Hyperpigmentation is a common condition, especially in people with darker skin tones. Herein, I share with readers the second part of my article on my top ten tips for battling hyperpigmentation!
Blue light
- Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum which is present naturally in sunlight. It is an important determinant of hyperpigmentation in people with darker skin tones. Blue light is also found in light emitted from digital devices, such as computer, laptop and mobile screens. While exposure to natural blue light in the morning has some positive health benefits, overexposure to blue light from excessive screen time is associated with headaches, eye strain, fatigue and disruption of the normal sleep cycle. In relation to skin, blue light exposure from excessive screen time can also drive hyperpigmentation. Thus, limiting overall screen time will have positive overall health benefits and is an important strategy when managing facial hyperpigmentation. Other important techniques to limit blue light exposure from digital devices include:
- Shifting into the night or dark mode on digital devices.
- Using blue light screen protectors for computers and laptops to block out blue light from digital devices e.g. Ocushield.
Air pollution
- Air pollution is a harmful environmental risk to human skin, promoting skin ageing, including the appearance of wrinkles and dyspigmentation. It is also an important driver of hyperpigmentation, such as occurs in melasma. Data shows that air pollution acts synergistically with ultraviolet light, increasing the negative impact on the skin. If you cannot choose where you reside and/or work, how else can you protect your skin from the harmful effects of air pollution? The key is the use of antioxidants. This can be obtained from our diet (eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables), and/or from the topical application of antioxidants to the skin. This can be as a sole agent (e.g. Neostrata Multi-Action Correct Antioxidant Defence Serum )and/or can be added to sunscreens, especially those for hyperpigmentation (Eucerin Sun Face Pigment Control SPF50).
Manipulation of skin
- Avoid unnecessary manipulation of the skin in the setting of any inflammatory skin condition e.g. picking lesions in the setting of acne. This is to prevent worsening of associated hyperpigmentation. This is of importance in individuals with darker skin tones.
Products & procedures for hyperpigmentation
- The use of gentle, non-irritating products for cleansing and moisturising the skin is important in the setting of hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. Any product that irritates the skin can lead to paradoxical hyperpigmentation. As an example, avoid the use of alcohol based toners.
- A range of topical products can be used to treat hyperpigmentation. These include over-the-counter products, as well as prescribed medication. Remember, that the chosen treatment strategy is dependent on the underlying cause of the hyperpigmentation. For example, in the setting of acne, it is important that any inflammatory component of the acne is addressed with appropriate treatment for the acne itself. Examples of over-the-counter topical preparations includes products containing vitamin C, Thiamidol, Niacinamide. etc. Prescribed medicines include those containing hydroquinone either as a sole agent or as part of a triple combination cream ( these will also contain a topical retinoid and steroid). These latter creams should be prescribed by a Dermatologist familiar with the use of such creams (including indications and side effect profile).
- Various procedures also may be considered to manage specific causes of hyperpigmentation. This includes chemical peels and specific types of lasers. A word of caution on these physical procedures. They should be undertaken by an experienced Physician/Dermatologist, who is experienced undertaking these physical procedures in all skin types. The main concern is that if not undertaken correctly, or in darker skin tones, these procedures may result in paradoxical hyperpigmentation.
Oral tranexamic acid and melasma
- Over recent years, oral tranexamic acid has emerged as a therapeutic modality for melasma. In my experience, this treatment does work for melasma, but it is not a cure (melasma should be considered to be a chronic condition), and the main issue is relapse once the treatment is stopped. Other concerns include potential side effects (includes thrombo-embolic risk i.e. risks of blood clots), which means patient selection for this therapeutic option is important, as well as appropriate monitoring of patients when this drug is instituted.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my tips for battling hyperpigmentation. Why not share this article with your social network?
