WTH is Hyperpigmentation?
What’s hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation isn’t necessarily a condition but a term that describes skin that appears darker.
Types of hyperpigmentation
There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the common ones being melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Melasma is typically caused by hormonal changes which is why many women see it develop during pregnancy. Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but they appear most commonly on the stomach and face.
- Sunspots are caused by excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is discoloration that occurs after injury or inflammation of the skin. Acne is a very common cause of PIH.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
A common cause of hyperpigmentation is an excess production of melanin. This is why hyperpigmentation more commonly affects darker skin, which is more prone to pigmentation changes.
Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. It’s produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can alter the production of melanin in your body. One very common one is excessive sun exposure, which can cause an increase in melanin. This is why it so important that people of color wear daily SPF.
How is hyperpigmentation prevented?
It’s not always possible to prevent hyperpigmentation. However, you can protect yourself by:
- using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30
- wearing hats or clothing that block sunlight
- avoiding the sun during the time of the day when it is strongest, which is typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How is hyperpigmentation treated?
If you are able to visit a dermatologist, you can access prescription options targeted specifically to your hyperpigmentation. However, not everyone has the time or money to visit a dermatologist or skincare clinic.
On the other hand, there are many products available off-the-shelf that claim to erase dark spots. The reality is many of them can take weeks or months before proving effective. Or they are so strong (like a chemical peel, for example) that they irritate the skin further, causing more blemishes and scarring. Always test home-treatments on a small patch of your skin before committing fully, to prevent large-scale irritation.
At Lion Pose, we've combined efforts with Harvard dermatologists to create the best over-the-counter daily serum to treat hyperpigmentation specifically for darker skin tones.
Our serum contains a unique blend of lactic, glycolic, azelaic, and tranexamic acids that visibly diminishes dark spots in a matter of days. We have also included nourishing ingredients like aloe and tiger grass, to ensure you skin gets a chance to repair itself and prevents additional scarring.