For decades now, we have had TVCs telling us how a young woman should have bright, spotless skin, because spots are detrimental to self-esteem. Using the ‘recommended’ cosmetic lotion will instantly improve your appearance, which in turn will boost your self-esteem. That’s what these commercials will have us believe! While you may not end up buying the said lotion, these adverts might succeed in planting a doubt about hyperpigmentation, making you conscious of your appearance if you have uneven skin tone. Let’s take an overview of what this skin condition actually means.

Hyperpigmentation and You

Our skin contains cells called melanocytes. They produce melanin, the coloured pigment responsible for our skin appearance. Excess of melanin causes darker skin colour while lowered melanin causes light coloured skin. Skin with hyperactive melanocytes is called hyper pigmented skin. There are cases where melanin is completely absent in the skin, which is called depigmented skin.

Hyperpigmentation can sometimes appear as suntan in light-skinned people. There are various reasons due to which the condition is triggered. Here are some of the main causes of hyperpigmentation.

• Post injury skin inflammations may be responsible for the hyperpigmentation of skin. An injury as small as acne can lead to hyperpigmentation.
• Use of certain drugs such as birth control pills and certain cancer treatments among many others can cause hyperpigmentation.
• Excess of iron accumulation in the body, also known as Hemochromatosis is one of the major causes of hyperpigmentation. 
• Rare endocrine disorder (hormonal disorder) such as Addisson’s disease is also linked with hyperpigmentation.
• Certain birthmarks may be discoloured and hyperpigmented. 
• Excess sun exposure with improper or lack of sunscreen also causes hyperpigmentation.
• Melasma and post pregnancy hormonal imbalance also causes hyperpigmentation in some individuals.

Seeking Professional Help

Small, insignificant and invisible discoloured spots are not a big concern. While hyperpigmentation on the face or visible parts of the body may cause some embarrassment, it is still optional to take drastic steps to get rid of the spots. It is however crucial to visit a dermatologist if the skin colouration causes significant concern. Persistent, unexplained darkening of skin qualifies for you to make an appointment with your dermatologist. Any sore or skin legion changing size, shape, or colour should also be shown to the professional. Similarly, if the hyperpigmented skin develops an itch or changes appearance, you know it's time to beat procrastination and visit a clinic. 

There are many treatments available to help with hyperpigmentation. 

Microdermabrasion, scraping of a skin layer to allow a new, healthy layer to form is one of the ways to do it. Topical application of retinoids is another way to go by it. However, none of these treatments yield long lasting and targeted results. 

There is another treatment that is known to be a permanent solution for hyperpigmentation. You guessed it right - Laser Treatment!

Laser treatment uses targeted beams of light directly on the skin to reduce the intensity of hyperpigmented spots. There are various types of laser therapies used to treat hyperpigmentation. One of the main questions that nags at the patients is if laser treatment is a permanent solution. Allow us to quench your curiosity!

While multiple sessions, some patience, time and energy are required to get the ideal results, the laser treatment offers a permanent solution to the problem. Which treatment works the best for you and how many sessions will be required are the questions your dermatologist can satisfactorily answer for you.

Pros and cons

There are three types of laser procedures usually performed to curb hyperpigmentation. Ablative laser therapy works by resurfacing upper layers of the skin, enabling new skin growth and stimulating collagen production. It is a somewhat aggressive procedure and requires recuperation. 

Non-ablative laser treatment on the other hand is gentle in comparison. It therefore allows faster recovery. The results, however, may not be as dramatic as that of the ablative laser treatment. 

Pigment-seeking laser therapy uses a similar technique as that of tattoo removal process. It targets deep areas of discolouration and heals from within. The goal of all these therapies remains the same. To soften the skin and depigment the damaged skin is the main perspective. Elimination of photoaging, improvement in wrinkles and sun damage appearance are an added advantage that accompany the laser treatment. 

Laser treatment has many pros and only one con, being it requires multiple treatments to yield desired results. The results are, however, permanent, with no side effects, and have an added advantage of enjoying a wrinkle and sun damage free, youthful skin. Book an appointment with your dermatologist to reap the many benefits of a laser treatment and kiss your hyperpigmented skin adieu.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.