“If so, the staff here at A Younger You can help you FALL in love with your skin again! If your skin is showing brown spots, it’s often Hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the name the healthcare professionals give to spots or patches of skin that have become darker than the surrounding area of skin. It occurs when the skin produces more melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin its
color. There are many types of hyperpigmentation and it affects people of all skin types. The main forms are age spots (brown/ sunspots), melasma, and PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Age spots are most commonly caused by years of sun exposure and not enough sun protection. Sun exposure accelerates the production of melanin and over time those age spots come to the surface. They often appear in areas that get the most sun, such as the face, shoulders, and chest. If you have exposed your skin to the sun without sun protection, chances are you have or will develop an age spot or two in your lifetime.
Melasma is the form of hyperpigmentation usually caused by hormonal changes. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can all bring on melasma. It will most commonly
appear on the face and is symmetrical, with matching patches on both sides of the face. The most common areas that are affected are cheeks, forehead, upper lip, bridge of nose, and often the neck. It’s also more commonly seen in women. Stress, thyroid disease, and sun exposure can also bring on or worsen melasma.
PIH or Post- Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is pigment on the skin that follows an inflammatory wound. Acne, scrapes, cuts, sores, and rashes are all examples of inflammatory wounds. As the skin is healing it will produce too much melanin and leave behind discoloration. It can appear as different colors on the skin such as brown, purple, red, or white. Men and women equally get PIH and all skin types can develop it. Picking at acne or a wound can make this condition worse.
Overall – we have great news! All forms of hyperpigmentation are treatable and manageable! Avoiding the sun, wearing SPF daily, reapplying SPF often when you’re in the sun, and wearing a hat are all ways to prevent age spots, melasma, and PIH. Vitamin C, retinol, and hydroquinone are also great products to consider using to help improve hyperpigmentation.
Here at A Younger You we offer quite a few different types of treatments to help with hyperpigmentation. These include microdermabrasions, chemical peels, laser treatments, and microneedling. Call one of our
locations today and we can help you get on the right track to FALL in love with your skin again!” – Kristy Halverson
