Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options
As the weather gets warmer, many of us are spending more time outdoors, soaking up the sun’s rays. But did you know that too much sun exposure can cause a condition called hyperpigmentation? Dun Dun Dun! Now look, we’re not here to completely poop on your plans to dash to the parks and beaches once this incessant rainfall finally clears …and why is it that it’s always beautifully and sunny during work hours, and then rainy and dreary after work and on weekends in Vancouver anyway!? No we love the sun just as much as you do, but since our first love is skincare, it’s our duty to inform you that the sun is actually one of the skin’s greatest enemies. Excessive sun exposure contributes more to skin aging than any other factor!
What is hyperpigmentation?
“Hyperpigmentation”, as explained by the American Academy of Dermatology Association; refers to darkening of the skin caused by an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its colour. Sun damage can also cause fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, which can make us look older than we really are.
Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis. When our skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun, our melanocytes produce more melanin to protect our skin from damage. This is what causes our skin to tan or darken.
However, sometimes our melanocytes produce too much melanin, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. There are several factors that can contribute to this, including genetics, hormonal changes, and inflammation. For example, people with darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation because they have more active melanocytes than people with lighter skin tones. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can also trigger hyperpigmentation.
Inflammation can also play a role in hyperpigmentation. When our skin is inflamed, it produces more free radicals, which can damage our skin cells and trigger the production of excess melanin. This is why people with conditions such as acne or eczema are more prone to hyperpigmentation.
SkinONE can achieve jaw-dropping results when combating hyperpigmentation
Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help reduce hyperpigmentation and restore a more even skin tone. These treatments work by inhibiting the production of melanin or by breaking up excess melanin that’s already present in the skin. As mentioned earlier, SkinONE offers several effective treatments for hyperpigmentation, including chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion.
How to protect yourself
If you’re concerned about hyperpigmentation and sun damage, there are several steps you can take to prevent these conditions from occurring. The first and most important step is to use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause damage to your skin. SkinONE in West Vancouver offers a range of high-quality sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
In addition to using sunscreen, you can also protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants. If you’re going to be spending extended periods of time outdoors, consider seeking shade during peak sun hours (usually between 10am and 4pm). And don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Despite our best efforts to prevent hyperpigmentation and sun damage, it can still occur. Fortunately, we offer a range of medical aesthetic options to help reverse the effects of sun damage and restore your skin to a more youthful and even-toned appearance. These options include chemical peels, laser therapy, and microdermabrasion, all of which are performed by our team of highly experienced medical aestheticians.
Treatment Options to reverse sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Chemical peels are a safe and effective way to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. They work by applying a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the outer layer to peel away, revealing fresh, new skin underneath. SkinONE offers a range of chemical peels, from mild to deep, depending on your skin type and the severity of your hyperpigmentation.
Laser therapy is another option for treating hyperpigmentation and sun damage. It works by using focused beams of light to target the pigmented areas of your skin, breaking up the excess melanin and allowing your body to naturally remove it over time. This treatment can be done in as little as 30 minutes and requires no downtime.
Finally, microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that uses a handheld device to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. It’s a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots caused by sun damage. And the best part? You can return to your daily activities immediately after treatment!
How we achieve such excellent treatment results at SkinONE
We pride ourselves on our expertise in treating hyperpigmentation and sun damage. We believe that we are able to produce some of the best results when treating these skin concerns in the province. This is largely thanks to the decades of combined medical aesthetic experience that our team of Technicians and Medical Doctors have along with our confidence in the absolute best technologies on the market. These include options like the BBL Forever Young (the world’s most powerful IPL Treatment), and the Halo Fractional Laser; arguably the safest and most effective laser treatment for skin concerns on the market today. If you’re interested in learning more about our medical aesthetic options, we invite you to BOOK A CONSULTATION with us today.
hyperpigmentation and sun damage are common skin concerns that can be prevented with proper sun protection and treated with medical aesthetic options offered by SkinONE. By taking care of your skin and seeking professional help when needed, you can achieve a more youthful and even-toned complexion. Contact us today to learn more!
