Cracking The Code: Why Your Hyperpigmentation Won't Fade?

Cracking The Code: Why Your Hyperpigmentation Won’t Fade?

Flawless skin – one of the main attributes of physical beauty – is something we all dream of having. And when it comes to skin nightmares, hyperpigmentation ranks at the top of the list, second only to wrinkles. Thankfully, getting rid of it is possible with a little patience and, sometimes, the right treatments. But what if this does not turn out to be the case for you?

How does hyperpigmentation happen?

Hyperpigmentation quite literally means more than the usual pigmentation of your skin, causing affected patches to become darker than the surrounding areas. This imperfection stems from the excessive production of melanin in the skin, which is a side effect of the overproduction of melanocytes that gets triggered by skin conditions (like psoriasis and eczema), acne blemishes, and, most commonly, sun damage¹.

The excess melanin accumulates into the deeper levels of the epidermis and ultimately causes hyperpigmentation to develop. Areas that get a lot of sun exposure are most at risk of hyperpigmentation, including the face and the limbs.

Besides that, hyperpigmentation is also an umbrella term that includes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory erythema. The former involves skin discolouration following an inflammatory wound, such as pimples², while the latter is essentially a redness that does not go away.

Luckily, those dealing with this condition can take comfort knowing that it generally fades away over time. However, one must exercise patience as the process can take between 3 to 24 months³, and in tougher cases, it could take even longer.

That said, if your hyperpigmentation does not seem to be improving, here are some insights into the possible reasons why.

1. Inadequate sun protection

While you don’t necessarily have to live like a vampire, it’s in your skin’s best interest to steer clear of the sun’s rays as much as possible since that big ball of fire in the sky is one of the main culprits behind dark spots on our face and body. These spots result from our skin overproducing melanin as a defensive response to protect itself from ultraviolet (UV) light damage.

Now you know why limiting your exposure to direct sunlight is imperative, especially during peak hours of the day when UV radiation is at its strongest. Besides that, applying high SPF sunscreen correctly every day is non-negotiable (even on cloudy days), as the American Academy of Dermatology⁴ confirms that doing so can protect, prevent, and help clear hyperpigmentation.

2. Insufficient antioxidants in your skincare routine

Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals or unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to dark spots. As such, not having enough of them in your skincare routine is one of the potential reasons why your hyperpigmentation persists.

If this applies to your current routine, consider using more antioxidant-rich products to gain an extra layer of defence against environmental factors that may exacerbate your hyperpigmentation problem and accelerate its fading process. Certain antioxidants like vitamin C can even help reduce melanin production, brightening the skin and evening out its tone.

3. Underlying skin ageing and sun damage

Sun damage and natural skin ageing can contribute to stubborn hyperpigmentation issues. Long-term sun exposure causes cumulative UV damage to the skin, leading to dark spots and discolouration. Additionally, getting older naturally involves our skin undergoing changes that increase pigmentation irregularities and decrease cell turnover. These underlying factors can make it less likely for hyperpigmentation to completely fade away. If these issues apply to you, it is vital to address them alongside targeted treatment to effectively improve the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation.

4. Inaccurate diagnosis

Besides waiting it out, hyperpigmentation is now treatable with a plethora of solutions. That said, it is always recommended that your first step is to visit a dermatology clinic, as no one knows better than a professional, even if you can probably learn a lot from trusted sources on the internet. Otherwise, you may receive an inaccurate diagnosis or your dark spots get misidentified, leading to ineffective treatment or delays in results.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why your hyperpigmentation may persist or is not fading as quickly as you’d like. In such situations, do not lose hope and try to assess whether the reasons above may be causing the problem. And most importantly, remember that professional help is always within reach, and they are your ticket to getting rid of your hyperpigmentation problem once and for all.

Get started on making your skin hyperpigmentation-free today with Angeline Yong Dermatology, a leading dermatology clinic specialising in a wide range of advanced cosmetic, surgical, and medical treatments, including lasers for pigmentation and skin cancer screening in Singapore. For more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!

References

Callender, V.D., St. Surin-Lord, S., Davis, E.C. et al. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Am J Clin Dermatol 12, 87–99 (2011). https://doi.org/10.2165/11536930-000000000-00000. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11536930-000000000-00000#citeas

Davis, E. C., & Callender, V. D. (2010). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 3(7), 20–31. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/

Kubba R, Bajaj AK et al. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Acne. India Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology.2009;75(7):54. Retrieved from: https://ijdvl.com/postinflammatory-hyperpigmentation-in-acne/

How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spots

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Cracking The Code: Why Your Hyperpigmentation Won’t Fade?