Melanin gives your skin its natural color. But sometimes melanin can distribute unevenly, causing hyperpigmentation spots.ย Although professional treatment is a great choice or other preventative products, the best results are accomplished when combined with the use of an effective and nourishing broad spectrum sunscreen. Read on to find out just what causes skin discoloration and what you can do about it.
There are 3 main triggers of hyperpigmentation:
UV Exposure
When skin is exposed to the sunโs UVA and UVB rays, it triggers melanin production.ย Itโs a response to injury โ the skin cells have been hurt by UV rays. Over time, thisย damage causes an uneven distribution of melanin, and skin discoloration from the sun. Melanin โclumps upโ producingย irregular, blotchy coloring or pigmentation.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal changes that happen internally in the body can affect the skinโs pigment.ย This often occurs as a result of pregnancy, birth control, certain medications orย hormone replacement therapy. Each of these instances can lead to a surge inย melanin production.
3. Injury
Post-inflammatory hyperpigยญmentation (PIH). This occurs following skin injury from acne lesions, psoriasis, burns, waxing, insect bites, razor bumps, improperly performed laser treatments or deep extractions and abrasions. It begins to fade as the skin regenerates itselfโa process that can take months or more.
Prevention is key
For people who are seeking healthy and great looking skin, especially those undergoing treatment for hyperpigยญmentation, preventive measures is vital. The necessity of daily sunscreen application cannot be emphasized enough. Too often, individuals are the cause of recurrent hyperpigยญmentation due to a nonchalant attitude toward sun exposure.
To maintain healthy and great looking skin, use your broad spectrum sunscreen daily.