Find out what is hyperpigmentation and why it happens

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin caused by the presence of dark spots. It is often caused by an abnormal, usually high, amount of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour). Types of hyperpigmentation include:

• Age spots.
• Melasma: brown or grey spots that often appear on both sides of the face, cheeks, and upper lip.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which may appear in areas where skin eruptions have occurred, especially if acne lesions are scratched, touched, or pressed.

Some causes of this condition are (Fathi, 2021; Gabbara, 2022):

• Inflammation of the skin.
• Medications such as contraceptive pills.
• Hormonal related diseases system such as Addison's disease.
• Excess iron in the body.
• Frequent sun exposure.
• Pregnancy.
• Menopause.

Why does pigmentation and other skin problems happen during menopause?

Hormonal changes produced during menopause, especially in oestrogen levels (female hormone) are the causes of hyperpigmentation, hair loss and dry skin. Oestrogen promotes water retention and plumpness in the skin. When it drops below normal levels, the molecules that help keep the skin moisturised are lost. Oestrogen also contributes to hair growth and fullness. Low levels of this hormone are the main cause of menopause symptoms (Cleveland Clinic, 2021)

What can you do to prevent hyperpigmentation and other skin problems during menopause?

Use SPF

UV radiation in excess can worsen the dark spots in your skin, so keep exposure to a minimum and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every day (Gabbara, 2022).

Choose quality serum

This is a good option to combat this issue, especially those with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, which can reduce persistent dark spots and help the skin glow (Gabbara, 2022). Vitamin C is crucial for the skin because it has an inhibiting effect on the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme critical in melanin generation, and, thus, a determinant factor for skin pigmentation.

Use retinol

Retinol is known as an efficient partner for skincare due to its antiaging abilities and it can also be an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation. Retinol, like vitamin C, can stop tyrosinase production, and (Gabbara, 2022):

• Has an exfoliant effect.
• Helps maintain a more consistent skin tone.

Take lukewarm showers

Hot showers strip the skin off its natural oils, resulting in dryness. Therefore, another tip to avoid this condition is to keep them short and lukewarm. Furthermore, moisturise your skin immediately after you towel off, as it can absorb ingredients better when it’s still damp (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

Always check with a professional

Prolonged use of some chemicals can cause irritation and skin problems (UHealth, 2021). Therefore, before starting any treatment or action, you should consult your dermatologist. Put into practice these tips to benefit your skin and help you look and feel great. References Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Here’s how menopause affects your skin and hair. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/heres-how-menopause-affects-your-skin-and-hair/ Das, S. (2021). Hyperpigmentation. Manual MSD. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/pigment-disorders/hyperpigmentation?query=hyperpigmentation Fathi, R. (2021). Abnormally dark or light skin. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003242.htm Gabbara, A. (2022). Treating Hyperpigmentation on Darker Skin Tones. American Association of Retired Persons . https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/style-trends/info-2022/treating-hyperpigmentation-darker-skin-tones.html?intcmp=AE-ENT-TOENG-TOGL Sissons, B. (2021). What to know about hyperpigmentation? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323808 University of Miami Health System . (2021). What is Hyperpigmentation? https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/what-is-hyperpigmentation/