If you notice darker spots or small areas of discoloration on your skin, you may be experiencing hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern that tends to get more noticeable with age. The visibility of hyperpigmentation can vary depending on a person’s skin tone. If you are wondering why you get hyperpigmentation and how to fix it, the good news is there are a variety of treatment options available at Coastal Aesthetics that provide noticeable, lasting results.
The term hyperpigmentation stems from the word ‘pigmentation.’ Pigmentation, when used in reference to the spots you see on your face, is usually a harmless condition in which patches of skin are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation is when you see dark spots that are often called liver spots, sun spots, or age spots. It can also appear as small freckles or larger areas of darkened skin.
Because hyperpigmentation can stem from so many different causes, once it develops, it can be challenging to cover up and even harder to figure out the right way to treat and resolve it effectively.
Hyperpigmentation can be triggered by hormonal changes, like during pregnancy (melasma), or skin trauma, like acne scars, cuts, or inflammation, which trigger excess melanin production. Here are some of the main causes:
One of the reasons why you get hyperpigmentation is from sun exposure. Despite regular sunscreen use, harsh UV rays can still penetrate the skin and trigger excess melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation. The end result is hyperpigmentation in the form of age spots or sun spots — the little areas where pigment cells called melanocytes produce excess melanin in response to sunlight.
Age spots, sun spots, or liver spots tend to appear on skin that gets the most sun exposure. The most common areas of the body are the face, shoulders, back of hands, tops of feet and upper back. At Coastal Aesthetics, most of our patients start to notice dark spots in their 30s or 40s. Some may notice them earlier or later in life depending on sun exposure and skin tone.
In addition to sun damage, hyperpigmentation on the face can also be caused by hormonal changes or trauma like acne or injuries that cause scarring.
Melasma, often called the ‘mask of pregnancy,’ is the most common hormonal trigger for hyperpigmentation and usually occurs during pregnancy.
Melasma tends to appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin. This specific type of hyperpigmentation happens as a result of higher levels of progesterone, estrogen, and melanocytes, a stimulating hormone that impacts melanin production.
The good news is that the darkening of the skin due to melasma tends to resolve on its own after pregnancy or after breastfeeding when hormone levels slowly start to return to normal.
While there are effective acne treatments, scarring sometimes happens during a bout with acne.
This can be extremely upsetting because after the breakouts subside, you are left with an uneven complexion due to hyperpigmentation. This is why skincare professionals advise patients with acne not to squeeze blemishes or pick at scabs. Skin trauma can cause dark spots, which may take time to heal.
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Coastal Aesthetics provides a variety of personalized solutions for hyperpigmentation tailored to your skin type and specific concerns. From advanced skincare products to in-office procedures, our treatments target pigmentation at its source, delivering noticeable and lasting results.
Our team may recommend medical-grade topical treatments, including creams and serums containing ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids or vitamin C. These products lighten dark spots, improve skin texture, and prevent further pigmentation. Regular use, combined with professional guidance, ensures optimal outcomes.
Chemical peels at Coastal Aesthetics are a popular and effective option for addressing hyperpigmentation. Using professional-grade acids, like glycolic, salicylic, or TCA, these peels exfoliate the skin and accelerate cell turnover. This process reduces the appearance of dark spots, smooths skin tone, and enhances overall radiance.
Laser therapy is a highly effective solution for more stubborn pigmentation. At Coastal Aesthetics, we utilize advanced laser technologies to target melanin in the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment breaks down pigmented areas, allowing them to fade over time while promoting collagen production for a more even, rejuvenated complexion.
Hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin, often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, or skin injuries. While it may not always be fully preventable, wearing sunscreen daily, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and maintaining a consistent skincare routine can help minimize the risk.
Over-the-counter products containing niacinamide, vitamin C, retinoids, or alpha hydroxy acids can help lighten dark spots and skin tone. However, medical-grade products or professional treatments may provide better results for more stubborn or severe hyperpigmentation.
In some cases, hyperpigmentation may indicate an underlying health issue, like Addison's disease, melasma, or post-inflammatory pigmentation from conditions like acne or eczema. If you notice sudden or unusual pigmentation changes, it’s important to consult with a provider or dermatologist for a proper evaluation.
Patient satisfaction is our number one priority at Coastal Aesthetics
At Coastal Aesthetics, Kimberlee Smith understands the frustrations with the appearance of scarring and how much it can negatively impact your self-confidence. Together with the Coastal team, Kimberlee will help you feel comfortable designing a customized treatment plan based on your aesthetic goals. If you are ready to see what a difference Coastal Aesthetics can make for you, we invite you to book your consultation online and start your journey to a better you today!
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