Hyperpigmentation and scars can affect all skin types, and it’s an issue you can resolve easily through proceedures at clinics. It’s a particularly common issue for ladies with darker skin tones, because they naturally produce more melanin than lighter skin. Hyperpigmentation and scars on darker skin can be highly visible and can cause a patchy, uneven skin tone, which can have an impact a person’s confidence, especially if it presents on an exposed area like the face.
Causes of hyperpigmentation and scars
Understanding hyperpigmentation and scars and what causes it is the first step in treating it. Genetics, UV exposure, and underlying dermatological conditions can all lead to hyperpigmentation and scars, with acne being a common cause of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in Asian and black African skin.
PIH occurs after an inflammatory dermatological condition such as acne, ingrown hairs, irritation from shaving or eczema. It can also be caused by skin disorders and reactions such as sun damage, acne, insect bites, folliculitis, ingrown hairs, childhood scars, self harm scars, stretch marks, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections, rashes, waxing, and harsh skin care products, tribal marks and even stretch marks. Not to mention dark lips, dark under-arms, dark bikini area, dark feet and hands and other similar types of darker skin care concerns on the face and body that typically Asian and black African skin suffers from.
On darker skin tones, once the underlying condition has healed, the skin experiences a darkening of colour, caused by excess melanin production. Although often referred to as “acne scarring” PIH isn’t actually a true scar. Certain antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and oral diabetic medications are some of the drugs that can also lead to hyperpigmentation.
Melasma is another common cause of hyperpigmentation in women of Asian ethnicity, mainly seen during pregnancy or if a woman is taking a hormonal contraceptive but can occur in men too. The cells that produce melanin are also more sensitive to any dermal inflammation or injury, another reason for the increased rate of PIH in darker skin tones.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation and scars on Asian and black African skin, there is a range of professional treatments and over-the-counter products to choose from but it’s important to know that treating hyperpigmentation and scars on darker skin tones requires specialist knowledge as they won’t be suited to all of the same treatments and products as Caucasian skin.
Professional treatment options for hyperpigmentation and scars include derma white treatment, marine peel treatment, dermapen, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments. Ofcourse professional treatment will be more effective than something you can pick up in your local chemist’s, we recommend the Derma White Treatment. Exclusive to The Laser Treatment Clinic, it’s been specifically designed to safely and efficiently treat hyperpigmentation and PIH Scars. Aside from offering the exclusive treatment, The Laser Treatment Clinic has over 18 years of experience in Harley Street treating dark skin, and understand that treating Asian and black African skin requires specialised knowledge and experience.
Over-the-counter products can also be used to treat hyperpigmentation but they take longer to deliver results and misuse of certain ingredients can actually lead to a worsening of the condition. Prolonged use of products containing AHAs and BHAs (exfoliating acids) irritate the skin, causing skin sensitisation and a worsening of pigmentation issues if used without wearing sunscreen during the day. Lightening agents like hydroquinone can also cause skin sensitivity and although it’s frequently prescribed as a treatment for hyperpigmentation, questions have been raised about the safety of the product – and over-the-counter products containing it – by regulatory agencies in multiple countries.
So it might seem like you’re saving money by attempting to treat your hyperpigmentation yourself but this is a false economy and you should always seek treatment from an experienced professional instead.