Causes of facial hyperpigmentation

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is when a certain part of your skin is darker in color as compared to your natural skin color. They can appear as small spots in different parts of your body. It usually occurs when there’s a melanin imbalance in your body. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving color to your skin, hair, and eyes. Produced by skin cells called melanocytes, melanin can go overboard due to a number of reasons. These external aggressors that cause the overproduction of melanin are your primary causes of hyperpigmentation.

Your skincare and treatments will highly depend on what causes hyperpigmentation!

What causes hyperpigmentation on the skin

Here are some factors that can trigger an increase in melanin production:

1. Sun damage

The harsh rays of the sun can be severely damaging to the skin. Continuous exposure to UV rays and sunlight can lead to irritation. It can also result in the appearance of sunspots and accelerate the process of ageing the skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun triggers melanin production, which is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation. It also triggers an increase in melanin, which increases the appearance of dark spots in the skin. To protect your skin from sun damage, it is necessary to use SPF every day. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen serum ensures your skin isn’t dehydrated and also protected from the harsh sun rays. However, using sunscreens just once every morning doesn’t do the trick. Ensure you carry mist sunscreens for effortless reapplication every few hours.

2. Acne scars

If you are prone to bouts of acne, scarring on your face may be a part of the package too. After the pimple pops, it may leave behind a giant and nasty dark mark. This is why pimples are one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation on the face. The best way to avoid acne pigmentation is to not pop the pimple yourself. You can use an anti-pimple face wash to make sure your breakouts are kept in check. To calm and treat the pimple, you can also use a sheet mask infused with green tea. However, if your pimple leaves behind a scar it is best to use a niacinamide mask or vitamin C serum sheet mask. This will lighten your pigmentation over time and give you spotless skin.

3. Hormonal changes

If you steer clear from acne and sun and are still wondering what causes hyperpigmentation, it’s probably hormonal changes. Hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, or simply hormonal imbalances due to an unfit lifestyle can lead to dark spots. Deficiency of nutrients and vitamins like B12 can also be your cause of pigmentation. In such cases, it is ideal to start your pigmentation treatment from within. Make sure you maintain a balanced diet and incorporate the best food for hyperpigmentation, get enough sleep, and manage to get enough exercise.

4. Oxidative Stress

Environmental factors like air pollution and UV exposure lead to oxidative stress, another leading cause of hyperpigmentation. Oxidative stress occurs when your skin faces free radicals and does not have enough antioxidants to neutralise them. This phenomenon can damage your skin cells and become another cause of hyperpigmentation. This is where antioxidants come to the rescue. Add vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, to your daily morning and night-time skin regimen to combat hyperpigmentation. Use a vitamin C serum every morning and follow it with sunscreens or SPF creams. Make sure you also use vitamin C night serums to boost the skin cell regeneration that peaks during your bedtime hours.

5. Melasma and other medical conditions

Medications and several other skin conditions can cause darkening of the skin. In some women, the change in hormonal levels during pregnancy can lead to melasma, another cause of hyperpigmentation of the skin. In such cases, it is best to consult a medical professional and seek their advice.

Hyperpigmentation is a very common skincare concern. However, identifying what causes hyperpigmentation and then treating it correctly can help combat it. Incorporating the Garnier skincare range with vitamin C is a great way to tackle hyperpigmentation daily. So, dive right into the antioxidant-rich products and check out more hyperpigmentation solutions and skincare tips from the house of Garnier India.