Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation results from overproduction and irregular dispersion of melanin in the epidermis or dermis, triggered by various skin insults, such as acne, eczema, trauma, or dermatologic procedures.
What triggers hyperpigmentation? Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further 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.
Although post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can gradually diminish over time as part of the skin's natural healing process, but this is generally a slow journey. In general, PIH can take months or even years to fade depending on how deep it is, especially if left untreated.
Patients should be encouraged to avoid picking or irritating affected areas, as trauma can exacerbate postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen is essential, as ultraviolet exposure can worsen pigmentation and prolong healing; daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use should be a foundational part of treatment.
“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.
Retinoids are useful in the treatment of hyperpigmentation because they reduce epidermal melanin by blocking the transcription of tyrosinase, induce desquamation, disperse keratinocyte pigment granules and enhance epidermal cell turnover via epidermopoiesis.
Limit touching your skin.
Scratching or picking a mosquito bite or a spot can result in inflammation and lead to darker pigmentation on your face, so it's best to avoid touching your skin. When you do touch your skin, for example when applying your skin care or makeup, make sure you wash your hands first.
Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades? Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.
Topical therapy is the recommended first-line treatment, with the gold standard being hydroquinone, which can be used alone or in combination with other agents.
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.
Reason #1: You're Getting Too Much Sun
“Hyperpigmentation can be incredibly frustrating and tough to treat. One of the easiest things you can do at home to help with hyperpigmentation is to be vigilant with sun protection,” says Dr. Camille Howard, a board-certified dermatologist and IT Cosmetics Advisory Board Member.
When your skin cells react to damage or irritation by making extra melanin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result. This skin condition shows up as tan, brown, dark brown, or even blue-gray patches and spots on your skin. Some medical or cosmetic procedures can also cause PIH.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, from pregnancy hormones and birth control pills to acne and sun exposure. Depending upon the cause of your hyperpigmentation, it may eventually go away on its own, but melasma—the type that's caused by hormones—is the most stubborn.
The choice should come down to what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.
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.
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum With Melasyl + Niacinamide. Why We Love It: This hardworking serum “works wonders for brightening skin and reducing the appearance of dark spots,” says Dr. Mitchell.
The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. The body darkens the skin to protect it from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the best preventative treatment for hyperpigmentation is daily use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Alpha hydroxy acids , especially glycolic acid , are a good starting point for treatment. 6 Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help speed up the skin's natural exfoliation process, which can help improve the look of PIH. You can find these ingredients in many OTC "brightening" treatments.
Treating the underlying cause of acanthosis nigricans can make the dark patches of skin fade or even disappear. This can mean stopping any medicine that's causing the problem or treating diabetes and other health conditions. Losing weight will help acanthosis nigricans fade.