Serums for Dark Spots
Hyperpigmentation and melasma can occur due to an overproduction of melanin in isolated areas of our face and body. This is what gives rise to dark patches on the skin. Although melasma and hyperpigmentation look very similar, there are subtle differences between melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term used to describe a patch of skin that becomes noticeably darker than the surrounding skin of the same area. This umbrella term covers a number of more specific conditions such as dark marks, sun spots and melasma.
Sunspots and dark marks are unilateral and can cover any area of the body and be any shape or size. They can arise due to inflammation or trauma to the skin such as cuts, rashes, repeated sun exposure and topical products causing inflammation. Removal of the source (such as inflammation) will usually reverse the hyperpigmentation but this can linger for months in darker skin individuals.
Melasma
In contrast, melasma usually presents as bilateral patches on the face. It can also be on the chin, lips and forehead. Melasma occurs due to hyperactive melanocyte activity in certain individuals. People with Fitzpatrick Skin Type III to VI are more prone to melasma due to having larger melanocytes.
What triggers an increase in melanocyte activity?
Excessive sun exposure, changes to hormone levels, acne and heat can cause inflammation of the skin, thus triggering our body to produce excess melanin. Changes to hormone levels and chronic sun exposure are typically the main cause of melasma in females.
Ethnicity also affects melanocyte activity, giving greater preference to individuals with skin of colour.
The length of time it takes to treat melasma or to remove dark spots will depend on the layers of skin cells that are affected and what products or procedures are used. Melasma is usually more difficult to treat and does not resolve on its own without treatment or removal of the trigger.
The best approach to removing dark spots is to employ a combination of drugs that target different pathways in melanin synthesis.
