Hormonal Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Treatments, and Skincare Tips

When your body overproduces melanin, it leads to hyperpigmentation. There are many factors that cause the overproduction of melanin. Sometimes it is the sun, other times it is medication. However, it can also be skin pigmentation due to hormonal imbalance. Hormonal pigmentation on the face may not be detrimental, but it is not something that should be ignored. You must find out the underlying cause of skin pigmentation and treat it.

Keynotes:

• The overproduction of melanin in the body causes hyperpigmentation. Hormonal imbalance in the body can cause excess melanin to be produced.
• Hormonal hyperpigmentation can be formed on the face or other parts of the body as a result of estrogen and progesterone fluctuation.
• Hormonal imbalance can take place at different stages of one's life. Factors such as sun exposure, genetics, age and medication can impact hormonal imbalance.
• Skincare products that contain thiamidol, hydroquinone, retinoids, and vitamin C are effective when it comes to treating hormonal hyperpigmentation.

The female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone can cause the overproduction of melanin. This happens when the skin is overexposed to the sun. Hormonal changes take place during pregnancy. Hence, hyperpigmentation is a common occurrence during this time as well.

Simply put, hormonal hyperpigmentation is when dark patches are formed on the skin due to hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance has a negative impact on the skin. Skin pigmentation owing to hormonal balance is commonly seen in women. Melasma or chloasma are the most common conditions due to hormone imbalance. Apart from pregnancy, factors such as stress, contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy, and thyroid disorders can also cause hyperpigmentation.

Defining Hormonal Hyperpigmentation

Hormonal hyperpigmentation on the face and other body parts is primarily the type of pigmentation that is the result of hormonal imbalance. This is seen in pregnant women due to the increase in hormonal imbalance during this time.

Common Forms of Hormonal Hyperpigmentation

Hormones and hyperpigmentation are linked to each other. An imbalance in the former results in the appearance of the latter. Some of the most common forms of hormonal hyperpigmentation are melasma or chloasma, which take place during pregnancy. These are aggravated when a person with melasma or cholasma stays under the sun for extended periods. Areas such as cheeks, nose bridge, upper lips, and the forehead are affected. Persons undergoing hormone replacement therapy are also prone to hyperpigmentation.

During the course of life, the human body undergoes hormonal changes at different stages. For instance, there is hormonal imbalance during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormones control a number of bodily processes, including reproduction, metabolism, growth, and mood. Furthermore, it can also result in unwarranted pigmentation. Please continue reading to learn more:

Hormonal Changes and Pigmentation

Hormonal changes and pigmentation, unfortunately, go hand in hand. Moreover, in certain cases, the UV rays of the sun worsen pigmentation.

The Role of Estrogen and Progesterone

When a person is pregnant, the presence of estrogen and progesterone can cause melanin to overproduce. This, in turn, causes hyperpigmentation. Also, the melanocyte-stimulating hormone increases substantially when exposed to sunlight.

Sun Exposure

Constant exposure to harsh sun rays increases the production of melanin in the body and leads to hormonal skin pigmentation. Hormonal pigmentation on the neck, face, and other body parts is possible due to sun exposure.

Genetics & Age

Genetics and age play an important role when it comes to hyperpigmentation. Age spots, which usually affect older human beings, are brought about if one has spent too much time under the sun.

Other Contributing Factors

Other factors that contribute to hyperpigmentation due to hormonal imbalance are medication, hormone replacement therapy, and thyroid-related issues.

If you suffer from problems related to hyperpigmentation, then you need not worry as there are treatment options available that can certainly lighten the pigmentation:

Sunscreen – The First Line of Defense

It is imperative that you use sunscreen lotions regularly to ward off hyperpigmentation on the face and other parts of the body. The sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher for best results.

Topical Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

There are numerous topical ingredients that are highly efficient when it comes to dealing with hyperpigmentation. Listed below are some of these ingredients:

• Thiamidol

  Thiamidol is a highly efficient active ingredient that lightens hormonal skin pigmentation. This patented product can be exclusively found in Eucerin’s skincare range.

• Hydroquinone

  Hydroquinone is used to lighten pigmentation on the skin. Despite it being highly effective, it should be used with limitations. Overusing it can irritate the skin and cause post-inflammatory pigmentation.

