Concerned about hyperpigmentation? We've got you covered with everything you need to know, including what causes skin pigmentation and how sunscreen can help prevent it.
To gain more insight on hyperpigmentation, we chatted with Deirdre Hooper, a New Orleans-based board-certified dermatologist. She's also an associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at both Louisiana State University and Tulane University!
What is hyperpigmentation and what causes it?
Hyperpigmentation is dark patches on the skin that can be triggered by trauma, acne and UV damage.
How is hyperpigmentation different from melasma or dark spots?
It’s not, really. All of these are forms of hyperpigmentation. A board-certified dermatologist can help you distinguish exactly what your issue is. There are nuances to treatment, but all types of hyperpigmentation, in all skin types and tones, can be helped by using sunscreen.
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How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation
What kind of relationship does sunscreen have with hyperpigmentation?
Sunscreen is hugely important in preventing hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen can prevent the accumulation of photodamage that leads to brown spots and PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), which is the hyperpigmentation that develops after acne.
Your skin cells respond to UV light by producing more melanin as a self-protective mechanism, and SPF blocks the light that injures the cells. All pigment, including a tan, is a sign of damage and injury. You can’t ever get a totally fresh start for skin once that happens, so you should set yourself up for a lifetime of better skin by using SPF every day. Using sunscreen is absolutely preventative and pays dividends for brighter, clearer skin for a lifetime.
What kind of sunscreen should people look for if they have hyperpigmentation?
All you need to look for is one that contains at least SPF 30 and is broad spectrum so that you are protecting yourself from not only UVB rays, but also UVA rays which can penetrate windows. Easy ones to use that I recommend are Unseen Sunscreen and Superscreen.
