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Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes dark spots and discoloration to form in patches on the skin. It commonly shows up on the face, underarms, inner thighs, and legs.
The most common cause of hyperpigmentation, especially on lighter skin tones, is overexposure to the sun. Hyperpigmentation is present in all skin types, but it can be especially pronounced on black skin. Though darker skin tones naturally have more melanin, which helps to limit sun damage, PIH or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (hyperpigmentation caused by wound healing) is especially common on skin of color, withover 65% of African Americans experiencing symptoms. Freckles, rosacea, birthmarks, and sunspots are all different manifestations of hyperpigmentation that can appear anywhere on the body.
There are many things that can cause hyperpigmentation including:
Once dark spots appear, they are hard to remove without intervention by a dermatologist or over-the-counter topical products and supplements. In fact, it's likely the number one skin concern of black people and especially older people, according to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology.
Treating hyperpigmentation is a delicate balance of obtaining results without irritating the skin, and stimulating PIH. Hyperpigmentation is not harmful, but many people seek to reduce spots and uneven skin tonewithoutreducing their skin's natural pigment overall. Certain chemical peels and laser treatments meant to help treat hyperpigmentation can end up causing more harm than good for people of color, because the irritation from these procedures can then cause PIH.
Dr. Andrew Alexis, an expert dermatologist who specializes in treating skin of color, advised that in order to treat hyperpigmentation and specifically PIH, you need to first manage the source of inflammation, such as acne. Otherwise, it is like an endless circle of treating an area with an overproduction of melanin, but creatingnew hyperpigmentation in its place. Many brightening ingredients (such as hydroquinone) have mildly irritating ingredients which can have an impact on overall skin color, texture, and quality. Instead, the following gentle treatments are advised to holistically and delicately treat and prevent hyperpigmentation.
Effective treatments depend on the depth of the pigmentation, how broadly it has spread, and the primary cause of the pigmentation. Before you begin any of these treatments, consult a dermatologist, particularly one that is skilled in working with skin of color.
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In recent years, the benefits of collagen have begun to be recognized among those who are serious about their health and perhaps are wanting to explore an "alternative" diet like keto or paleo. If you already follow a paleo or keto diet, you might be interested to know how collagen and collagen peptides can ensure that you've got your amino-acid bases covered.
You might also be wondering if intermittent fasting is a passing fad, like television or the internet. Maybe you've got no one to discuss your autophagy with or whether your ketosis will prevent you from passing the MCTs. Relax, pour yourself a cup of bulletproof coffee, and let's take a little collagen break together. Your Collagen College orientation is about to begin!
Liquid collagen is a buzzy new take on the cult classic dietary supplement, collagen. Collagen supplements are used by skincare enthusiasts, new mothers,ultra-runners, recovering athletes, and bodybuilders alike. Liquid collagen was originally intended to be taken orally. Now, rather than just adding a bit of collagen to a moisturizer or eye cream, many people are wondering if you can get the same benefits by applying it directly to the skin. Though it's a fairly new product, here's what we know!
