Why is my skin hyper-pigmented?

If you have hyperpigmented skin – you may be wondering what’s causing it. According to Dr Axe, there are several types of hyperpigmentation that develop for various reasons. These types tend to cause different symptoms, some of which are easier to treat than others.

The three main types of hyperpigmentation, along with their most common signs and symptoms, include:

• Sunspots/sun damage — This is the most common reason that people develop skin discolouration, starting as early as in their teens or twenties. Sunspots, which are small and flat, and can be either light or dark brown, tend to develop on parts of the skin that are exposed to the most sunlight such as the face, chest, neck and hands. These develop due to increased production of melanin. Freckles are a type of sunspot that is very common among people with light-to-medium skin tones. They can appear as small dots that are light-to-dark brown or sometimes red and black. Freckles tend to get darker with sun exposure and occur most often on the face, chest, arms and upper back.

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (or PIH) — PIH can be thought of as many types of “skin trauma,” since it’s due to injury or inflammation of the skin that can result from a number of illnesses, disorders or hormonal problems. For example, PIH may be caused by acne, eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis. All of these can contribute to higher pigmentation and pink, red or dark brown spots developing. PIH can affect people with any type of skin tone, but tends to affect those with dark skin most often.

• Melasma — This is the type of skin discolouration that turns patches of skin light-to-medium brown. It usually develops on the face, including on the cheeks, sides of the face, upper part of the nose, forehead and above the lips. Melasma is caused by changes in hormones and tends to occur during pregnancy, when taking birth control pills, or during times of hormonal imbalance. It increases with sun exposure. Sometimes it clears up when hormones become more balanced, but it can always return at a later time.

One way of helping hyperpigmented skin is Gatineau White Plan Skin-Lightening Softening Toner is enriched with Hamamelis Extract, this purifying alcohol-free toner completes the cleanse whilst tightening pores leaving the skin perfectly balanced. With calming Allantoin and Chamomile, the skin is left perfectly clean and soothed whilst Gatineau’s exclusive Whitening Complex evens out the skin tone.

Active ingredients:

• Whitening Complex: Promotes a brighter, clearer and more even complexion.
• Witch Hazel Extract: Promotes cell regeneration and improves elasticity.
• Purifying Complex: Cleanses and clarifies the skin.
• Allantoin: Soothes and softens the skin.