PROTECT & PERFECT PATCHY SKIN
Uneven skintone, known as hyperpigmentation, can be difficult to deal with, but it’s more common a problem than you might think. We speak to skincare expert Dr Janet Mason to find some answers…
WHAT IS IT?
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of skin caused by an excess of melanin production (the chemical that colours our skin, hair and eyes). It can present itself in several ways, including freckles, sunspots and melasma.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
The most common cause is sun exposure, as the body produces melanin to protect itself from UV radiation. It can also be due to hormonal influences, known as melasma. Mostly found in women, an excess of melasma production can be triggered by fluctuations of oestrogen and progesterone – which can happen during pregnancy, or due to other hormonal imbalances, like the menopause. This usually appears as uneven patches on the cheeks. Another form is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is a patch of darker skin that remains after an injury or skin trauma. It’s common in acnesufferers, and can also happen as a result of some cosmetic procedures.
WHO’S MOST SUSCEPTIBLE?
The older you are, the more likely you are to experience hyperpigmentation, as you have had more time to be affected by UV exposure. Also darker skin is generally more susceptible to it, due to the higher content of melanin already present in the skin.
CAN IT BE REVERSED?
In some cases, patches can fade, such as those caused by pregnancy or injury. Some dermatologists offer treatments to improve the appearance by helping the skin regenerate. But if an affected area is exposed to more sunlight, it can worsen, making it harder to fix.
IS THERE ANY WAY TO PREVENT IT?
The easiest way to avoid discolouration is to protect your skin from UV rays, by wearing a sunscreen with at least SPF30 and covering your skin where possible. If you suffer from acne, or even the occasional spot, resist the urge to pick! When a blemish is repeatedly opened or irritated, you are at a higher risk of a dark mark forming in its place. The same advice goes for dry or peeling patches – try to leave them be!
WHICH PRODUCTS ARE WORTH BUYING?
Besides using a sunscreen, an ingredient well suited to reducing hyperpigmentation is niacinamide; it has the ability to interrupt the transfer of melanosomes, which store and transport melanine to your skin cells. Antioxidants are also a great addition to your skincare routine as they reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress, which can be triggered by UV exposure. Look for products that boost skin repair and slow down collagen degradation.