Everyone loves summer. It's a good experience since you'll strengthen your immune system and fight stress and depression. Also, increased exposure to sunlight can help to maintain your strong bone and heal some skin conditions.
But the unwanted side of sunlight is newly formed patches on the skin. This is an indication of skin damage. Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin colors. It occurs due to increased melanin production on the skin. You can experience dark spots or patches on your hands, face, or body.
What Are The Impacts Of Hyperpigmentation On People's Lives?
Hyperpigmentation's hampering effect is multifaceted. For instance, people suffering from hyperpigmentation battle with the following challenges;
Social Isolation and Lack of Supported
Hyperpigmentation can make people feel conscious about their looks. People suffering from this skin condition are worried about how society will react to the disease. They end up feeling unwanted and isolated. Some hide and find it challenging to appear in public. Others may opt to grow long hair to cover the condition.
Many men with hyperpigmentation issues on their chests or shoulders may refuse to attend sports since they must change in public rooms. Also, ladies with these conditions are forced to apply heavy makeup to cover the dark patches.
Low Self-Esteem
Self-esteem gives a sense of self-value. It involves the way you view and treat yourself. Also, it can affect your motivation to do things. For instance, it can help you develop supportive relationships and perform great things in the future.
But people with hyperpigmentation have esteem issues. They are worried about how society will judge them. They end up having low self-esteem, which makes them have little control over their lives.
Rejection
People with hyperpigmentation are sensitive about how others view them in the first meeting. Some people perceive those with this skin condition as dirty. This makes a person have the fear of facing others and showing up in public. They even develop social phobia.
Besides, some societies believe that hyperpigmentation can be transmitted from one person to another. Thus, they isolate themselves from people with skin conditions. This situation can cause self-rejection.
Poor Performance And Associated Joblessness
People with hyperpigmentation find it challenging to attend job interviews. They have low self-confidence, and some interviewers might judge them as less worthy. Also, some employees view them as unattractive. Thus, they end up firing them.
Stress And Depression
Adults with hyperpigmentation may experience depression. Imagine being in a situation where everyone is rejecting you? It can cause issues such as low appetite, sleep distraction, and self-isolation. This can lead to stress and depression, which can be challenging to handle.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Everyone is susceptible to hyperpigmentation. Both internal and external factors can cause these skin conditions.
The top factors include:
Sun Exposure
Skin damage from sunlight may start to show several years later. The UV rays begin to weaken the DNA cells in Melanocytes, which produces too much melanin. The melanin produces dark spots in the skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation.
Hormonal Change
Things such as menopause, pregnancy, and contraceptives can result in hormonal fluctuations, which can cause melasma. Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark patches on the face and other areas of the body.
Genetics
Some types of skins are prone to hyperpigmentation. A family with a history of hyperpigmentation condition can inherit the disease to the future generation. Also, some people with light skin are more likely to suffer epidermal hyperpigmentation.
Reaction To Drugs
Some drugs can cause hyperpigmentation. You might find grey or dark patches on your skin.
How To Combat Hyperpigmentation
Treating hyperpigmentation can be challenging. But you can achieve an even skin tone if you consider the right treatment methods. A specialist can use chemical peels and laser treatment. Thus, it is good to ensure that the process is carried out by qualified and experienced doctors.
Also, you can use options that you can try at home. For instance, it is essential to wear UVA sun protection to prevent skin damage.
Here are some more tips to combat hyperpigmentation:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight
- Use gel-based moisturizers
- Consider a cleanser, specifically formulated for hyperpigmentation
- Use chemical peels
- Use retinoid
- Consider using vitamin C serums
It is advisable to consult a cosmetic artist if the hyperpigmentation fails to clear with the treatments. Some cosmetic procedures can lighten the areas affected to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Some of the procedures include:
Intense pulsed light - This is light therapy. It will help improve the color and texture and there is no surgery required.
Microdermabrasion - It is a procedure where using minimum abrasive tools, your skin is gently sanded. That way the thick dark part of the skin is removed.
Why Are There Myths About Hyperpigmentation, And Why Is There A Stigma Surrounding The Skin Condition?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. But there are myths surrounding it.
Some misconceptions state that hyperpigmentation patients are dirty and do not clean their clothes properly. Also, some people believe that these patients use poor dieting. Thus, they are unhealthy.
But the fact is, hyperpigmentation comes as a result of different factors, and everyone can get the skin condition. All you need is to find ways to prevent varied skin conditions.
To prevent hyperpigmentation;
- Shade your face with a hat.
- Use sunlight protection that is at least SPF 50
- Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight
- Avoid scratching your skin
How Is Low Self-Confidence Tied To Hyperpigmentation?
Nowadays, social media pressures people to look perfect. That's why many people experience low self-esteem if they suffer hyperpigmentation. The skin is the first thing a person will see when they come near you. And if you have hyperpigmentation issues, you might find it challenging to hide the spots.
This situation makes patients with this skin condition feel unattractive and unwanted in society. But if you consider a good dermatologist , you can get the best treatment.
Hyperpigmentation Shouldn't Weigh You Down
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that can affect both men and women. At times, it can be a result of skin inflammation. Some skin diseases such as eczema, acne, or skin injury can leave dark spots on the skin.
The dark patches can become darker, which usually occurs when the skin has excess melanin. The good thing is that there are ways that will give you a normal skin tone. A glowing skin gives one the confidence to stand in the crowd. Also, you will have the motivation to perform great things.
Being active can help to prevent issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Thus, it is good to implement the above tips to avoid overproducing melanin. Also, focus on the skincare routine. Ensure that you are careful when exposing your skin to sun and heat. Also, prevent scratching or picking your skin since it can cause inflammation which can lead to hyperpigmentation.
