Hyperpigmentation is a typical skin concern that can appear on all skin tones. This might look like sunspots, freckles, or any patch of skin that is a few shades darker than your normal skin tone.
The good news is that there are ways to treat hyperpigmentation and bring back your skin's natural radiance!
In this guide, we will explore hyperpigmentation — including the causes, different ways to manage it, and how you can prevent it.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a frequent and typically harmless skin condition. It happens when skin cells make too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It can appear as freckles, age spots, or larger darkened areas.
Below are a few other common forms of hyperpigmentation.
- Melasma: This skin condition, triggered by hormonal fluctuations, often appears during pregnancy. While hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere, it is most common on the face and stomach.
- Sunspots: Also known as solar lentigines or liver spots, sunspots are caused by years of accumulated sun exposure. They typically appear in the usual areas exposed to the sun, like your hands and face.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This arises from skin injury or inflammation, with acne being a frequent culprit.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Several things can affect or damage melanin-producing cells, which can trigger hyperpigmentation. Below are some of these causes.
- Sun Exposure: Sunlight stimulates melanin production, causing tanning — but it can also result in uneven pigmentation.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormones can become overactive during pregnancy, when taking birth control pills, or during puberty, leading to increased melanin.
- Skin Injuries and Inflammation: Dark spots tend to appear as post-acne or eczema marks. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and may take time to fade.
- Medications and Health: Certain medications or medical conditions can affect melanin production. As such, if you are worried about a possible increase in melanin, talk to your doctor.
Does Hyperpigmentation Go Away?
Yes, dark spots can fade over time. However, how fast those dark marks disappear depends on various things.
- Severity and Depth of Discoloration: Milder patches can lighten up in about 6 to 12 months, while a really deep and dark spot might take a year or even longer to disappear.
- Skin Type and Ethnicity: Some things can affect how quickly your dark spots fade. The depth of the discoloration, as well as your skin type and ethnicity, play a role.
- Sun's Out, Spots Out: Exposure to the sun is a big no-no for fading hyperpigmentation spots. Wear protective clothing (like long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat) and broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Listen to Your Body: If your spots are stubborn, seeking professional advice can help rule out underlying health conditions.
No matter how much extra melanin your body has produced, you can get rid of the dark spots on your face and body in several ways.
Natural Fading
Did you know that our skin can naturally fade dark spots over time?
That is because your body constantly makes new skin cells. As these cells rise to the surface, the older ones (including those with extra pigment) are pushed out, leaving you with new, clear skin.
Below are tips to help boost your skin's natural fading power.
- Pamper Power: A good skincare routine is vital to fading dark spots. Use gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and products formulated for hyperpigmentation. Our Brightening Routine 3-Piece Set can brighten and firm up the look of fine lines and sun damage.
- Hydration Hero: Ensuring you are not dehydrated helps the outermost layer of your skin contain water. It improves skin function, which can help cell turnover rate.
- Fueling Your Fade: Eating a healthy diet, including lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, provides your skin the nutrients it requires to restore itself and helps you feel better!
Using Treatment Options
If you do not want to just naturally wait for hyperpigmentation to go away, there are several treatment options you can choose from.
- Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter and prescription creams, such as hydroquinone, retinoids, and vitamin C, can help lighten dark spots and even natural skin tone. Glycolic acid helps with dark spots as well. Our Brightwave Face Serum contains active ingredients like vitamin C that help fade dark spots.
- Medical Procedures: To achieve faster results, consider treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion offered by dermatologists. Consulting a skin specialist is essential to determine the best option for you and ensure any chemical solution you choose will not harm your skin.
- Home Remedies: Some believe in using natural remedies like aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric to fade dark spots. The scientific evidence is unclear, but it might be worth trying, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Why is My Hyperpigmentation Not Fading?
Sometimes, dark spots can be especially stubborn and do not look like they are fading. Below are a few things that do not help reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Skipping Sunscreen: Remember, too much sun can increase melanin production. As such, always wear sunscreen, like the Self Reflect, to protect your skin even if it is cloudy.
- Creating New Trauma: Picking at post-acne marks and other spots can be tempting, but resist the urge! Picking at your skin can irritate it and lead to inflammation, making the hyperpigmentation linger longer.
- Patience is a Virtue: Those brightening creams and serums are amazing but not overnight miracle workers. Consistent use for several months is key to seeing results.
- Inadequate Moisturization: Dry, irritated skin can make hyperpigmentation more noticeable. Keeping your skin hydrated with the right moisturizer like our Supermello Hyaluronic Gel Cream Moisturizer helps maintain a healthy barrier and prevents conditions like eczema that can worsen dark spots.
Preventing Hyperpigmentation
There are a few ways you can actually prevent dark spots and uneven patches from appearing on your skin. Follow these tips below.
- Sunscreen is Your BFF! Sun exposure is a big culprit behind hyperpigmentation. Apply sunscreen every day, whether it is sunny or cloudy. Use one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, such as our Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen. Spread the sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas and reapply every two hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming.
- Pamper Your Skin with TLC: Wash your face gently to remove dirt and makeup without stripping away natural oils. Exfoliate regularly (but not too much!) to buff away dead skin cells and boost a healthy glow.
- Avoiding Skin Trauma: Picking at pimples or scratching irritated skin can lead to dark spots. Avoid harsh treatments that might damage your skin barrier. A dermatologist can help create a hyperpigmentation treatment if you ever need help.
- Live a Healthy Life: What you put in your body shows on your face. Consuming a nourishing diet rich in fruits and veggies gives your skin the nutrients it craves. Drink water throughout the day to remain hydrated, and limit smoking and excessive alcohol, as they can damage skin health.
When Should I Seek Professional Help?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we can still be lost when it comes to trying to fade hyperpigmentation. Below are a few situations when you might want to contact a professional.
- Spotty Struggle: If you have done your best and still struggle with hyperpigmentation, a dermatologist can suggest laser treatments, chemical peels, or other procedures to help manage your discolored skin.
- Going Big Time: For super noticeable hyperpigmentation, a skin specialist can also suggest laser therapy and other treatments to even things out or calm affected areas down to mild hyperpigmentation.
- You Do You: Everyone's skin is different, so a doctor can create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your skin type and preferences.
Dermatologists can help you fade dark spots and keep them away for good. No matter how bad or mild your hyperpigmentation is, there is no harm in asking them for help!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This FAQ section will answer more questions on hyperpigmentation.
Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades?
Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.
Can Hyperpigmentation Go Away Permanently?
Dermal post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots may be permanent. New spots can appear, or old spots can come back even after fading.
In general, improvements in dark spots can show in 6 to 12 months, and deeper ones can take longer. How permanent some of these spots are depends on how much effort you put into caring for your skin.
Key Takeaways on Does Hyperpigmentation Go Away?
Hyperpigmentation can disappear. Some spots fade naturally, while others need a helping hand, but the bottom line is that, with proper care, you can manage and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Sun protection is key, but a gentle skincare routine with targeted treatments can make a big difference too. Of course, healthy habits like eating good foods are a big help as well.
If you are not sure about how to care for your dark patches, a dermatologist can help you.