Causes and Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

We would all like to have a perfectly even skin tone with no dark spots or discolourations. Most of us have hyperpigmentation of some kind on our skin. Unfortunately, it is hard to avoid. How can we get control of the pigmentation and achieve that smooth complexion we all want? First, we need to learn where it comes from and what we can do to minimize our chances of getting it. Only then can we start to learn what we can do to reverse the damage.

Hyperpigmentation is simply defined as a condition where an area of skin gets darker than the surrounding area. There are cells within our skin known as Melanocytes. These cells are responsible for producing Melanin. Melanin is what gives our skin colour. When Melanin creates dark spots, we call this Hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation does not discriminate against colour or race. Anyone can have issues with dark spots. However, there are different reasons why we get hyperpigmentation.

 Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation can result when an area of the skin is injured in some way. This can include acne, allergic reactions on the skin, a cut or abrasion or a condition like eczema. The skin can become inflamed during the healing process and this can cause too much Melanin to be produced in the area of the injury. This particular type of Hyperpigmentation happens most often in people with darker skin but anyone can get it. The dark places will sometimes fade with time depending on how deep the damage is. The way to avoid this type of hyperpigmentation is not to pick on your skin. Treat acne blemishes with a spot treatment but don’t try to “pop” zits. Do your best to treat all skin issues without causing injury or scaring.

• Age Spots are another type of Hyperpigmentation. These are often referred to as Liver or Sun Spots. They are usually seen as darker blotches on your face, hands and arms but can pop up anywhere on your body. These are caused mostly by exposure to the sun, pollution and environmental stress. These are usually permanent unless treated by a dermatologist. 
• Melasma is also called “The Mask of Pregnancy”. Hormonal changes and imbalances cause this type of hyperpigmentation that is often seen in pregnant women. Once hormones return to normal the blotches and dark spots will usually disappear. This is can be an ongoing problem if you are taking birth control pills or have a thyroid disorder. There is really no way to avoid this type of hyperpigmentation if you are pregnant. If you’re taking birth control pills and dark patches are beginning to be a problem, maybe a different birth control is an option to explore with your doctor.

Hyperpigmentation Homeopathic Treatments  

Fortunately, there are things we can do to help reduce hyperpigmentation issues. Vitamins E, K and C will all help to diminish dark spots on our skin.

• Wearing SPF +30 sunscreen daily, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting too many age spots.
• Be sure that you are eating food rich in Vitamins E, C and K these vitamins but you also need to apply them topically to get the best results.
• Topical solutions include Vitamine C rich leave on Serums 
• Papaya Extract is a great ingredient to look for skin brightening benefits 

Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Prickly Pear Seed Oil, also called Indian Fig Oil and Barbary Fig Oil is extracted from the seeds of the fruit that grow on the Prickly Pear Cactus Plant. This labour intensive activity is why Prickly Pear Oil is so rare and in limited supply. Prickly Pear Oil is an extraordinary organic solution to help fade our skin of hyperpigmentation. This powerful oil is high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It will help to calm inflammation and redness, assisting in reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Prickly pear oil contains the highest amount of healing Vitamin E found in any skin treatment oil. It’s full of Vitamin K to increase blood circulation, decreasing the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Vitamin C helps to heal sun damage and reduce dark spots caused by sun exposure. 

• Vitamins C, E and K
• Essential fatty acids Omega 6 and 9,
• Antioxidants,
• Polyphenols
• Amino acids

In order for these vitamins to do their job, they need to be able to sink down to the cellular level of the skin. Prickly Pear Oil is one of a few lightweight oils that will not only absorbs quickly but penetrates down to the cellular level, It is perfect for sensitive skin as its non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores.

Samson & Charlie’s Cold Pressed Virgin Prickly Pear Oil is an excellent starting point in treating hyperpigmentation issues, along with dark circles under the eyes. Not only is this oil-rich is Vitamin C, E, A and K, but it is also a strong antioxidant and full of anti-aging properties. This oil is wild harvested and 100% pure retaining all the essential fatty acids that nourish the skin. It is exactly what you need to rid yourself of those dark blotches, regardless of what kind of hyperpigmentation you have.