Treat hyperpigmentation today

Scores of us suffer from hyperpigmentation these days - a common and distressing skin condition - marked by the presence of uneven dark patches in an otherwise even skin tone. That dark spot, scar or dull patch is inevitable especially with sun becoming harsher day by day. Our skin tone, as also our hair colour and colour of our irises, is determined by the pigment Melanin - a substance produced by special cells called Melanocytes. When these cells overproduce the amount of melanin hyperpigmentation ensues. This skin condition is caused by excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetic factor or drug reaction. Sometimes, another skin condition called acne vulgaris (severe acne/pimples) also leads to hyperpigmentation. Each one of us has experienced hyperpigmentation in smaller amounts, sometime or the other, in form of dark spots patches, birthmarks, moles and ageing spots. Managing it becomes easier with an early detection of the problem. A consultation with dermatologist can confirm the type and extent of hyperpigmentation. The latter comes in various forms like Melasma, Lentigenes or liver spots, Ephelides or freckles and Post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Melasma is usually associated with hormonal factors such as pregnancy, menopausal changes and ingestion of birth control pills. Areas most affected by melasma are cheeks, forehead and upper lip. Usually the condition is superficial but at times it can become dermal i.e. penetrate the deeper layers of skin. Resulting sun damage from prolonged exposure causes liver spots. Those with light-complexioned skins are more prone to freckles and Post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation results from common skin problems like acne, rashes and scratch marks or any skin injury. New Age ways of dealing with Hyperpigmentation As mentioned above, a dermatologist consultation is the first step. It will help in identifying the pigmentation condition with a visual examination and relevant medical history. Most often pigmentation affects only the outward appearance and is not indicative of any underlying health risks. However, prevention is better than cure! So before it gets too late to treat your skin, start using an effective sunscreen daily, this is the key in preventing and minimizing formation of brown spots. Apply the sunscreen 15 min before sun exposure, wash and reapply every 2-3 hours as the sun protection lasts for a limited period. To know the appropriate sunscreen for your skin type, meet a skin care consultant or your dermatologist. Apart from creams and lotions, hyperpigmentation can also be treated by special skin treatments such as Diamond polishing, Beauty light oxygen therapy; Vit C serum oxyjetting and oxy clear face therapy. These treatments give excellent results and make the skin fairer. For stubborn pigmentation like melasma, freckles, lentigenes, sunspots and dark circles laser treatment is really effective. Medlite C6 and Cosjet TR are Q Switched Nd lasers are effective new world technologies to treat all types of hyperpigmentation. This laser is also used to treat Birthmarks and remove tattoos. It is a very popular treatment because it is painless, short lunch-hour procedure and in just a few sessions one sees a marked improvement. This treatment is effective for all ages and works on men and women alike. Another laser is Affirm Fractional Laser which is an advanced fractional laser which uses two wave lengths- 1440nm and 1320nm. It delivers extremely gratifying results in treating photo damage, pigmentation, freckles and blemishes. Affirm laser can make any man or woman look years younger, fairer and glowing. Affirm is a short, easy, relatively pain free and lunch-hour procedure with amazing results. A few suggestions for patients with hyperpigmentation are- 1. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water helps in detoxifying the body. 2. Keep a check on tea/coffee intake 3. Take coconut water daily. It replenishes the skin and fights hyperpigmentation. 4. Add antioxidant Vit.C and Vit.B complex supplements to your diet. 5. Use a home made pack with curd/ lemon juice/ tamarind paste/ papaya pulp/pineapple juice. It helps to lighten the complexion.