What it is, causes, symptoms, treatments, and remedies

Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is defined as the condition in which there is an alteration in the color of the skin. In case of variations due to a greater coloration of the spots we speak of hyperpigmentation, instead in case of dyschromia linked to a loss of tone, we speak of skin hypopigmentation.

The underlying causes of these skin color alterations can be many: some are linked to hereditary factors,   some are linked to aging phenomena, and others, however, are due to excessive exposure to sunlight.

What is Skin Hyperpigmentation?

Skin hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin, usually caused by excessive production of melanin, a pigment found in the skin. It is a very common blemish and generally affects parts of the body, such as the face, hands, and arms, which are easily accessible by sunlight. Three different types of skin hyperpigmentation can be differentiated, based on the extent of the affected areas. In particular:

Focal hyperpigmentation: dark spots are located in certain points of the body where there is a high concentration of melanin. Examples of this type of hyperpigmentation are freckles (they are dark spots not affected by the sun’s rays), freckles (small brownish skin spots that become darker following sun exposure), senile lentigo (spots that appear with an increase in age) and solar ;

Local hyperpigmentation: the spots affect large areas of the skin surface. An example is melasma, also known as chloasma gravidarum if it develops during pregnancy. It is an aesthetic defect that manifests itself with the appearance of extensive spots, generally located on the face. The imperfection becomes more evident with exposure to the sun;

Generalized hyperpigmentation: the spots cover the entire skin surface. This condition is typical of certain pathologies, such as Addison’s disease.

What are the causes of Skin Hyperpigmentation?

At the base of skin hyperpigmentation, there is excessive production of melanin in some areas of the skin. This process is activated in the presence of certain factors, such as:

Incorrect exposure to sunlight: it is certainly the main cause of hyperpigmentation since sunlight stimulates the production of melanin. The latter acts as a defensive barrier against the light. Excessive exposure, therefore, favors the appearance of dark spots or the accentuation of existing spots, caused for example by scars or inflammation;

Hormonal imbalances: they cause a characteristic case of hyperpigmentation known as melasma. It’s especially common in women, and experts believe it occurs when female hormones stimulate excessive melanin production. Hyperpigmentation of the upper lip can also occur due to hormonal imbalances;

genetic or hereditary factors ;

various pathologies: these include autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders, and lack of vitamins;

contact photodermatitis: it is a pathology usually triggered by henna and tattoos;

side effects of some pharmacological treatments: this is the case of chemotherapy, antibiotics, antiepileptics;

aesthetic procedures: such as chemical peels or dermabrasion.

How to prevent skin hyperpigmentation?

To prevent the appearance of dark spots on the skin, it is advisable to follow a few simple precautions which, if implemented consistently, protect the skin by limiting the manifestation of this blemish. As previously mentioned, the main cause of skin hyperpigmentation is incorrect exposure to sunlight.

To prevent this imperfection, it is possible to repair the skin by applying suitable protective creams with a high SPF and reducing the time spent in the sun, especially in the central hours of the day. The creams must be used not only in summer but also during the winter season. In addition to protecting the skin from UV rays, other precautions can be put into practice daily to ensure skin health and avoid the formation of dark spots.

Among these: use delicate hygiene products, moisturizing and soothing creams, and do not subject the skin to continuous stress such as squeezing pimples. All of this is very important if you already suffer from hyperpigmentation.