For many years, the golden glow of a suntan was a sign of youth and health – sunscreen was used sparingly to prevent a sunburn, but for the most part, everyone sought the sun-kissed look of summer. Unfortunately, over time, the results of those days become more and more evident, leaving behind unsightly dark spots most noticeably on your hands and face. Known by many names(sun spots, age spots, liver spots), these blotchy marks are a result of several factors, including sun damage and hormone changes, and are referred to clinically as hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in the melanin in your skin. Melanin is a pigment found naturally in our bodies, and is responsible for giving our hair, skin and eyes their color. Not only that, but melanin is designed to protect you from harmful UV rays – that’s why when you spend time in the sun, your skin gets darker. Your suntan is actually your body increasing its melanin production as a protective mechanism against UV damage. Other factors that can trigger melanin production include hormone changes, skin injuries and age.
What are the Causes of Hyperpigmentation?
The number one contributor to hyperpigmentation is sun damage, since the sun is what triggers the production of melanin in the first place. The patches of excess pigment are not only a reaction to sun damage, but can be made worse by continued exposure. Everything from freckles to “age spots” is considered hyperpigmentation, and can appear anywhere on your body that has been exposed to the sun – most commonly on the face, hands, neck and chest. However, there are several other causes that contribute to hyperpigmentation, including:
Prevention and Treatment of Hyperpigmentation
In some cases, hyperpigmentation may be unavoidable, but in all cases, it can be prevented from worsening by consistent sun protection.
This includes applying (and reapplying) broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy, and avoiding the sun when it is at its most intense. For existing hyperpigmentation, a skincare regimen that includes products designed (and proven effective) for treating hyperpigmentation can help reduce the appearance of dark spots.
At The Rejuva Center at Williams, we offer several options for treating varying degrees of hyperpigmentation, including:
- Topical medication
- Physician dispensed skin care regimens
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Elos Plus Laser
Schedule Your Consultation
To find out which option will best address your issues with hyperpigmentation, call The Rejuva Center at Williams today to schedule a consultation with one of our experts. They can examine your skin and go over your medical history to help you determine the right way to eliminate hyperpigmentation and restore a more even tone to your skin.