin Source