Are skin problems making you feel uneasy? As we get older our skin experiences many changes. It becomes more prone to wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Our skin no longer looks healthy & plumper. Our face and neck are the body parts that are most exposed to the sun. And with this exposure, Pigmentation on the face has become very common these days. 

What is Pigmentation? 

First, we need to understand what Pigmentation is. Pigmentation means when we begin to get dark spots on our skin. We also start seeing the discolouration on our face and the neck area. It is very common and not life-threatening, but it is not too pleasant to look at because of the dark patches and discolouration of the skin. 

What causes Pigmentation?

There are so many causes due to which pigmentation occurs. Dark patches or skin discolouration occur because of overexposure to harmful UV rays.

These are some factors that lead to pigmentation:

1. Overexposure to the sun: When we happen to be excessively exposed to the sun, our skin starts producing more melanin than usual and that is why skin discolouration happens and pigmentation occurs.
2. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in the hormones can also lead to pigmented skin. In females, hormonal changes remain at their peak. Changes during pregnancy or menopause can lead to pigmentation. Birth control pills cause a hormonal imbalance & ultimately leading to pigmentation.
3. Friction on the body: It mostly occurs on certain body areas such as the inner thighs, neck, elbows, and knees. These are the areas that experience a lot of rubbing. This generally happens when we wear tight clothes.
4. Acne-picking: When we start playing with our acne and burst them or keep touching them, they leave a dark spot on the skin. It can take place anywhere such as the face, arms, or thighs.
5. Genetics:  We get pigmentation or freckles on the face from our parents or ancestors also.
6. Imbalanced diet: Lack of green vegetables, fruits, and food that contain folic acid in our diet can also lead to pigmented skin. 

Types of Pigmentation

These are some types of pigmentation that happen because of certain reasons. 

1. Freckles: It is the most common type of pigmentation that occurs due to excessive exposure to sunlight. It generally happens on a light complexion. Freckles can also be hereditary. 
2. Hyperpigmentation: When our skin starts producing excess melanin, hyperpigmentation happens. Additionally, this can occur due to injuries such as cuts or burns. 
3. Melasma: It occurs when our body experiences hormonal changes during pregnancy or when it is on contraceptives. This causes dark patches on our faces. 
4. Age spots: These occur in areas that are overly exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. 
5. Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation: Also known as PIH, it is caused when our skin experiences inflammation from burns, acne, or any kind of injury. 

Treatments for Pigmentation: 

Now that you know your pigmentation type, it is time to get it treated with certain treatments. 

1. Sun Protection: Shield your skin against the sun. It is the best way to protect yourself from pigmentation. Apply sunscreen that is high in SPF in a generous amount over all exposed and unexposed body areas also while stepping out of the home or while being indoors as well. Wear a protective layer of clothing while going out in the sun. Use Astaberry Tinted + Matte Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ Light & Medium, and Astaberry Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++ for stronger sun protection. 
2. Other Treatments: Laser therapy is always an option. It breaks pigmented cells and hence, reduces the pigmentation. Chemical peels is done by applying a solution to exfoliate the upper layer of the skin. This helps in improving pigmentation. 
3. Face Serums: You must be tired of all those brown patches and skin discolouration because of harmful UV rays. You can get rid of them and you don’t have to go through laser treatments or cryotherapy. This can be achieved just by using face serums. 

• Contains Vitamin C: Harmful sun rays are the major reason for pigmentation on the skin. This serum contains ingredients such as Vitamin C that guard you against UV rays. Vitamin C boosts collagen production and provides you with brightening skin. Other benefits of the serum are it prevents premature ageing of the skin and makes it more firm. 
• Fermented Carrot Extracts: Excessive melanin is one of the main reasons for pigmentation. Fermented carrot extracts are rich in vitamins and minerals which control the production of melanin. 
• Orange Peel Extracts: It prevents your skin from getting dry and flaky which can ultimately lead to being itchy. Itchy skin can also cause pigmentation. So, orange peel extracts regulate it and provide you with youthful-looking skin. 
• Phytosqualane: It keeps your skin hydrated that soothes the skin and does not cause irritation. Moreover, phytosqualane evens out your skin tone and prevents early ageing.  

How to Prevent it? 

It is rightly said, “Prevention is Better Than Cure”. There are several ways to prevent Pigmentation from happening. The main cause of pigmentation is direct exposure to sunlight. Always protect your skin from UVA, UVB, and Blue Light Rays. They cause dark spots on the skin that leads to pigmentation.  Therefore, it is necessary to wear sunscreen before leaving home. In short, try staying out of the sun. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, it can be said that pigmentation is skin damage that has to be treated. Otherwise, it can lead to various skin disorders that can affect our health as well. So, get treated or try preventing it so that you can have healthy, nourished, and glowing skin. 

More Reading

1. What is Collagen And Discover Top Advantages of Collagen for Skin?
2. 8 Ways to Take care of your skin this summer in India
3. Explore the Newly Launched Kumkumadi range on Astaberry
4. Some Amazing Facts You Don't Know About Hyaluronic Acid
5. Skin Care Products You Need to Check Out in 2023