Understanding How Hyperpigmentation Develops
Part One- Hyperpigmentation Series
Do you have skin that is marred by brown spots or hyperpigmentation? If so, you are not alone. Many people experience the same issue and seek to find ways to reduce their appearance. In this 4-part series blog post, I will briefly explain how sunspots develop on mature skin. By understanding why these brown spots form and what can be done about them, you can take steps towards restoring your youthful complexion.
Hyperpigmentation is a condition characterized by darkening of skin due to increased melanin, a naturally occurring pigment within our skin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives mature skin its color. It is formed in specialized cells called melanocytes, which are located in the deepest layers of the epidermis. Melanocytes produce and store the melanin, which is then transferred through to other skin cells.
The most common types of hyperpigmentation:
Melasma- is caused by increased hormonal levels such as pregnancy, birth control pills, medications, or menopause which triggers an increase in melanin production.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)-occurs when excess melanin is produced following an injury or inflammation to the skin.
Age spots (lentigines)- Age spots are caused by a combination of excessive sun exposure (UV Rays) and aging.
Hyperpigmentation, or brown spots, occurs when melanin (a pigment that gives skin its color) production becomes too active and/or builds up around certain areas of the skin.
Melanin production is triggered by several factors including:
UV radiation causes an increase in melanin production, which can lead to areas of darker pigmentation on mature skin.
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause can also cause hyperpigmentation due to an increase in hormone levels.
Inflammation caused by injuries or inflammatory skin conditions can also trigger hyperpigmentation as a result of increased melanogenesis (the production of melanin) in response to the injury or condition.
Heat will create a reaction in the skin causing the melanocytes to over-react and start to produce melanin.
Hyperpigmentation can have many different causes and the most common include excessive sun exposure, skin injury or inflammation, hormones, medications, genetics, heat and aging. Sun exposure is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation as UV radiation triggers an increase in melanin production in mature skin that has already experienced years of sun damage. Skin injuries such as burns, cuts, and scrapes can also cause hyperpigmentation due to increased melanogenesis in response to the trauma. Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause can also lead to hyperpigmentation due to an increase in hormone levels.
Are you seeing more hyperpigmentation in your skin as you get older?
Hyperpigmentation is accumulative because mature skin has already experienced years of sun exposure and other environmental factors which have caused increased melanin production and dark spots over time. As you age, the effects of these factors are amplified due years of exposure to UV rays which cause overactive melanocytes.
By understanding what causes hyperpigmentation we can take proactive steps in preventing its formation before it starts!
Stay Tune for the 2nd blog post in this series next week…
What Ingredients Should You Look for When Treating Sunspots?