Hyperpigmentation
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Skin gets its colour from the naturally occurring pigment melanin, produced within the deeper layers of the skin. People with darker skin tones have higher levels of melanin than people with fair skin.
“Hyperpigmentation” refers to specific areas of skin where there’s a higher concentration of melanin than the rest of the face or body, making those areas appear darker. These areas may appear brown, black, grey, pink, or red, and may be small or cover a large area of skin.
There are many different types of hyperpigmentation and we discuss some common examples below (under treatment options).
If you are concerned about areas of hyperpigmentation, book a consultation where one of our medical practitioners will assess you in person, discuss your concerns, and advise on the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Hyperpigmentation can be relieved or resolved using both targeted aesthetic procedures and topical skincare products. The best treatments for your needs will be discussed with you at consultation and will be determined by the cause and severity of your condition (see types of hyperpigmentation below).
Procedures like laser-assisted pigment removal and chemical peels help remove old skin cells, promote cell turnover, and reveal younger, brighter skin cells.
Medical-grade topical creams containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, vitamin C, or retinoids can be used to lighten and brighten the skin.
Melasma
Previously called “chloasma” and sometimes nicknamed the “mask of pregnancy”, melasma occurs as brown or darker patches of skin that occur on the face – often in a symmetrical pattern on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and upper lip. The most common causes of melasma are UV rays, hormones, and genetics.
As its nickname suggests, many pregnant women suffer from melasma (it’s thought around 50%). Melasma due to pregnancy can settle on its own over time, but the effects can last for months after the baby is born while the hormone levels naturally settle. Using skincare products and treatments to address the areas of hyperpigmentation can drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to return the skin to its normal colour.
People with darker skin tones are genetically more at risk of developing melasma as their skin naturally contains more melanin. And, although less common, men can also suffer from melasma, and their biggest risk factor is sun exposure.
There is no cure for melasma, but there are several treatment options that can help improve the appearance of the skin.
Prevention is also key. Limiting sun exposure, covering your skin with clothing, and wearing sun cream when exposed to UV rays helps prevent further changes.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Irritation and injury to the skin can sometimes cause an increase in the production of melanin at the site, and this is called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation”. Common causes include skin injury from eczema, acne, psoriasis, burns, cuts, infections, and rashes.
Depending on how severe the irritation or injury is, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur in the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) or the dermis (the deeper layers of skin).
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is different from scarring and can improve over time without treatment, but the healing process can take anywhere between a few months to a couple of years.
Using skincare products and treatments to address the areas of hyperpigmentation can drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to return the skin to its normal colour.
Periorbital Hyperpigmentation (dark under-eye area)
What is commonly referred to as “dark circles” or “raccoon eyes” under the eyes is often hyperpigmentation of the skin around the eyes (periorbital). Although anyone can experience periorbital hyperpigmentation, it’s more common in people with darker skin tones due to the naturally higher levels of melanin in their skin.
As well as the common causes of hyperpigmentation like genetics and sun exposure, periorbital hyperpigmentation can also be caused by oedema (water retention), excessive blood supply to the area, trauma from eye rubbing, and skin laxity.
Another option to reduce the appearance of periorbital hyperpigmentation is administering dermal filler into the tear trough area. Your suitability for this and any other treatment will be discussed with you at your consultation.