subject: What Other Factors Could Lead To Hyperpigmentation [print this page] Dark spots are not something you think is cute. The reason why you get dark spots is because there is an excess of melanin in your skin. It is a pigment that determines your skin color. Although the dark-skinned people are more susceptible to skin discoloration, but there is no assurance that white people do not have to deal with it. Is sun exposure the only reason why you have these awful-looking blotches? Here are 5 weird triggers of skin discoloration.
Spike In Hormones
Women are unfortunate that they often have to deal with hormone problems. Pregnant women are very familiar with this. The same goes for those taking birth control pills. A rise in your hormone level can cause a rise in melanin. This will develop melasma, another type of hyperpigmentation. You'll normally see it as dark patches on the cheeks, forehead and chin.
For pregnant women, it is referred as "the mask of pregnancy". There may also be a clear dark line running from your belly to the pubic area.
If you don't do anything about it, is should eventually disappear after childbirth. However, if it doesn't, then you can apply a skin lightening cream or use a chemical peel. Switch to another birth control pill if you think the current one is the root cause of your uneven skin tone.
Citrus Fruits
You may think nothing of the lemon or lime you add to your cocktails. I'm here to tell you to be careful of them for they can cause your skin to have streak marks. These fruits contain botanical compounds that react under the influence of the UV rays. This process is known as "bartender's burn".
So, if you spill your hands with lemon juice and walk in the sun, not only will you have sunburn but also discolored streaks that look like drip marks. How often does this happen to people? Not very often. But it's worth to pay attention when you attend the next outdoor fiesta.
Your Laptop
Who would have thought that there would be a connection between computer use and dark spots? Laptop users could end up with dark patches on the thighs. That is why you should avoid working with the laptop on your lap for prolonged hours. After a few months, the hyperpigmentation problems may arise. The prolonged low level heating radiating from the bottom of the laptop has a toasting effect on your skin. This is known as "erythema ab igne". If you still like the idea of putting the laptop on your thighs, go out and get yourself a good laptop cooler. Another idea would be to use a tray table.
Is Your Bra Too Tight?
How tight is your bra? Having a super snug fit helps to flaunt your assets and make them look good. Who would have thought that this encourages dark spots from developing. What is the explanation? When the bra is rubbing against your skin all the time, your skin become irritated. Your skin reacts and soon you see the color of your skin becoming darker. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the term "bra burn" but that is exactly what it is. That is what a majority of the doctors call this type of hyperpigmentation. The skin takes on a dark red and shiny look, almost like it has been burned.
You should get a fitted bra if you face the following situations:-
- The clasp of your bra can't stay fastened.
- The straps are so tight below your armpits that your flesh bulges out.
- The bra straps are too tight over the shoulders that it leaves a line on your skin after you take it off.
You can buy an over-the-counter skin brightening cream to overcome skin darkening due to bra problems. If that doesn't help, maybe you need to get a prescription cream. If you want fast results, then chemical peel is an option.
Have You Removed Your Facial Hair Recently
Having a shadow of a mustache is any woman's nightmare. Usually, women will use tweezers to get rid of undesirable facial hair. Wax and hair removal creams are also widely used. The trauma on the skin from tweezing could cause the skin to become inflamed. It happens if you don't get rid of the hair from the root. Depilatory creams can be harsh on the skin causing inflammation too. This will pave way for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
You could use a hydrocortisone cream if you are afraid your skin will become dark. Dab some on the infected skin. Use it sparingly though and only for a short term. Do not be lazy when it comes to caring for your skin. Use a gentle cleanser. Using a toner and exfoliator is not advisable when you have skin inflammation.
