Skin hyperpigmentation is often referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It can happen due to the overproduction of melanin in the skin by melanocytes. Triggering factors can include hormonal changes, sun exposure, acne, and exposure to harmful products containing chemicals. Dark skin tones are more prone to experience hyperpigmentation because there are more melanocytes in the skin.

Here’s how to determine if you’re suffering from skin hyperpigmentation and which treatments are most effective for managing the condition.

What the Brown Spots on Your Skin Really Mean

Hyperpigmentation is a buildup of melanin, the dark pigment that colors our skin, hair, and eyes. The body uses melanin to protect the DNA of epidermal cells from the sun’s harmful UV rays. There are many forms of hyperpigmentation, with some more common than others.

Dark Spots

Age spots, sun spots, or liver spots are all names for the same type of hyperpigmentation known as solar lentigos. These spots typically occur on the face, neck, chest, and back of the hands. While age spots typically appear later in life, they are caused by sun exposure, not aging. When UV radiation causes melanocytes to multiply, age spots appear. Bigger than freckles, age spots are sharply defined and are typically black, brown, or grey.

Freckles

When the skin is exposed to the sun, UV B radiation triggers melanocytes to produce more melanin to protect the skin. The melanin builds up into a localized spot and diffuses into the surrounding skin cells called keratinocytes, which leave behind freckles.

Acne Scars

These pigmentation scars are found after acne has cleared. These marks are flat spots of discoloration and can range from pink to black, depending on your skin type. Dark acne marks that are brown or black typically your body’s response from Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, or PIH.

Melasma

Typically found in women during their reproductive years, Melasma can occur anywhere on the body and is typically found on the cheeks, jawline, forehead, and around the mouth. Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation and is most commonly caused by UV exposure from the sun. Hormonal changes, such as those you experience during pregnancy, can trigger Melasma.

Effective Treatments For Skin Discoloration and Hyperpigmentation

The first step towards correcting dark spots and other types of skin discoloration is to schedule an evaluation appointment with an experienced provider. At Hinsdale Vein & Laser, we offer the following treatment options that can address various common skin concerns.

Facial Resurfacing With Venus Viva

Venus Viva offers a minimal downtime option for skin resurfacing and facial remodeling. With Venus Viva, you will see significant improvements in concerns, including:

• Acne scars
• Other scar tissue
• Rosacea
• Stretch marks
• Large pores
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Uneven skin texture
• Excessive pigmentation

CryoCorrect

CryoCorrect is revolutionary because it uses a concentrated flow of carbon dioxide to freeze the skin. Traditional cryogens like liquid nitrogen freeze the skin at a lower temperature, leading to adjacent skin damage. CryoCorrect provides a more superficial freeze to remove unwanted spots without affecting healthy skin. This form of cryotherapy is ideal for sunspots.

Limelight Facial

LimeLight Facials are a new and non-invasive way to revitalize your skin. These treatments reduce or eliminate surface imperfections as well as overall skin tone.

The LimeLight Facial is ideal for treating the following skin conditions:

• Brown and red spots
• Excessive redness, including rosacea
• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun damage

Laser Genesis Skin Therapy

Laser Genesis provides many benefits to our patients, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This gentle treatment uses natural processes to provide the patient with vibrant, glowing, healthy-looking skin. Laser Genesis works to fade the appearance of facial skin redness and rosacea, which causes dilated capillaries on the cheeks, forehead, and nose.

Preventing Future Brown Spots

UV rays are the leading cause of hyperpigmentation.

Help prevent future brown spots by:

• Exfoliating
• Moisturizing
• Always wear at least an SPF 30 sunscreen on your body and face
• Don’tDon’t forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day
• Cover up from the sun
• Avoid extended periods outside in the sun midday when the UV rays are strongest

Keeping Your Skin Protected All Year Round

While it may feel nearly impossible to keep sun exposure from affecting your skin, you can always increase your efforts if you suffer from hyperpigmentation. Sun protection is about a lot more than just applying sunscreen once in the morning, and being proactive against sun damage every day throughout the summer will help you stroll into fall with damage-free skin.

To learn more about hyperpigmentation and which treatment option may be the best solution for you, contact Hinsdale Vein & Laser to schedule a consultation.