Reasons for Pigmentation On Face With Solution

What is pigmentation?

Pigmentation is when certain areas of the skin turn darker in the form of spots, patches, blemishes, or freckles. It can affect only a few parts of your body, cover larger areas or in some cases even the entire body. This happens when your skin produces more melanin than usual. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving your skin its color. When this pigment is overproduced, it gives your skin a darker look than your natural skin color. Depending on the reasons for the pigmentation on the face, the type of hyperpigmentation may vary. Having said that, here are a few common types of hyperpigmentation:

• Sun Spots

Sunspots usually appear as brownish, flat marks. As the name suggests, the reason for this pigmentation on the face lies within prolonged hours of sun and UV exposure. Sunspots are commonly found on your face, hands, neck, or any part of the body that is constantly exposed to the sun. These spots can become more prominent with age.

• Acne Scars

Acne scars are also called Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH. Pimples, acne, scars, and injuries can all be the reasons for pigmentation. The size and color of these marks may vary; however, they can be treated with the right kind of acne pigmentation solutions.

• Age Spots

Similar to sun spots, these are also caused by prolonged sun exposure and appear as brown patches on the skin. While the reason for pigmentation on the face may be sun exposure, these marks are more pronounced in ageing adults.

• Freckles

Compared to other types of pigmentation, freckles are small, light brown spots on the face that look more prominent after you’ve been out in the sun. They are more common in those with lighter skin tones and can fade away in winter.

• Melasma

Melasma looks like broad, dark patches of skin that cover on your face. Hormonal changes, pregnancy, or birth control pills can be the reasons for this type of pigmentation on the face. When it comes to melasma. It is more commonly found in women.

• Under Eye Pigmentation

Commonly referred to as dark circles, under-eye pigmentation appears as darker, saggy skin under your eyes, which often makes you look tired. The skin under your eyes is especially delicate, making it vulnerable to many skin pigmentation causes.

Reasons for pigmentation on face

Now that you know what hyperpigmentation is and the numerous forms it takes, it’s time to move towards the causes of pigmentation on the face. Identifying the reasons for hyperpigmentation helps you pick the right line of treatment right off the bat. Here are some of the most common reasons for pigmentation on the face:

• Sun damage

There is no doubt that the harsh UV rays of the sun are quite harmful to your skin. They are responsible for up to 80% of the signs of premature ageing of your skin. They can also be causes of pigmentation on the face in the form of age spots due to lifelong exposure to the sun.

• Hormonal changes or Melasma

Melasma are patches of dark pigmentation caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy. This type of hyperpigmentation occurs mostly in women but can also occur in men.

• Medical conditions or medications

In some cases, hyperpigmentation can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, like Addison's disease. This is an adrenal gland disorder that can increase melanin production. Certain drugs, including antibiotics, can also be the reason for hyperpigmentation.

Solution for pigmentation

Now that you are aware of what facial pigmentation is and the reasons for pigmentation on the face, here are a few skincare products that can be effective in pigmentation removal and reduction. Read on to know our top 5 suggestions to get rid of hyperpigmentation -

1. Use Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a miracle ingredient to treat this skin concern. This is because vitamin C prevents the excessive production of melanin and also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It is an antioxidant that protects skin cells from the damaging free radicals caused by prolonged UV exposure. Adding a vitamin C serum to your regular skin regimen helps you achieve a bright, spotless complexion while reducing dark spots and acne marks in a few days. Don’t neglect your bedtime hours as this is when your skin repairs itself. Add a vitamin C night serum to your bedtime regimen to tackle pigmentation around the clock.

2. Moisturise

One of the easiest pigmentation solutions is to moisturise your skin regularly. Moisturising helps to keep your skin hydrated and visibly reduces pigmentation on the face and body. Choose a moisturising lotion with active ingredients to soften, nourish and hydrate skin deeply. For the face, you can use the moisturising vitamin C cream that will help to prevent dark spots, and pimple spots, and reverse sun damage. If you have oily skin, you can also opt for a vitamin C gel cream to prevent too much moisture.

3. Sunscreen all day!

Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun with sunscreen. Using SPF religiously helps block UV radiation and works great as a pigmentation treatment. No matter your skin type, you should use a broad-spectrum SPF to shield your skin and maintain its good health and radiance. It is best to use a sunscreen serum with SPF 50+ to protect your skin from tanning, dark spots, sunburns and external aggressors. If you’re outdoors all the time or use makeup quite often, you can also invest in a mist sunscreen to re-apply sun protection every few hours.

4. Niacinamide

Another great ingredient that targets the causes of pigmentation on the face, niacinamide also helps to regulate the transfer of melanin to the outermost layer of your skin to lighten hyperpigmentation. This skin active also helps you enhance your skin barrier and helps it retain moisture. Reducing inflammation and delivering a bright, even tone, niacinamide is one of the best actives for skin pigmentation causes. Try using a Niacinamide Ampoule Sheet Mask in your regular skin regimen to rebalance your skin instantly.

5. Eye Masks

As pesky as they may get - dark circles simply cannot be ignored. Dark circles are a persistent type of hyperpigmentation that can only be soothed with proper lifestyle changes and a consistent skincare regimen. Try adding under-eye sheet masks to your weekly regimen to get a hydrated, fresher-looking eye with less pigmented skin.

Lifestyle changes to stop the causes of pigmentation on face

Here are five key lifestyle changes to help reduce pigmentation on the face:

1. Reapply sun protection

While using sunscreen every morning is quite manageable, we often overlook the ‘reapplying’ part of it. Make sure you reapply sunscreen every few hours to ensure that your skin has adequate protection all through the day. Use a mist sunscreen to make re-application easier.

2. Proper Diet

Try to eat a diet rich in vitamins, nutrients, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and other foods that help fight hyperpigmentation. Make sure your water intake remains consistent too to prevent any lifestyle-related causes for hyperpigmentation on the face.

3. Plenty Sleep

Your skin regenerates itself at night, this is why it becomes vital to catch up on your beauty sleep (at least 8 hours every night). You can also back your sound sleep with a night-time regimen that boosts your skin repair.

4. Stress Management

Screen time and extreme stress can be reasons for pigmentation on the face. Try to involve stress-busting activities like yoga, meditation, or exercises to reduce any pigmentation caused by stress.

5. Consistent skincare

Skincare products and regimens take some time to take effect. Make sure you remain consistent with your nutrition, sleep cycle, and skin regimen and allow your pigmentation treatment to work.

With all the types, causes of hyperpigmentation, and solutions listed out for you, it’s time to stock your shelves with the right kind of products. Explore the antioxidant-rich skincare range by Garnier India alongside more tips and tricks on how to get rid of hyperpigmentation.