The dark patches that appear on the skin sometimes after a blemish, sometimes out of nowhere can be aggravating to say the least. Hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe these darkened regions, which can affect anyone at any time. How long does hyperpigmentation take to go away? Although everyone's solution to this problem is different, there are things one can do to assist. Continue reading to find out what could be preventing one from making the most headway in fading those troublesome patches. We will also find whom to consult to get the effective pigmentation treatment in Ludhiana. Let’s start with learning the causes of hyperpigmentation. 

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin, a chemical produced by the body that determines the colour of the skin, eyes, and hair. The body may manufacture excess melanin for a variety of reasons, both internal and external.

• Taking birth control pills, for example, can result in melasma, a skin disorder characterised by dark blotches. 

• According to a publication in the journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 25% of women got melasma after using an oral contraceptive. 

• External causes of hyperpigmentation include inflammation and skin damage, such as squeezing a pimple or scratching dermatitis.

How Long Does it Take for Hyperpigmentation to fade?

The time it takes for hyperpigmentation to erase varies depending on factors such as skin type, skin care regimen, age, and genetics. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, milder patches (a few shades darker than the rest of the skin) often take six to twelve months to fade. In some circumstances, it might take years.

5 Reasons Why Hyperpigmentation Is Not Fading

The good news is that there are things one can do to help with the natural fading process and shorten the wait time. Here are a few possible reasons why the hyperpigmentation is overstaying its welcome.

1. One has not identified the cause.

First things first. If one hasn't already, consult a skilled dermatologist to get a diagnosis. Before one can properly treat the discolouration, one must first determine what is causing it. A dermatologist can perform a physical examination, order necessary tests such as biopsies, and discuss potential treatment choices so that one can begin to see results.

2. One is Skipping Sunscreen.

Remember that the sun is visible every day, even when it is pouring or gloomy. UV light can pass through clouds, home and car windows, and even reflect off of water and snow. To help hyperpigmentation diminish, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning. The sun protection formulations help to keep the melanocytes from creating more melanin and exacerbating dark spots. One can also use a mineral sunscreen which contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to reflect and scatter UV radiation.

Perhaps one has a bottle of broad-spectrum sunscreen sitting on the counter or in a drawer, but one just forget to use it. Keep the sunscreen beside the toothbrush to encourage a frequent habit. This way, it's more likely to become a part of one’s morning ritual after one has brushed the teeth and cleansed the face. Keep a bottle in the tote, backpack or car so one can reapply every two hours while out in the sun.

3. One is Creating New Trauma.

Inflammation is a common cause of hyperpigmentation. When one picks at a blemish or scratch at a patch of eczema, the immune system sends cells signal to repair the damage, which causes inflammation. Instead of touching certain regions on the face or body, try applying a warm or cool compress to relieve discomfort.

4. One is not giving the Products Enough Time

The active chemicals in the products require time to perform optimally. Active chemicals such as retinoids, for example, can take up to three months of constant treatment for the skin to adjust to the higher rate of skin cell turnover. Products containing chemicals that encourage skin cell turnover can help reduce hyperpigmentation over time.

Hyperpigmentation can be frustrating, but one shouldn't expect instant results for dark patches that have taken months to form. Unfortunately, one cannot place an express order for clear skin. Still, understanding how the skin heals itself from UV damage and trauma can give one the confidence one needs to know that clear skin is on its way—even if it can't be delivered right to the door. Be patient and faith in the process.

5. One is Not Moisturising Adequately.

If eczema is causing hyperpigmentation, one can halt the itching cycle before it starts. Use a light moisturiser that will soothe and heal the skin. A good moisturizer will have nutrients for nourishing and restoring parched skin. Moreover, will assist to protect the skin from future moisture loss and restore the natural skin barrier. It's important to strengthen the skin barrier and stay hydrated because it's the first line of defence against the outside world.

Consult the Skin Clinic in Ludhiana for Pigmentation

If the hyperpigmentation patches are particularly stubborn or are affecting the confidence, consult the dermatologist. They can recommend cosmetic treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, and laser treatments to help break up and cure hyperpigmentation faster.

In many circumstances, the most effective way to remove and prevent hyperpigmentation is to apply sunscreen on a daily basis. Getting to the core of the problem and giving the skin time to adjust to new products is important. Be gentle and patient with the skin. It will eventually reflect all of the goodness that one has placed into it. One can consult a skilled skin specialist Dr. Roopi Khera at a top skin clinic in Ludhiana, The Glo Medispa Clinic. The doctor will provide a thorough skin evaluation to determine the cause of pigmentation and to provide a customized treatment plan.