Causes Of Hyperpigmentation In the Body
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that appears as two shades darker patches than the actual skin color. It happens because of the excess melanin production, which causes the pigments in certain areas (face, neck, chest, underarms, hands). This excess melanin can result from various factors, including:
- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun
- Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause
- Wounds, burns, or other skin trauma
- Side effects of certain medications
- Some underlying medical conditions, such as Addison’s disease or vitiligo
| Causes of Hyperpigmentation on the Body: Primary and Lesser-Known Factors | |
| Primary Factors | Lesser-Known Factors |
| Sun Exposure (UV Radiation)Hormonal ChangesInflammation and Skin InjuriesMedications and ChemicalsGenetic FactorsAging | Friction or PressureNutritional DeficienciesExposure to Environmental Pollutants |
- Hyperpigmentation is often treated with red light therapy, which has been found to produce effective results.
Primary Causes of Hyperpigmentation on the Body
(Source: Reddit)
- Sun Exposure (UV Radiation)
(Source: seilatv)
When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun for a long time, melanocytes are produced. Melanocytes are the cells from which melanin comes. Melanin basically works against UV rays. The pigment visible on the skin is melanin, and when its production increases, darker skin patches result. These are often referred to as sunburns or aging spots.
To minimize sun-induced hyperpigmentation, try these:
- Use sunscreen with high SPF regularly, even on cloudy days, and reapply them every 2 hours.
- Wear protective clothes as a shield from the sun
- Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours
- Hormonal Changes
(Source: PubMed)
Hyperpigmentation generated from hormonal fluctuation is very common, particularly in women. One very regularly heard example is melasma, which appears on the face as dark patches. The doctor refers to it as a “mask of pregnancy” since it occurs during pregnancy. Even birth control pills can trigger melasma.
Additionally,
(Source: Springer)
- Inflammation and Skin Injuries
After getting any accidental cuts, burns, or acne, you will notice that the infected spot gets darker than the surrounding area. This happens when your body starts the healing process and produces excess melanin. Melanin causes the buildup of darker patches, known in medical terms as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Medications and Chemicals
(Source: DermNet)
Consuming certain drugs can indeed trigger hyperpigmentation. It is considered a side effect of taking these pills. Even the skincare you use can cause allergic reactions or pigmentation issues. That is why dermatologists always suggest to patch test new products before applying them to a larger skin area.
- Genetic Factors
Not everything comes from medication or external factors. Sometimes, we inherit some disorders from genes as well. Skin tone and ethnicity play a big part in hyperpigmentation. People with darker skin tones may be more prone to developing hyperpigmentation due to their natural melanin production.
- Aging
As we age, the placement of melanin in the skin can become uneven, forming dark spots known as age spots. These spots are a sign that we are getting older, and they are mainly caused by sun damage over time.
If you want to minimize the appearance of aging. You can try:
- Topical lightening creams
- Chemical peels
- Laser therapy
- Effective skincare routines or treatments
Lesser-Known Causes of Hyperpigmentation
- Friction or Pressure
When the skin experiences constant friction or pressure gets irritated and inflamed. You will notice this when wearing something tight, and the fabric is continuously rubbed against your skin. The area gets reddened and inflamed. This inflammation increases melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation.
Common Areas Affected by Friction-Induced Pigmentation are:
- Underarms
- Inner thighs
- Neck
- Nutritional Deficiencies
Surprisingly, specific vitamins and minerals can impact skin pigmentation.
(Source: Cutaneous lesions and vitamin B12 deficiency – PMC).
Diets that Influences Skin Health and Promote Even Pigmentation Are:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Berries and
- Dark chocolate
- Exposure to Environmental Pollutants
Living in an area with poor air quality and heavy pollution can increase one’s risk of hyperpigmentation. Pollutants can cause oxidative stress, which damages the skin and triggers melanin production.
To protect your skin, what you can do is:
- Antioxidant-rich skincare
- Vitamin C
- Green tea extract
- Limit your exposure to air pollution
- Skin cleansing
How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation on the Body?
These are three ways you can protect your body from hyperpigmentation.
| Daily Skin Care Practices | Managing Hormonal Imbalance | Protecting Skin from Injuries |
| Use high-SPF sunscreen dailyKeep your skin hydrated with moisturizerRemove dead skin with gentle exfoliationAvoid harsh chemicals | Consult a doctor to identify underlying hormonal issuesManage stress, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet | Limit time in the sunWear protective clothingAvoid excess scrubbing and rubbingTreat skin conditions promptly |
Treatment Options for Hyperpigmentation
There are multiple ways you can treat your hyperpigmentation. Until now, doctors have been trying to invent the most effective way to remove pigmentation from the body. The following are a few treatments that are currently claimed to be effective. You can try applying them if needed.
Topical Treatments
| Over-the-Counter Options | |
| Hydroquinone | You will generally find this ingredient in lighting cream to reduce melanin production. |
| Kojic acid | It works like magic to remove or lighten sun damage spots, aging lines, melasma, and acne scars. |
| Azelaic acid | It is a dicarboxylic acid agent that can help reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation. |
| Niacinamide | This is derived from vitamin B3 to improve skin tone and texture. |
In-Office Treatments
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are another way of exfoliating the skin. Essentially, they peel off the outer layer of the skin, revealing smoother and more evenly pigmented skin. It’s like a peeling solution. You can try three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium-depth, or deep, depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is another effective way to reduce skin hyperpigmentation. This treatment is going viral because it is the most useful one, especially with red light therapy at home becoming increasingly popular. Red light therapy uses noninvasive light therapy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone. The light penetrates the skin and starts to lighten the appearance of the dark spots. It also heals the skin easily and quickly.
Home Remedies
Even though home remedies haven’t been proven to work scientifically on hyperpigmentation, some people have reported success. So here are the remedies you can try at home:
- Aloe vera: You can use aloe vera on the face to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
- Turmeric: Turmeric packs can be helpful as it has antioxidant properties in them to lighten the dark spots.
- Apple cider vinegar: Diluted apple cider vinegar can be a useful toner for exfoliating the skin and improving pigmentation.
Risks of DIY Treatments
- Not suitable for everyone
- Can irritate your skin
- The effectiveness of DIY can vary
- Always do a patch test before applying
- Consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice
When to See a Dermatologist?
| Warning Signs to Watch For | Long-Term Skin Care Management |
| Sudden or rapid increase in hyperpigmentationHyperpigmentation is accompanied by other skin issues like itching, redness, rashesHyperpigmentation that spreads or becomes more visible day by dayAny over-the-counter medications aren’t responding anymore. | Schedule a periodic appointment with a dermatologist for skin checkups.Using sunscreen daily to avoid excessive sun exposureFollow a consistent skincare routine that targets hyperpigmentation.Seeking professional guidance for personalized treatment recommendations. |
Frequently Asked Question
What is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation in the body?
Sun exposure is the common cause of hyperpigmentation.
Can hyperpigmentation be permanent?
There are a few types of hyperpigmentation that fade over time, but others can be permanent.
Can stress cause hyperpigmentation?
Yes, it can.
Overstress can trigger hormonal changes that cause hyperpigmentation.
Are there any foods that help with hyperpigmentation?
A diet that includes antioxidants like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. It can help support skin health and may even reduce the appearance of the darkness.
