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Hyperpigmentation: Causes and Effects on the Skin

Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is excessive production of melanin—the natural pigment of the skin, eyes, and hair—leading to localized darkening of the skin.

This skin darkening caused by the high level of skin pigment, melanin, can be caused by:

·       Unprotected sun exposure, as UV radiation stimulates melanocytes (responsible for melanin production) to produce more pigment as a defense mechanism, which can lead to the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

·       Inflammation (such as acne or eczema): after inflammation, the skin can react with excessive melanin production in the affected area, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, causing dark spots or discoloration in areas where there was previous inflammation, such as acne, eczema, burns, or injuries.

·       Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause) can disrupt melanocyte activity, facilitating the appearance of spots such as melasma (dark, brownish spots that usually appear on the face), especially in sun-exposed areas.

·       Use of certain medications such as contraceptives, anti-inflammatories or chemotherapy drugs (which prevent the growth and multiplication of cancer cells) can sensitize the skin to sunlight or interfere with melanin production, causing reactive pigmentation.

Skin Spots: Common Types and Triggers

Stains can come in different forms:

•  Freckles: usually genetic and aggravated by the sun.
• Melasma: related to hormones and sun exposure.
• Age spots: associated with skin aging.

Each type requires a specific approach, but they all have in common the need for sun protection and inflammation control.

Irregularities in skin tone: Uneven distribution of melanin

Uneven skin tone can result from:

• Post-acne scars leave pigmented marks and darkened areas.
• Accumulated sun exposure stimulates irregular melanin production.
• Poorly performed cosmetic procedures can cause inflammation and reactive pigmentation that occurs in response to an inflammatory process or skin aggression.
• Lack of preventative care, such as daily use of sun protection and adequate hydration. 

The importance of prevention and routine care

Prevention is always more effective than correction. A proper routine should include:

• Gentle and effective cleansing to remove impurities and residues that can cause inflammation, one of the main causes of post-inflammatory spots.

• Hydration with repairing active ingredients to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce sensitivity, and prevent micro-injuries that can trigger reactive pigmentation.

• Daily sun protection to block UV rays, which stimulate melanocytes to produce excess melanin, preventing sun spots and melasma.

• Avoid unnecessary chemical or physical aggressions, minimizing the risk of inflammation and irritation that can develop into hyperpigmentation, especially in more sensitive or darker skin.

 

Skin Phototypes: The Fitzpatrick Table and its Relevance in Hyperpigmentation Treatments

Before beginning any treatment protocol for dark spots or hyperpigmentation, it is essential to understand the skin phototype to be treated.

The Fitzpatrick classification is a dermatological system that categorizes different skin types based on their natural color and response to sun exposure.

Divided into six categories, it helps adjust the intensity and duration of procedures, ensuring safety and effectiveness, especially for more sensitive skin or those more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

• Phototype I: Very fair skin, usually with blue eyes and blond or red hair. Always burns in the sun and never tans. High sensitivity to cosmetic procedures, high risk of irritation and peeling. Requires gentle formulations and strict monitoring.
• Phototype II: Fair skin, light eyes, and blond or brown hair. Burns easily and tans minimally. Sensitive to cosmetic procedures, prone to redness. May respond well to treatments but requires caution with the intensity of acids.
• Phototype III: Medium skin, brown eyes and hair. Burns moderately and tans gradually. Good tolerance to aesthetic procedures, effective results with a moderate risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Phototype IV: Dark skin, dark eyes and hair. Rarely burns and tans well. Responds well to cosmetic procedures, but there is a risk of reactive pigmentation. Active ingredients with antioxidant and calming properties are recommended.
• Phototype V: Dark brown skin. It rarely burns and tans intensely. During cosmetic procedures, it has a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It requires more controlled protocols and less aggressive active ingredients.
• Phototype VI: Dark skin. Never burns and tans deeply. When exposed to cosmetic procedures, it has a high tendency to reactive pigmentation. It requires a careful approach, focusing on standardization and protection of the skin barrier.

 A professional solution for skin with specific needs

For those already facing the challenges of hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone, there's a professional solution designed to act safely and effectively: Melanopeel Professional, a complete protocol with brightening, exfoliating, and antioxidant properties, composed of:

• Degreasing Solution: prepares the skin by removing impurities and oil.
• Pre-peeling Solution: activates cell renewal and evens out skin tone.
• Melanopeel Mask: promotes whitening, regeneration and antioxidant protection.

“Even, luminous, renewed skin. See your transformation.”