While hyperpigmentation doesn’t spare anyone, some of us are particularly at risk. Dark spots and melasma threaten brown to dark skin. Conversely, fair skin is in the sights of the famous lentigo. What is hyperpigmentation? Who is concerned ? How to avoid it and overcome it? Explanations.

Hyperpigmentation results from excessive production of melanin in certain areas of the skin. This overproduction generally results from prolonged or excessive sun exposure associated with other risk factors such as age, hormonal variations such as increased estrogen levels, genetic predispositions, skin color or type. and skin trauma. Depending on the origin, hyperpigmentation can take several forms including:

• Lentigos, small dark spots that appear on areas of the body that are most exposed to the sun;
• Melasma or pregnancy mask which results in dark areas on the face. Pregnant women are particularly at risk due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy;
• Post-inflammatory pigmentations that follow lesions caused by skin diseases such as acne;
• Photoreactions to certain drugs or certain cosmetics.

Dark, dark, but also light and fragile skins are particularly exposed to this type of reaction.

Dark, mixed-race and black skin are particularly prone to hyperpigmentation. Indeed, they are distinguished by their ability to produce more melanin. This particularism, however, protects them from aging because they become thicker and less vulnerable.

On these skins, the phenomenon of hyperpigmentation is exacerbated during prolonged sun exposure associated with hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or taking estrogen, inflammatory lesions linked to pathologies such as acne or even by taking certain drugs. This is particularly the case with antibiotics such as tetracyclines.

To avoid hyperpigmentation when you have dark skin, it is therefore recommended to bet on SPF 30 protection incorporated in your day cream. The latter must be moisturizing, based on an agent such as Hyaluronic Acid for example. For seborrheic-prone skin, it is recommended to opt for a mattifying cream specific to combination to oily skin.

Let us add that mixed skins are subject to dark circles, that is, brown in color. It is therefore recommended to use a cream for the eye area containing SPF 50 protection. In fact, dark circles are accentuated when exposed to the sun. Cap and sunglasses are also recommended in the summer season.

Sunburns, skin cancer, premature aging… such are the risks run by fair and fragile skin when it is too often exposed to the sun. But fair skin is also prone to hyperpigmentation phenomena and in particular lentigines. The latter look like small brown spots, round or oval. They are favored by age and skin aging.

In order to avoid these unsightly spots, it is recommended to protect your skin daily by adopting a day cream containing UV protection (minimum SPF 30). For particularly fair skin, a total screen is indicated especially in summer and the areas of the body must be covered during prolonged exposure (long sleeves, pants, hat are strongly recommended).

Over time, the skin is more fragile in the face of the sun. Ultraviolet rays penetrate skin cells, promoting free radicals that alter them. This phenomenon generates wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, refinement of the skin’s texture… It also exposes people to the risk of skin cancer.

It is to UVA that we owe the premature aging of the skin because they penetrate deeply into the dermis. In order to slow down this process, it is essential to avoid repeated or prolonged sun exposure. Bet on a day cream that combines moisturizing, anti-aging agents (hyaluronic acid, retinol) and SPF protection.

Pregnant women are often prone to so-called “epidermal” melasma: it is characterized by the appearance of areas of hyperpigmentation on the forehead, cheeks, chin and the bridge of the nose. It is because of this location that this condition is called a “mask of pregnancy”. This phenomenon usually occurs from the fourth month of amenorrhea.

Melasma is caused by several factors such as sun exposure and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Indeed, pregnancy increases the production of estrogen which itself stimulates that of melanin. Thus during pregnancy and even in the months following childbirth, it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and to bet on sunscreen SPF 30 to 50.

The first step to avoid hyperpigmentation is daily application of an anti-UV cream on the face.

Certain agents contained in dermo-cosmetics make it possible to prevent and treat hyperpigmentation gently: Thiamidol, Vitamin C, dioic acid, polyphenols.

Regular exfoliation of your skin is also essential in order to avoid hyperpigmentation: it rids the skin of dead cells and promotes skin regeneration. Scrubs (up to three times a week) and exfoliating acids such as AHAs, BHAs or azelaic acid (once a week) are recommended as a preventive measure and for an even and luminous complexion.

The treatment of melasma or persistent lentigines most often involves medicated creams based on hydroquinone or retinoids. The peel or the laser can also be used as a last intention because these methods remain aggressive on the skin.

Hyperpigmentation more readily affects dark to dark skin as well as light and fragile skin. It is essential to protect these skins daily from UV rays in order to avoid pigmentary disorders. Moisturizing and depigmenting agents are also recommended.