Hyperpigmentation

Melanin (pigment) is produced by the

melanocyte cells, which are located in the
basal layer of the epidermis.

Production of melanin, which in itself is
stimulated by ultra violet rays from the
sun, actually protects the dermal layers
of the skin from sun damage.

This is why darker skinned individuals can
experience less sun damage. As melanin
is transferred to the upper layers of the
skin, the skin appears tanned or brown.

Where the melanin is unevenly
distributed, the skin may hyperpigment,
resulting in dark skin patches, freckles
and uneven skin tones.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin
become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs
when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour,
forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin colour of people of
any race. However, the more fair-skinned the more apparent the condition appears.




Sufferers should avoid all forms of sun exposure and always wear a high factor
sunscreen product. It is also vital that lightening products are selected with caution as
they can often contain bleaches that can severely irritate the skin and initiate free
radical activity leading to premature skin ageing. Products containing Hydroquinone
(banned in the EU), which can cause skin sensitisation, should be avoided. Using
retinoids which can also assist in whitening is not recommended for the treatment of
pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation
Changes in skin colour can also result from several
causes other than UV exposure. For example, skin
diseases such as acne may leave dark spots after
the condition clears.
Hyperpigmentation
Dark patches can appear following injuries to the skin, including some surgeries or
invasive treatments. Sun exposure, following the use of deodorant soaps, scented
toiletries, and various cosmetics can also produce this mottled pigmentation.


This is called a phototoxic reaction and is due to ultraviolet radiation being absorbed by
the chemical substance (perfume, cologne and other types of fragrance) on the skin. This
pigmentation often extends down to the sun-exposed areas of the neck.


Hyperpigmentation

Melasma or chloasma, is the name used to
describe patches of hyperpigmentation that
appear most often as a result of hormonal
changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger
overproduction of melanin that causes the
"mask of pregnancy" (melasma) on the face and
darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas.
Women who take birth control pills or are on HRT may also and frequently do develop
hyperpigmentation as their bodies undergo similar kinds of hormonal changes that
occur during pregnancy.

AGE SPOTS

Age, brown or "liver" spots are a common form of
hyperpigmentation. They occur due to sun damage,
and are referred to by doctors as solar lentigo. These
small, darkened patches are usually found on the
hands and face or other areas frequently exposed to
the sun.
Hyperpigmentation
Freckles, age spots, and other darkened skin patches can become darker or more
pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun. This happens because melanin absorbs the
energy of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays in order to protect the skin from
overexposure. The usual result of this process is skin tanning, which tends to darken
areas that are already hyperpigmented. Wearing a sunscreen is essential. The sunscreen
must be "broad spectrum" (i.e. it blocks both UVA and UVB). A single day of excess sun
can undo months of treatment. Follow product advice for Hyperpigmentation.

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