Expert Advice for Brides with Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or darkening of skin, is a very common phenomenon that many women face. The form can vary, from freckles and dark spots to tanned, brown patches and much more. Even though it is quite a common problem, many do not know how it is treated and what can be done to prevent it. But it can get really worrisome if you are about to get married, and dream of a flawless look on the most important day of your life.

To help you out, we have for you some skincare advice that will help prevent this problem of skin darkening. Read on to know all about hyperpigmentation and ways to deal with it.

Get down to the source

To learn how to manage this problem, you need to first get down to the source. So, why does hyperpigmentation occur? This condition usually happens due to a confluence of factors like hormonal changes or using incorrect products, which is then augmented by the sun. It means that your hormonal balance, the medications that you take and your choice of skin care products will determine how sensitive your skin will become to the sun.

• Hormonal imbalances: Before you begin looking for ways to deal with the problem of skin darkening, get yourself checked for hormonal imbalances if any. If you do suffer from an imbalance, targeting this condition would solve most of the other problems as well.
• Beauty products causing damage: Sometimes the skincare products that you use can make you more susceptible to the detrimental effects of the sun. Even makeup for that matter, can contain allergens that can leave your skin highly sensitive to the damage caused by sunrays.
• Blame it on the sun: If your skin is sensitive, then even the sunrays coming through your bedroom window can cause problems! The sun produces UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause tanning, pigmentation and ageing. In fact, UVB rays are associated with tanning and skin cancer, while UVA rays are associated with pigmentation and ageing. UVA and UVB rays ultimately damage the skin, inducing them to produce excessive melanin. This pigment, which is actually protective, is also responsible for the brown colour of the skin. Sometimes the production of melanin gets dysregulated, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Hence, ultimately the sun is the final determinant of your skin’s health.

Simple ways to prevent hyperpigmentation

You cannot stay away from all beauty or skincare products with the fear of allergens, nor can you shut all windows to keep the sun away! Here is what you can do:

• Stay away from allergens: Typical allergens include artificial fragrances, artificial colours or photo sensitisers like bergamot, citron, lavender, musk and lemon oil, which can be present in beauty and skincare products. Dermatologists recommend staying away from products containing these, especially if you have sensitive skin. So, look for cleansers and moisturisers that are free of fragrance and colour.
• Never forget the sunscreen: It is extremely important to apply liberal amounts of sunscreen each time you step out of the house. Whether or not your skin is intrinsically sensitive, the sun is still the primary cause of pigmentation, especially in India where it is strong. Look for a sunblock with an SPF of 30 and above for UVB protection. For UVA protection, look for the PA++ symbol for the right amount of sunblock activity.

• Choose the correct makeup: Look for mineral-based makeup that eliminates many ingredients, like fragrance, to prevent your skin from getting sensitive. Also, makeup products containing SPF are also available. However, these do not eliminate the need of wearing a sunblock underneath your makeup. Instead, think of it as an additional sunblocking effort.
• Expert help is a must: If the problem persists chronically, you must consult a dermatologist, who can prescribe a variety of treatments depending on the root cause of the problem. These can range from simple medications and gentle metabolic peels to pigmentation-specific lasers.

Hyperpigmentation is a nagging problem that affects many women in India, but often goes ignored or covered under makeup. You must realise that covering it up with makeup is not the solution, but in fact could be an aggravator! Take all precautions we suggested, but do consult your dermatologist if the problem is chronic.