Whether you have acne scars, brown patches, or sunspots on your skin, you’ll likely want to know how to get rid of discoloration as quickly and safely as possible. In some cases, you can use over-the-counter solutions to restore your complexion but you may want to speak with your dermatologist for professional strength products that will help you look your best. Fortunately, there are several available options for getting rid of bothersome discoloration on your skin to give you the confidence you want whether or not you’re wearing makeup.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Before you find the right methods for how to get rid of discoloration, it’s essential to know what hyperpigmentation is. This term refers to any section skin that looks significantly darker than your natural skin tone. The dark sections of the skin occurs when melanin is being produced too quickly in the body. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), asserts that there are several reasons for hyperpigmentation.
These can include:
Skin Trauma/Inflammation-these can include insect bites, scrapes and scratches, eczema, and acne. These conditions can lead to inflammation which prompts the pigment-producing cells in the skin to go into overdrive. Once the injury is healed, a dark spot is left in its place.
Sun Exposure-The UV rays of the sun can cause hyperpigmentation if you’re in the sun for extended periods of time. Your melanin cells are activated when you’re in the sun, and this is why people get a tan when they spend time in the sun. However, if you’re in the sun for too long and don’t have proper protection, you could develop dark marks on your skin. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery suggests that if you see a dark spot that looks abnormal, you should have it checked out right away to make sure it is not skin cancer since dark marks and melanoma tumors can look similar.
Melasma-This condition is also known as the “pregnancy mask” and consists of brown patches that form on a woman’s skin during pregnancy. Even though melasma is more common in women, men can experience this type of hyperpigmentation as well. Genetics, long periods of exposure to the sun, hormonal fluctuations and the use of oral contraceptives can all alter a persons complexion according to the American College of Osteopathic Dermatology. Toxins in the air can also bind to the skin which makes your skin weaker and more susceptible to sun damage.
Medical Conditions and Medication Side Effects-Skin discoloration can occur if you have an adrenal gland disorder like Addison’s disease. Certain medications like antibiotics can also cause hyperpigmentation. If you’re taking medication to treat cancer, including chemotherapy, you may notice that your skin is becoming darker in certain spots due to the changes that are occurring in your immune system.
Treating and Preventing Skin Discoloration
There are several products on the market to treat dark spots but it’s best to prevent hyperpigmentation before it starts. According to science, here are some practical things you can do.
Keep the Skin Moisturized
When you’re treating hyperpigmentation, your main goal is to lighten any dark spots. You can find over-the-counter products with ingredients that will even your skin tone. However, you should also look for creams and potions that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin to infuse the skin with moisture. A product that lightens the skin but also contains retinol is also ideal for prompting cell turnover and give you a healthy glow. Following your skin treatments with a moisturizer that replenishes the fat barrier of your skin and protects you from UV rays.
Don’t Pick at Skin Injuries
Even though it may be tempting to scratch an insect bite or squeeze a pimple, try not to pick at your skin. This will increase inflammation which makes it easy for dark marks to develop. Even though the blemish is irritating you, you should treat the blemish to get rid of itching and redness. If a spot forms in place of the skin injury, treat the hyperpigmentation right away, especially if you have a darker complexion.
Use Over-the-Counter Skin Lightening Creams
Look for treatments at your local supermarket or department store that contain ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C and licorice root. These ingredients stop the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that slows the production of melanin according to cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson. Look for over-the-counter treatments for dark spots that contain vitamin E, glucosamine and niacin amide which helps to condition the skin and provide an even skin tone. Remember that it can take a few months for these products to work, and be sure to test the products before adding them to your skin regimen to make sue you don’t have an allergic reaction.
FAQ
Discoloration can fade after some time. It’s important to speak with your dermatologist to come up with a treatment plan you can maintain at home that may include natural treatments and medications.
Learning how to get rid of discoloration on face is often easier said than done. You have to use products that are formulated for the gentle skin on the face. Your skin sensitivity and complexion will also determine which lotions and creams are best for you.
If you need to know how to get rid of discoloration, you can use natural products like lemon extract or apple cider vinegar as a toner on your face. Be sure to test these natural products on a small section of your skin to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction. It is also important to note that natural treatments will sometimes take longer to be effective than prescription methods but may have fewer side effects.
When you’re looking for methods for how to get rid of skin discoloration, you need to give your skin a few weeks to get used to the treatment. Depending on the severity of the discoloration, you should see significant results in about a month; however, the process could take longer if the discoloration is more intense.
When you need pointers for how to get rid of acne discoloration, you can stop new dark marks from developing on your skin by receiving professional treatments from a dermatologist. It’s also best not to pop your pimples and to medicate them with substances that will draw the impurities from the pimple and decrease the chances of causing a permanent blemish.
