Hyperpigmentation on Face

clog pores on forehead

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This can
make spots or patches of skin appear darker than surrounding areas.
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. It affects people of all skin types.
Some forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma and sun spots, are more likely to affect areas of skin that
face sun exposure, including the face, arms, and legs.
Other types of hyperpigmentation form after an injury or skin inflammation, such as cuts, burns, acne, or lupus.
These can occur anywhere on the body.
Having extra pigment in some areas of skin is usually harmless but can sometimes indicate another medical
condition.
How to get rid of hyperpigmentation
Although hyperpigmentation is harmless, some people wish to get rid of it. There are a range of possible
treatment methods and home remedies that people can try.
To prevent hyperpigmentation, or to stop it becoming more prominent:

● Avoid exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen with an SPF
of 30 or higher to protect the skin and stop hyperpigmentation from
becoming darker.
● Avoid picking at the skin. To prevent hyperpigmentation
from forming after an injury, avoid picking at spots, scabs, and acne.
People can try the following treatments to lighten dark patches of
skin and remove hyperpigmentation:
Topical creams
Many people use topical treatments to treat hyperpigmentation.
Topical treatments will include ingredients that lighten the skin, such as:
● azelaic acid
● corticosteroids
● hydroquinone
● kojic acid
● retinoids, such as tretinoin
● vitamin C
Cosmetic procedures
Some cosmetic procedures can also lighten areas of skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Cosmetic procedures for hyperpigmentation include:
● laser therapy
● intense pulsed light
● chemical peels
● microdermabrasion
People who are considering undergoing one of these procedures should discuss the process and possible side
effects with a skin care specialist, or dermatologist.

Home remedies for hyperpigmentation
It may also be possible to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation using natural remedies. However, there are no
large-scale studies in humans to confirm that any of these remedies are effective.
If a person wishes to try a new treatment or natural remedy, they should always try the product on a small patch
of skin first and stop using it if it irritates the skin.
A 2018 review study
Trusted Source
suggests that the following natural treatments may be able to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation:
Aloe vera
Aloesin, a compound that is present in aloe vera, may lighten hyperpigmentation. Aloesin works by inhibiting the
production of melanin in the skin.
One study
Trusted Source
suggests that taking aloe vera capsules can relieve melasma in pregnant women. People can apply aloe vera
gel from the plant directly to the skin daily. However, no research has directly linked aloe vera to reduced areas of
hyperpigmentation, so scientists do not yet know the effectiveness of using this technique.
Licorice extracts may lighten hyperpigmentation. Research
Trusted Source
suggests that a licorice extract called glabridin can have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-whitening
effects.
People can use creams containing glabridin on areas of hyperpigmentation. Products containing glabridin are
available at drug stores and online.
Green tea
Green tea extracts may improve hyperpigmentation. Researchers have long studied green tea for its potential
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
There is very limited research Trusted Source
suggesting that green tea extracts can improve melasma and reduce sunburn. More research is needed before
scientists can fully understand whether or not green tea can actually improve symptoms.
Types and symptoms Below is a table of the most common types of hyperpigmentation and their
symptoms:

Type Symptoms Where on the body? Who can it affect?
Age spots, also
called liver spots
or solar lentigines
Brown, tan, or black
spots that appear on
skin with sun
overexposure
They commonly appear
on the face and hands,
or on sun-exposed areas
of the body
Age spots usually appear on
older adults or after
extended sun exposure
Melasma, also
called chloasma
or “the mask of
pregnancy”
Large patches of
darkened skin
They often appear on
the forehead, face, and
stomach
Women, people who are
pregnant or taking birth
control pills, and people with
darker skin are more likely to
develop melasma
Post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation
Spots or patches of
darkened skin that
appear after an
inflammatory skin
condition,
They usually appear on
the face or neck
People who have had
inflammation or an injury to
the skin