Understanding how hyperpigmented scars form is the first step in treating and preventing them. There are many causes of hyperpigmentation scars, and some skin types are more susceptible to developing them.
Learning more about your skin is a great way to choose an appropriate hyperpigmentation scar treatment, avoid triggers and prevent reoccurrence.
Luckily, there are effective skin healing strategies that can help you battle and prevent developing a pigmented scar that can also improve the general health of your skin,
What Are Hyperpigmented Scars?
Hyperpigmented scars manifest as darkened patches or spots on the skin. They range from small to medium in size and can appear light brown to dark brown or even grey in color. Unlike keloid or hypertrophic scars, hyperpigmented scars lie flush with the skin and lack a raised or textured surface.
They can develop anywhere on the body but are most common in areas prone to acne, sun exposure, or injury and can affect all skin types.
When the skin experiences damage or inflammation, melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color) is produced in excess as part of the healing process, leading to hyperpigmented scarring.
Common Causes of Hyperpigmented Scars
Hyperpigmentation scarring can occur when the skin is injured, inflamed, or traumatized. Inflammation experienced in the localized area triggers the response of melanin production as part of the skin’s healing process.
Some people are more likely to develop hyperpigmentation due to underlying medical conditions (like Addison’s Disease) and genetic predisposition.
However, certain lifestyle factors, such as excessive sun exposure, smoking, poor skincare routine, wound care, and diet, can exacerbate the likelihood of developing pigmented scars and their effectiveness in healing.
Hormonal changes, such as melasma, and those occurring during pregnancy can also trigger hyperpigmented scars, as well as some medications. These can include oral contraceptives and antidepressants.
Generally, medication-induced hyperpigmentation will appear more widespread on the skin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Pigmentation caused by trauma to the skin (such as a cut, incision or burn) is known as ‘post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation’ (PIH) and is typically localized. This kind of pigmentation scarring is often caused by skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, though surgery and other injuries can also trigger it.
The skin naturally produces melanin as a healing response to cope with the inflammation caused by the trauma, releasing melanocytes (pigment cells) to make more pigment in the skin. This is seen more frequently in those with naturally darker skin tones, where PIH can take months to resolve.
Sunlight stimulates PIH, so all skin types should use sun protection to prevent hyperpigmentation from developing or recurring.
Sun Exposure and Hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure increases the possibility of developing hyperpigmented scarring, as melanin is produced in excess to help protect the skin from UV damage.
It is essential to take care of your skin. If you have a recent scar, UV exposure can also exacerbate hyperpigmentation, so wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF daily and frequently reapply to help protect against complications during healing and skin cancer.
Treatment Options for Hyperpigmented Scars
Once the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation scarring is considered and hopefully removed, various treatment paths, both invasive and non-invasive, are available.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments, especially those made of natural oils and vitamins, can be used as a non-invasive way to help improve the appearance of hyperpigmented scars. These can easily be incorporated into your daily skincare regime and have been shown to help the appearance of hyperpigmentation scars and other marks caused by injury, acne, and other conditions.
Cosmetic Procedures
Many cosmetic procedures claim to improve hyperpigmented scars. Scar revision therapy options include microneedling, chemical peels, and laser treatments. These treatments claim to stimulate new collagen production. Some evidence suggests that chemical peels can help stimulate collagen production and ‘more evenly distribute melanin.’
However, always seek counsel from a board-certified dermatologist before opting for cosmetic procedures to avoid worsening hyperpigmentation symptoms. Cosmetic treatment should always be followed up with a healthy skincare routine, which includes protecting the skin with sunscreen, limiting sun exposure, and keeping it hydrated to support healing.
Preventing Hyperpigmented Scars
Limiting sun exposure and wearing a broad-spectrum SPF can help protect the skin from UV damage, which can worsen hyperpigmentation.
Healthy lifestyle choices, such as incorporating a healthy skincare routine, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, can also help reduce the likelihood of developing hyperpigmented scars.
If you have an active wound, practice proper wound care and follow-up treatments. Avoid picking at the skin, aggressive scrubbing, or treating it with harsh skin care products, as these can increase inflammation and scarring.
Instead, stick to a gentle skincare routine that keeps your skin healthy and hydrated. Choosing products with nourishing ingredients can help protect your skin without feeling heavy. Once your skin has fully healed, applying a light layer of Skincare Oil can lock in moisture and promote long-term hydration. A non-comedogenic oil works for all skin types and won’t clog your pores
Do Hyperpigmented Scars Fade Over Time?
Hyperpigmented scars can take many weeks or years to fade. Your estimated recovery time depends on the root cause of the pigmentation, genetic makeup, depth of scarring, and whether interventions are used to help speed up the recovery process.
Hyperpigmentation from Acne and Eczema: Specific Considerations
The physiology of different skin types can affect the detection of the severity of inflammation that leads to hyperpigmentation. Those suffering from eczema also experience increased skin sensitivity and must pay special attention to avoid harsh topical treatments. Hyperpigmentation eczema scars are often either inflamed or dry, depending on the healing stage.
The extent of eczema in darker skin types is often underestimated because inflammation and the stages of hyperpigmentation may not be as easily visible or recognized.
Patients with darker skin tones are also more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as a result of acne. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests using non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your skin to prevent acne. Care should also be taken to avoid picking the skin and using harsh irritating products, as these habits can also hinder hyperpigmentation acne scars treatment.
When to Consult a Dermatologist
A certified dermatologist can accurately diagnose and treat hyperpigmented scars effectively, especially in cases that require secondary consideration, like eczema and acne sufferers. It is imperative to seek professional advice before using harsh creams or cosmetic procedures that claim to lighten the skin, as these can cause reactions and more damage.
This is particularly important for darker skin types, who are more at risk of developing hyperpigmentation.
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The key ingredients in Bio-Oil® have a synergistic effect that helps to reduce the appearance of scars with regular application. Vitamins A and E help to soothe and smooth skin’s outer layer, improving the appearance of UV-damaged skin tone, while Bisabolol’s skin-conditioning action helps reduce uneven skin tone when combined with these vitamins.
Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil is clinically proven to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, with 93% of subjects recording an improvement after 6 weeks and 86% showing significant improvement on the face after 12 weeks.
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