• Vitamin C

  Alternatively known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is extremely beneficial to the skin. It plays a crucial role in photoprotection and skin strengthening.

• Retinoids

  Retinoids, which are derived from Vitamin A, play an important role in skin health. They help reduce inflammation, regulate wrinkles, and even regulate cell growth on the skin’s surface.

Professional Treatments for Hormonal Hyperpigmentation

If the situation at hand is exceptionally bad, you may consult with your dermatologist, who can prescribe treatments such as chemical peels, laser peels, intense pulse light therapy (IPL) or microdermabrasion.

You can stay ahead of dark spots by following a skincare routine in your day-to-day life.

• Morning Routine

  You must apply sunscreen every morning before venturing out in the sun to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Eucerin has products like Eucerin’s Anti-Pigment Dual Serum to keep your skin looking young.

• Evening Routine

  Exfoliate your face once or twice every week. This helps in getting rid of dead cells on the top layer of your skin. Eucerin’s DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Cleansing Gel can be used to unclog pores and reduce impurities.

• Be Patient

  Getting rid of hyperpigmentation is a process. A process that requires patience and time to heal. So, ensure you are patient as you await the results of your treatment.

There are a few measures you can take to be in control of hormonal hyperpigmentation on the face and the rest of your body.

Consistent Sun Protection

Simply applying sun protection is not enough. It is vital that you keep reapplying sunscreen between regular intervals, ideally every two hours. Additionally, you can also opt for makeup products that have sunscreen in them. This will provide an additional layer of sunscreen.

Use Products with Proven Ingredients

Ensure you read product labels to identify the ingredients used to make your skincare products. Products with effective active ingredients like Thiamidol, hydroquinone, Vitamin C, and retinoids are your best bet.

Avoid Picking at Dark Spots

Picking at your sunspots is an absolute no. There is no good that can come from it.

Maintain a Healthy Skincare Routine

A healthy skincare routine includes avoiding skin-lightening creams for the sake of a lighter complexion.

If you are dealing with issues pertaining to hormonal hyperpigmentation, then Eucerin has solutions for you:

Eucerin Even Pigment Perfection Range

Eucerin boasts of many products that can come to your aid if you are suffering from hormonal hyperpigmentation. Products such as Anti-Pigment Day Care SPF30 or Anti-Pigment Night Care will help you remain hyperpigmentation-free.

Dermatologically Tested and Safe for Sensitive Skin

Eucerine joins hands with dermatologists and pharmacist partners with the sole objective of creating high-quality skincare products. So, they are able to recommend nothing but the best for your skincare needs.

Suitable for All Skin Types

Eucerin’s skincare range is suitable for all skin types. That includes normal skin, oily skin, dry skin, and of course, combination skin.

Nobody likes having to deal with hormonal hyperpigmentation but it is always better to fix the problem than let it persist. Although skin pigmentation is not injurious to health, there are preventative measures you can take to keep it at bay. After all, hormonal face pigmentation can chip away at your self-confidence. However, with Eucerin by your side, you have an ally to beat just that.

1. How to fix hormonal hyperpigmentation?

   Hormonal hyperpigmentation can be fixed by using good-quality products that contain Thiamidol, a revolutionary ingredient patented by Eucerin. Thiamidol also does not have side effects like hydroquinone, making it a more sought-after choice.

2. What skincare helps with hyperpigmentation?

   Using sunscreen and make-up with sunscreen helps prevent hyperpigmentation. Pairing this with avoiding harsh sun rays does the trick. As additional measures, you can also cover up when venturing out under the sun.

3. Does pigmentation make the skin dark?

   Yes, pigmentation makes the skin dark. It affects different parts of the body, including the face, neck and back. When there is more melanin production it causes pigmentation and makes the skin dark.

• Tamira Life – How to Deal with Pigmentation Due to Hormonal Imbalance
• Skin Perfection London – Which Hormone Causes Pigmentation?
• PubMed Central (PMC) – Scientific Research on Hormonal Pigmentation
• The Victorian Cosmetic Institute – Hormonal Pigmentation
• Cleveland Clinic – Understanding Hormonal Imbalance
• Medical News Today – Causes and Prevention of Hyperpigmentation
• Healthline – Hyperpigmentation Treatment: Face Acids and Microdermabrasion