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4 Types of Hyperpigmentation and What to do About it

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4 Types of Hyperpigmentation and What to do About it featured image

As aggravating as hyperpigmentation can be, understanding why it’s happening and how you can stop it (yes, it can be done) is rule number-one on the path to clear, even skin.

 

1. Melasma

Color: Light to medium brown

Where It Occurs: On the cheeks, sides of the face, upper part of the nose, forehead and above the lip

What It Looks Like: Splotchy patches that are inconsistent in shape and size

Caused By: A surge in hormones usually from pregnancy or birth control coupled with sun exposure

Treat It With: Hydroquinone and Retin-A; salicylic, lactic or glycolic acid peels; Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) plus vitamin C; or Cosmelan. (Melasma is hard to treat because of its potential to recur.)

 

2. Sunspots (aka Age or Liver Spots)

Color: Light to dark brown

Where It Occurs: On the face, chest and hands

What It Looks Like: Small, flat, dark spots

Caused By: The sun

Treat It With: Retinol + IPL; Fractional laser resurfacing

 

3. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Color: Pink, red or brown

Where It Occurs: Anywhere on the face

What It Looks Like: Flat spots

Caused By: Inflammatory acne

Treat It With: Light salicylic acid chemical peels; red light and blue light (if there is active acne)

 

4. Freckles

Color: Light to dark brown or even red or black

Where It Occurs: On the face, chest and arms

What It Looks Like: Concentrated small spots

Caused By: The sun

Treat It With: Fraxel, Nd:YAG laser

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