Hyperpigmentation describes darker skin patches resulting from excessive melanin production. Sun damage, hormone fluctuations, and acne scars cause it. Malaysians commonly suffer from melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation. In the following is an interview with Dr. Muniandi, who discusses melasma, hyperpigmentation, and treatment options in Malaysia.
What is hyperpigmentation?
It describes a skin disorder characterized by pigment deposit rise in the skin due to excess melanin production.
As the skin produces more melanin, pigments become noticeable and appear as dark patches.
This condition affects the skin color of people regardless of the race.
Are all hyperpigmentation issues the same?
No, not all of them are the same.
Some are due to sun exposure, such as sunspots or melasma. They appear on arms, face, legs, and other sun-exposed body parts.
Liver spots or age spots, also called solar lentigines, are hyperpigmentation that occurs due to sun damage. They’re smaller patches on the face, hands, and other sun exposed body parts.
Other hyperpigmentation types occur due to skin inflammation or after a skin injury.
Excess skin pigments are rarely dangerous, but they can warn of a medical condition.
For some, melasma or excess skin pigments lead to lower self-confidence, poor body image, and depression.
You can minimize the prominence of hyperpigmentation on your face, arms, and other body parts.
- Avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
- Use a topical sunscreen with at least SPF 50.
- Do not pick at your skin, like on spots, scabs, or pimples. It can cause infection and hyperpigmentation.
- Talk to your doctor if hyperpigmentation occurs after hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or contraceptive pills. HRTs can result to skin hyperpigmentation, like melasma.
Don’t get into any hyperpigmentation treatment without consulting your doctor, who can determine the right course of treatment after a thorough checkup and diagnosis.
Hyperpigmentation treatment methods
Topical creams/cosmeceutical solutions
The most common treatment options recommended by doctors. Typically, topical creams contain skin lightening ingredients, such as Vitamin C, hydroquinone, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, retinoids, Corticosteroids, Niacinamide, and Arbutin.
Dermatological procedures
Another treatment modality to treat hyperpigmentation include laser therapy, such as Q-switch Lasers, PicoWay Laser, and Dual Yellow Laser.
Others include Microdermabrasion, mesotherapy, and chemical peels.
Consult your doctor prior to undergoing any of these procedures to learn about their pros, cons, and potential side effects.
Oral supplements
Lucent is one of the most popular melasma supplements available for people who do not want a procedure.
For the best results, you might want to consider combination treatments. Ask your doctor about it.
My Final Advice
Keep hyperpigmentation under control with combination treatments. Consult with a professional early for proper diagnosis and treatment. At our clinic, we have experienced skin doctors certified with hyperpigmentation treatments. And as every patient is different, we tailor each program to cater to one’s specific needs and concerns.
Dr. Muniandi Velayuthan is a certified and experienced medical aesthetic physician at Dermed Clinic. He has over 10 years of experience in dermatology and aesthetic medicine and known for his dedication to help with skin problems, delivering personalized treatment approach for every patient.
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