Hyperpigmentation vs. Hypopigmentation

Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation?

What gives freckles their color? An overabundance of melanin; the same pigment that’s responsible for skin conditions which show up as irregularly dark or light skin. Across all races and natural skin colors, too much or too little melanin will result in skin that appears unusually dark or light, known respectively as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

In most cases, there are treatments available for skin with irregularly dark or light patches. The following overview of these two opposite yet related issues will help you determine which one you might have, and how to treat it.

Hyperpigmentation

Irregularly dark patches on the skin are known as hyperpigmentation; an overabundance of melanin. This is an extremely common skin condition for men and women of all races and ages. It’s causes when the cells responsible for producing melanin are either overactive or overabundant.

UV Exposure

Commonly occurring agespots, also known as liver spots, are dark spots often occurring on the face of light-skinned individuals. They are a result of exposure to UV rays, and worsen over time with more UV exposure rather than as a direct result of aging.

Skin Injury

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or “PIH” often results from acne, burns, or psoriasis, and is generally easily treated.

Hormones

Birth control pills, hormone replacements, thyroid imbalance, and pregnancy can all trigger hyperpigmentation in the form of a condition known as melasma.

While there is no medical threat to hyperpigmentation, the appearance of these darker patches can be a nagging aesthetic concern for some. Luckily, there are many treatments available that can help to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Here are a few we suggest:

Arbutin Brightening Duo Kit

No matter the cause of your hyperpigmentation, the daily serum and moisturizer in this kit can help to correct it. They are each safe and effective treatments including Lemon Balm, Peppermint, and other ingredients with the natural power to fighthyperpigmentation. Their skin lightening ingredients work by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin in your skin. Perfect for those seeking a more natural approach to the harsh alternative of skin bleaching.

Jessner 14% Peel Kit – Medium Strength

Treat hyperpigmentation with this remarkable medium strength peel, including Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid and Resorcinol to reveal a new, revitalized layer of your skin. Prepare with a daily exfoliator, and expect a downtime of two to three weeks.

TCA 30% Peel Kit – Deep Strength

If you’re looking for a more intensive treatment for advanced hyperpigmentation, this kit can help to correct stubborn dark patches, as well as deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and crow’s feet. TCA is a great option for resurfacing and renewing your skin.

If you are new to peels, start with a lower percentage TCA peel. Expect two weeks of downtime and up to two months of full recovery after this treatment. Protect your skin afterward with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation, also knows as skin depigmentation, is the medical term for abnormally light skin. This means your skin has less than the normal amount of melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin its color. Causes of this condition include:

Skin Disorders

Albinism is a rare disorder resulting in a complete lack of pigmentation in the skin, and also in the eyes and hair. This occurs when the enzyme needed to produce melanin is missing. If you carry this trait, you have a higher risk of sun damage and skin cancer, so be sure to take extra precautions to limit your sun exposure and wear sunscreen daily.

Another such disorder is Vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder involving damage to the cells which produce pigment, results in smooth white patches, sometimes over the whole body. Ultraviolet light treatments, corticosteroid creams, and makeup are the common methods used to treat Vitiligo.

Skin Damage

Sometimes trauma experienced by the skin results in a loss of pigmentation. This can include burns, blisters, or skin infection. In many cases, your body will naturally re-pigment the affected areas over time. Cosmetics can ease the transition period of your pigment’s regeneration.