Hyperpigmentation is a phenomenon that affects many women at different stages of their lives and this can have an impact on their self-image.

In this article, I will explain what hyperpigmentation is, its different forms and the things not to do.

1. What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the excess production of melanin, which is the natural, dark pigmentation found in the skin, hair, and membranes of the eye. Its role is essential in protecting the skin against damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays during sun exposure.

Melanin is produced by melanocytes and is found in all human beings. The difference is in the size of the grains. The whiter the person, the smaller the melanin granules. So the blacker the skin, the larger and darker the grains.

Hyperpigmentation is therefore the excessive production of melanin. It appears in the form of dark spots, more or less large on the surface of the epidermis. They can be round or oval, and of irregular shapes. This skin condition that is hyperpigmentation particularly concerns black and mixed skin.

2 . What causes hyperpigmentation?

• Excessive sun exposure

The main cause is exposure to the sun. Melanin protects the skin from harmful UV rays by creating a natural sunscreen. This is how the skin tans! But when sun exposure becomes excessive, it can lead to hyperpigmentation. This is why you will find pigment spots, particularly on parts of the body exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, neck, etc.

• Hormonal influences

During pregnancy, some women develop the “famous pregnancy mask”. It is called melasma or chloasma and it affects 10 to 15% of pregnant women.

Melasma is located on the forehead, nose, cheeks and upper lips.

This phenomenon is also found in those who take oral contraceptives. The hyperpigmentation would be due to the stimulation of female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This concerns between 5 and 30% of women.

•  Skin inflammation

Exposure to chemicals, a scar, a cut, acne, psoriasis or a burn weakens the skin. To protect it, the body produces an excess of melanin. And this concentration of dark pigments that surrounds the weakened area will make the brown spots appear. Its outline is often irregular.

3 . Here are 4 things not to do when you suffer from hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation when located on the face can have an impact on self-confidence especially in a society where appearance is valued. But be careful that this does not lead you to dangerous cosmetic treatments that aggravate hyperpigmentation.

1. Apply foundation to hide your pigment spots

 To achieve strong coverage of dark spots, these foundations have a thick texture with questionable composition like mineral oils (petroleum derivatives, paraffin), silicones and potentially carcinogenic preservatives like phenoxyethanol. They can contain ingredients that are toxic to your health and suffocate your skin without treating it. The proof- your pigment spots will always be present after make-up removal!

2. Use lightening creams containing hydroquinone

Lightening creams weaken and end up destroying the epidermis to the point that diseases such as hypertension, diabetes can develop and even some skin cancers. They are simply too aggressive in their chemical and toxic composition. And above all, when they stop, the spots reappear. It's a vicious and addictive cycle!

3. Do peels, dermabrasion or laser

These techniques and dermo-cosmetics can inflame black skin and lead to new scars with, ultimately, a concentration of melanin which results in new dark spots. It is essential to consult health professionals in this regard.

4. Using care not suited to your skin type.

It is crucial to know your skin type to meet its specific needs. Often, cosmetic treatments are bought at the pharmacy "randomly", but their composition is not always healthy. And some ingredients like alcohol can irritate the skin and make dark spots worse.

4- How to treat hyperpigmentation?

To effectively treat hyperpigmentation, start a skin care routine containing natural ingredients such as celery essential oil which helps reduce dark spots on the face and precious Nigella oil, known to fight pimples and purify the skin.

At Dado Cosmetics we offer a 4-step face routine that will help you reduce pigment spots. Discover the 28-day trial version here.