How to treat hyperpigmentation

People often face problems linked to hyperpigmentation of the skin. The solution to these conditions involves several factors: skin type, condition and medical history. 

Solutions to get rid of hyperpigmentation include topical treatments. There are also more complex methods such as peelings, laser therapy, among others.

The treatment used should consider the needs of each skin and the severity of each case.   

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a dermatological disorder that changes the color of the skin. It has two basic manifestations: discoloration and darkening. 

When there is a disorder in melanocyte production or melanin distribution, hyperpigmentation occurs. 

Causes of hyperpigmentation

The most common causes for hyperpigmentation to occur include: 

• Metabolic causes: vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies. 
• Causes resulting from the use of certain medications.
•  Malignancy or autoimmune or infectious causes.
• Medium to long term sun exposure.

Types of hyperpigmentation

Treatments to get rid of hyperpigmentation

There are several treatments to get rid of hyperpigmentation of the skin. These include: 

Topical formulations

These contain:  

• Hydroquinone. Acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to interfere with melanin synthesis.   
• Kojic acid. Inhibits tyrosinase. Its antioxidant properties enhance the depigmenting effect. 
• Glycolic acid. Causes desquamation of keratinocytes at lower concentrations and produces epidermolysis (blistering) at higher concentrations.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids. Stimulates desquamation and regenerates the skin.  

Oral formulations: 

They are usually used: 

• Tranexamic acid. Helps the pigmentation overcoming process, since it has whitening effects.
• Melatonin. Regulates circadian rhythm and skin pigmentation.
• Cysteamine hydrochloride.  Recent studies confirm that cysteamines have a depigmenting effect.  

Chemical peels.

Chemical peels are one of the most common treatments for skin problems, including hyperpigmentation. The goal is to exfoliate the skin to produce a lesion with a specific depth. This will produce new skin with improved texture, complexion and appearance. 

Its use is indicated for sun spots and dyschromias (skin color alterations), superficial scars and pigmentary disorders.)

Laser therapy

Lasers are high-intensity monochromatic light sources. It is commonly used to treat skin disorders such as hyperpigmentation, scarring and aging.  

Side effects of hyperpigmentation treatments 

It is not advisable to use any of the above treatments without the participation of a dermatologist. It is a professional who is best suited to help you determine the ideal treatment for your case.

These specialists are also obliged to inform their patients about the side effects of the methods used to treat hyperpigmentation.  

These techniques have some side or negative effects such as:

• Erythema. Skin redness is one of the impacts the skin receives when using some of these methods.  

• Skin dryness and flaking. This is an immediate consequence of the loss of excess water and the skin's own oils. This results in flaking and consequent burning. 

Vitamins to get rid of hyperpigmentation 

The ingestion and external use of vitamins has significantly helped the well-being of the skin. They have diverse functions, such as providing softness and flexibility. They also reduce skin inflammation and attack conditions such as acne. 

In that sense, it has been reported that vitamins have antioxidant properties. Hence, their use in the skin care industry seeks to maintain a healthy and youthful appearance.  

As far as hyperpigmentation is concerned, the most indicated vitamins to improve this condition are the following: 

Vitamin A

The application of vitamin A to the skin has a positive impact on its beauty and health. That's because it is responsible for regulating oil production in the skin. These are its functions: 

• Control sebaceous glands. 

• Attack aging. 
• Improve hyperpigmentation processes. 

Vitamin C

The antioxidant power of vitamin C makes it an ally of the health of your skin.  Its oral or topical consumption brings the following benefits:

• Protection from ultraviolet rays.
• Skin strengthening.
• It prevents the action of the enzyme tyrosinase. This decreases the formation of melanin, which eliminates hyperpigmented spots. 

Niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is recognized for its valuable role in skin protection. It has antioxidant power.

Its use:

• Helps in the treatment of anti-aging.
• Improves the protective function of the skin barrier. 
• It influences skin pigmentation by down-regulating the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is known to occupy a central position as a highly efficient antioxidant. This gives it the potential to reduce the frequency and severity of cutaneous pathological events.

It also has other effects: 

• Protects the skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation by eliminating free radicals. It also has antitumor and photoprotective properties.
• Experimental studies suggest that vitamin E has antitumor and photoprotective properties. 
• It has been shown to cause skin depigmentation. 

Craft & Care offers you several alternatives to treat hyperpigmentation.

Craft & Care offers a range of products whose ingredients help to treat hyperpigmentation:

Glory Balm 

Glory Balm contains antioxidant vitamins. It protects cells and regenerates the skin. Coconut oil and cocoa butter provide elasticity to the skin, as they moisturize it adequately. Almond oil is rich in vitamins A, B, D and E, special vitamins for treating hyperpigmentation disorders.  

Soft Balm

Gentle balm is also an option to help you resolve hyperpigmentation disorder. This is because they contain vitamin E, which protects against cell damage caused by free radicals. 

Night oil

The night oil is designed for use at night. It contains a series of ingredients, among which almond oil and vitamin E stand out. These components are ideal for solving hyperpigmentation problems, while softening and helping to maintain the skin's suppleness. 

Day Oil

The day oil also contains vitamin E. This allows a use for the purpose of lightening skin blemishes.  In addition, it can soften the skin. 

Balancing Toner

The moisturizing toner is oil-free and therefore light. Because it contains niacinamide, it is ideal for the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation. 

Clinical studies revealed that vitamin B3 (niacinamide) significantly reduces hyperpigmentation. It also increases skin radiance.

Almond Oil. 

We also offer you almond oil, which contains vitamins A and E. These components ensure that while attacking hyperpigmentation, the skin does not dry out. Thus, you could nourish and regenerate the skin while it is being treated. 

Solutions at your fingertips to get rid of hyperpigmentation

We have presented several solutions to attack the problem of hyperpigmentation. The use of these procedures depends on each case. Of course, it is also closely related to the specialists' evaluation of your skin's condition and needs.  

As a patient, you must make a responsible decision to take on a treatment that is right for you. Consequently, you should evaluate the effects of the treatments proposed to you by a specialist.

We recommend that you opt for treatments that do not generate any other problem, such as dryness or excess oil. At Craft & Care, we offer you simple solutions with additional benefits: wellness for your skin.