Is hyperpigmentation caused by stress?

Author: Bud Walsh  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Stress can trigger various types of hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma. PIH occurs when the skin produces excess melanin in response to inflammation or injury. Stress can increase inflammation in the body, leading to the development of PIH.

Why am I suddenly getting hyperpigmentation?

A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation. Sun exposure is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation as it's sunlight that triggers the production of melanin in the first place.

What is the most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation?

Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.

How to get rid of stress pigmentation?

How to Get Rid of Pigmentation on Your Face?
  1. Sunscreen Protection. One of the most important steps in addressing pigmentation is sun protection. ...
  2. Topical Vitamin C. ...
  3. Retinoids. ...
  4. Chemical Peels. ...
  5. Laser Therapy. ...
  6. Skin Brightening Creams or Serums. ...
  7. Natural Remedies. ...
  8. Microdermabrasion.

How to get your pigment back?

Light therapy or phototherapy is the treatment to help return color to your skin. Your provider will use light boxes, ultraviolet B (UVB) lights or medical-grade lasers directed at your skin for a short amount of time. It can take several light therapy sessions to see results on your skin.

Best Remedy for Hyperpigmentation

Is vitamin C good for hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks. After two months of use, users may experience significant fading of hyperpigmentation.

Can anxiety cause hyperpigmentation?

Stress can trigger an increase in melanin production, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone. To manage stress and reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation, it's important to practice self-care and stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, exercise and getting adequate sleep.

Which foods increase pigmentation?

Foods That Increase Melanin in Skin
  • Foods Rich in Tyrosine. As mentioned earlier, tyrosine is the precursor to melanin. ...
  • Foods Rich in Copper. ...
  • Foods High in Vitamin C. ...
  • Foods High in Iron. ...
  • Foods Rich in Vitamin E. ...
  • Foods Containing Carotenoids. ...
  • Foods Containing Selenium.

Is skin pigmentation reversible?

Hyperpigmentation associated with vitamin B12 deficiency is completely reversible with treatment.

What worsens hyperpigmentation?

As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.

What fades hyperpigmentation fast?

“Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City.

What pill gets rid of hyperpigmentation?

Tranexamic acid has also found to inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the first step of melanin synthesis from the protein tyrosine. This mechanism of action of tranexamic acid leads to a slowed melanin synthesis and lightened hyperpigmentation.

What deficiency causes hyperpigmentation?

The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.

How long does hyperpigmentation take to fade?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months.

What illnesses cause hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation Disorders
  • POSTINFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION.
  • MELASMA.
  • SOLAR LENTIGINES.
  • EPHELIDES.
  • CAFÉ AU LAIT MACULES.
  • VITILIGO.
  • PITYRIASIS ALBA.
  • TINEA VERSICOLOR.

Does drinking water help with hyperpigmentation?

Does Drinking Water Help Pigmentation? Research notes that increasing how much water you drink everyday can positively impact the skin's overall health and appearance. 5 This suggests, that in some cases, staying hydrated may help with some types of skin pigmentation.

What triggers pigmentation?

Sun Exposure. Sun exposure is a common cause of skin pigmentation. The body produces more melanin, in order to defend itself against UV rays from the sun.

What drink is good for pigmentation?

​​Green Tea​

Green tea contains antioxidants, particularly catechins, which may help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays. Sipping on this tea can help reverse signs of aging and reduce the impact of pigmentation on topical application.

Can you reverse stress aging?

Stress-induced increases in biological age are reversible. Exposure to stress increased biological age in humans and mice, but it decreased after the stress resolved, according to NIA-funded research. Findings from the study were published in Cell Metabolism.

What does stressed skin look like?

Stressed skin occurs when your skin struggles to perform its natural functions due to internal or external pressures – leading to symptoms like dryness, dullness, fine lines, and sagging.

Why does cortisol cause hyperpigmentation?

It is caused by the stimulant effect of excess adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) on the melanocytes to produce melanin. The hyperpigmentation is caused by high levels of circulating ACTH that bind to the melanocortin 1 receptor on the surface of dermal melanocytes.

Does CeraVe clear dark spots?

The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has multiple benefits that address various skin concerns. A few key benefits you may note when using the retinol serum daily: Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-blemish dark spots. Promotes the cell renewal process, helping skin look brighter.

Which vitamin removes pigmentation?

Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.

What is the best way to get rid of hyperpigmentation?

Topical therapies (creams and lotions applied to the skin) are the most common treatment option for hyperpigmentation. Combination therapy, in which multiple topical treatments are used together, is usually most effective in treating hyperpigmentation. The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure.

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