Treating Hyperpigmentation on Darker Skin Tones

Treating Hyperpigmentation on Darker Skin Tones

Treating Hyperpigmentation on Darker Skin Tones

While it is true that hyperpigmentation and scarring can affect anyone, regardless of their skin tone and type, it is well documented that this skin condition affects those with darker skin, more than it does those with lighter skin tones. This is because Asian and black African skin types contain significantly more melanin then caucasian skin so any scarring and hyperpigmentation becomes more visible, which can greatly affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence, leaving them reaching for over-the-counter products or even professional treatments to boost their confidence.

 

 

What Causes Hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones?

Before we talk about how hyperpigmentation can be treated, it is important to first understand what actually causes this skin problem. Once you have a clear understanding of the cause of the issue, it can be far easier to find the correct treatment for it. In the case of hyperpigmentation, UV exposure, genetics, and previous skin issues like acne can all play a part in its development. Acne in darker skin tones is particularly notorious for causing hyperpigmentation, which presents as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Addiction to illegal ‘skin lightening’ creams can also worsen an initially much smaller and easily treatable skin concern.

PIH, particularly on Asian and black African skin, occurs after an inflammatory condition affecting the skin such as ingrown hairs, irritation, eczema or acne. In certain cases, PIH can also be caused by skin disorders and reactions such as sun damage, acne, insect bites, folliculitis, ingrown hairs, childhood scars, self-harm scars, stretch marks, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections, rashes, waxing, or the use of harsh skin care products, tribal marks and even stretch marks.

What happens on darker skin tones is that often once the original condition has healed, as part of the body’s natural healing process the skin becomes darker in colour in the affected area, caused by an overproduction of melanin.

One form of hyperpigmentation which isn’t caused by outside factors such as UV exposure is melasma. Often experiences by women of Asian ethnicity, this form of hyperpigmentation develops either during pregnancy or, less commonly, as the result of using hormonal contraception.

How Can Hyperpigmentation Be Treated?

If you have either Asian or black African skin and are looking to treat hyperpigmentation, then it is vital that you go to a trained skin expert for any hyperpigmentation treatments. This is because treating the issue on darker skin tones requires expert knowledge and gentle care, in order to avoid causing any further pigmentation issues.

You’ll be pleased to hear that there are several professional treatments aimed at treating hyperpigmentation on Asian and black African skin in a safe and effective way. These include laser treatments, derma white treatment, microdermabrasion and marine peel treatments (your Skin Expert would offer you a tailor-made treatment plan according to your specific skin type and concern). Used in combination with professionally recommended skincare products such as ZAHEDA Ultra White Derma White and ZAHEDA Ultra Smooth Sea Polish will work best. It goes without saying that all of these will deliver results far more impressive than something you can pick up on the high street. They are also far safer than some of the potentially dangerous lighting creams found on the internet or in some ‘grocery’ stores, that women turn to in order to fix their pigmentation issues, many of which can be filled with harmful ingredients or actually worsen hyperpigmentation if not used correctly. And can end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

 

No two cases are the same

While no two cases of pigmentation are the same, generally speaking, similar skin tones will respond well to similar treatments. For example, those with light to medium skin tones will respond positively to all types of hyperpigmentation treatments, with no major side effects.

In the case of darker skin tones and tones with Asian or black African skin, treatments can be equally effective but individuals should shy away from some of the more aggressive treatments, in order to avoid provoking any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. But worry not as with some patients, and professional advice, no matter what skin tone you have, you can drastically improve the look of your hyperpigmentation. Just be sure to go see a professional clinic that specialises in Asian and black African skin concerns – such as The Laser Treatment Clinic in Harley Street London.

 

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