Did you know? July is Hyperpigmentation / Melasma Awareness Month; an annual awareness event designed to educate us about these common skin conditions, their causes and the treatment options available. As an advanced skin specialist and laser expert in Liverpool, Amanda Azzopardi is no stranger to either of these complexion complaints – so let’s talk about them!

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition which manifests as the darkening of certain areas of the skin. These patches of hyperpigmentation occur when an excess of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour) forms deposits in the skin.  Hyperpigmentation can affect people of all skin types and can occur in small patches, cover large areas or affect the entire body.

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to hyperpigmentation – there are in fact, various different types:

1. Hormonal hyperpigmentation (aka melasma) – which usually manifests in solid patches and is more prominent on the forehead, nose, chin & cheeks
2. Hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure (usually referred to as sunspots, age spots or liver spots) – which can occur randomly on all parts of the body 

3. Hyperpigmentation caused by trauma or injury to the skin (aka post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH) – which can occur after a procedure, through an injury or a surgical procedure/ trauma to the skin.

So, what is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition characterised by the appearance of dark, discoloured patches on the skin. These patches typically occur on areas of the face exposed to the sun, such as the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip. Melasma can also appear on other parts of the body that receive significant sun exposure, like the forearms and neck.

Melasma is caused by an overproduction of melanin: the pigment responsible for the colour of your skin, hair and eyes. Several factors can trigger this overproduction, including:

– Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can trigger melasma. This is why it is common during pregnancy (referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” or chloasma), in women taking oral contraceptives, or in those undergoing hormone replacement therapy

– Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun stimulate melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, leading to the development or worsening of melasma

– Genetic Predisposition: A family history of melasma increases your likelihood of developing the condition

– Skin Type: Individuals with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI) are more prone to melasma

– Medications: Certain medications, including some anti-seizure drugs, can make the skin more susceptible to melasma

– Cosmetic Products: Irritating cosmetics can trigger or exacerbate melasma.

What’s the difference between Hyperpigmentation and Melasma?

As discussed, hyperpigmentation and melasma are both conditions characterised by darkening of the skin due to an excess of melanin… but they have different causes, characteristics and treatment approaches. 

While melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation with distinct triggers and characteristics, hyperpigmentation is a broader term encompassing various conditions that cause skin darkening. Understanding the differences helps in choosing the appropriate treatment and management strategies for each condition. Some of the key differences include:

• Root cause: Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of factors; including sun exposure, inflammation, medications, and medical conditions… whereas melasma is primarily triggered by hormonal changes and sun exposure
• Appearance: Whereas hyperpigmentation varies in size and shape, ranging from small spots to large patches, melasma typically appears as larger, symmetrical patches on the face
• Affected Population: Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone, but certain types of pigmentation are more common in individuals with darker skin tones. Melasma on the other hand is more common in women, particularly those who are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives, or undergoing hormone therapy

How do we treat Hyperpigmentation and / or Melasma at Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics?

“Treatments I’d recommend to address hyperpigmentation include laser treatments, resurfacing peels and prescription skincare; which can be used every day at home to suppress the melanin,” Amanda advises. Chemical Peels at Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics use acids to exfoliate the top layer of skin, helping to fade dark spots. Our team can also target unwanted hyperpigmentation with laser energy to break down excess melanin, using our cutting-edge LaseMD Ultra device.

Prescription, at-home skincare can be used daily to suppress the melanin at a cellular level; working to clear the brown spots off the surface of the skin.This will leave your skin looking fresher, brighter & more rejuvenated… as well as looking less tired & more even.

There is no complete cure for hyperpigmentation. You can treat it and suppress it, however, any further exposure to the trigger will cause a re-occurrence of the initial flareup. Therefore, the gold standard for long- term treatment of hyperpigmentation is using prescribed skincare at home. Amanda often prescribes her patients hydroquinone, which blocks the production of pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase… combining it with tretinoin, vitamin C & SPF. These are prescription only skincare products that a medical professional will recommend to you (depending on your needs) to keep your skin fresh and glowing for many years to come.

Raising Awareness

Hyperpigmentation is a manageable condition with a variety of treatment options available. It’s important to consult with a skin expert to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment for individual cases. Regular sun protection and a proper skincare regimen are crucial in preventing and managing hyperpigmentation… so don’t scrimp on that SPF!

If you found this post useful, feel free to share it. Education is key, and the team at Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics hope that by sharing useful articles like this one, we can empower readers in  better understanding their skin, taking control over their complexion, embracing their ageing journey and allowing them to make informed choices when it comes to aesthetic treatments and skincare.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Amanda Azzopardi, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Aesthetic Medicine Prescriber, specialises in ageing-related changes. With a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, she's trained at the renowned Harley Academy in London and the Level 7 accredited Derma Medical Academy. Boasting over 15 years of global experience in acute medical settings and extensive aesthetic insurance, Amanda combines care, skill, and professionalism to ensure your treatments are in trustworthy hands.