Hyperpigmentation treatments – for an even complexion

Pigment spots are caused by skin hyperpigmentation. They can appear as small round spots or in larger patches in irregular shapes. These spots or patches often contain brown pigmentation and are darker than the surrounding skin. But they can also come in a redder shade and even be lighter than the surrounding areas. Our skin gets its brownish colour from melanin in the cells. This substance is produced by melanocytes when the skin is exposed to sunlight. After a while, your body breaks down the melanin and your skin becomes lighter again. Sometimes this causes an uneven distribution of melanin. It is more heavily concentrated in some places either because the production is higher in those areas or because it is broken down more slowly by the body. We recognise these phenomena as freckles or sun spots and age spots on the face, for example. Pigment spots often affect the face, neck and décolleté as well as the arms and hands. Pigment spots tend to form more frequently in older people because their skin takes longer to regenerate and these spots are also called age spots.

Pigment spots can be hereditary. They will certainly be familiar to you in the form of freckles, moles and liver spots and they mostly remain more or less visible throughout your life.

Other causes for the occurrence of pigment spots can be:

• the influence of UV light (intensive sunbathing without sunscreen)

• Genetic predisposition

• Medications, intolerances to certain substances

• Hormones, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, hormonal contraception

• Skin diseases

• Post-inflammatory inflammation (acne marks)

Occasionally, pigment spots can occur due to the influence of hormones. Large areas of hyperpigmentation form on some women's faces during pregnancy. This is called the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. They usually disappear by themselves after the birth of the child. Hormonal contraception can also encourage the formation of pigment spots on the face and other parts of the body.

An anti-pigment spot strategy should combine both preventative measures as well as skincare to reduce hyperpigmentation. Protection from UV rays plays a special role in prevention. For example, you could use a day cream with SPF, which can both prevent pigment spots and also avoid premature skin ageing. We recommend you use sunscreen with a high SPF when your skin is heavily exposed to the sun during activities such as hiking, spending time on the beach or doing water sports.

There are various methods for removing pigment spots. These include, for example, an anti-pigment spot serum with ingredients that brighten the skin and promote skin regeneration. An even better approach is to prevent pigment spots and strengthen your skin’s natural resistance.

Avoid stress factors for the skin like extreme heat, cold, sun and free radicals. This also protects you from premature skin ageing as an additional benefit. If the causes are hormonal, a change in the type of contraception you use can help. If medications are the trigger for your hyperpigmentation, ask your doctor whether a change in medication or a different dosage is possible. Occasionally, pigment spots occur as acne marks as a consequence of acne and impure skin. With strict hygiene (avoiding inflammation, not squeezing pimples) and the use of skincare suitable for your skin’s requirements you can often prevent acne marks.

When the first pigment spots appear, you should take extra care to use a good sunscreen. By doing this, you can effectively prevent these spots from becoming darker or spreading further across your skin. Your skincare products should stimulate the regeneration of the skin. In this way, the concentrated melanin is broken down again more quickly and the pigment spots gradually fade.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A can neutralise free radicals. These substances are effective through diet and can also be applied externally to the skin. Free radicals occur through the influence of UV light. They can harm your skin at a cellular level and even cause DNA damage. If antioxidants are used in skincare, they can prevent the occurrence of pigment spots and light-related skin-ageing. They reduce the stress on your skin and give it more energy for important regeneration processes.