The question of – what is hyperpigmentation plagues people all over the world. It is a type of skin discolouration that affects certain areas of the body. This discolouration can be diffuse or focal and is caused by excess melanin production by melanocytes. Certain diseases, hormonal imbalances, excessive sun exposure, and certain chemicals can trigger the overactive nature of these cells. The remedies for this condition, however, are simple. Lemon juice, aloe vera, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and even potato pieces are found to be effective to reduce this disorder’s effects.
Skin Colour and Hyperpigmentation
What is hyperpigmentation, and what causes it? The distinctive colour of the human skin, hair, and nails is attributed to the melanin content in the body. Melanin is a pigment that is produced by cells called melanocytes. It has a direct correlation with skin shade: more melanin results in a darker skin tone, and less melanin results in a lighter skin tone. Exposure to the sun increases melanin production, resulting in a darker shade, as cells become inflamed by UV rays. But because of constant forays in and out of sunlight, the melanocytes sometimes reset themselves to a more active state, causing skin discolouration. These darkened patches are known as liver spots or lentigenes. Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone, but African-American men are more likely to suffer from it. Incorrect shaving can also make a person more prone to skin discolouration.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a type of skin discolouration that can have either internal or external causes. Internal causes for this type of skin pigmentation disorder can be pregnancy or hormonal imbalance. Certain diseases, such as Addison’s, Cushing’s, Porphyria, Haemochromatosis, and many others, can also cause hyperpigmentation. External causes of this skin disorder include excessive exposure to sunlight, injury, burns, emotional stress, and contact with certain chemicals, such as salicylic acid, bleomycin, and cisplatin. Acne vulgaris, birth control pills or even dermatological laser procedures gone bad are also some of the known causes for this disorder.
Some Remedies to Fix Skin Discolouration
This type of skin discolouration can be prevented by changing the shaving method or by using anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera. Home remedies can also be undertaken to reduce skin discolouration, such as:
- Lemon Juice: Rub lemon juice onto the skin with a cotton ball, then rinse it off with water after 10-15 minutes, twice a day for a few months.
- Potato Pieces: – Put a few drops of water on peeled potato pieces and rub them on the skin. Do this 3-4 times a day for at least a month.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Rinse the affected area with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Wash it with lukewarm water twice a day for a few weeks.
- Turmeric: – Massage paste of five tablespoons of turmeric with ten tablespoons of milk on affected skin for five minutes. Leave it on for twenty minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Conclusion: When discussing what hyperpigmentation is, it is quite evident now that extra-active melanocytes produce excess melanin for a darker shade of skin. These discoloured patches should fade from the body over time. The rate of fading can be reduced by staying well hydrated and using the home remedies mentioned.