Hyperpigmentation is one of the common problems among people all over the world. Ultraviolet rays of the sun can make this condition worse and cause it to remain longer. Regardless of all skin types, it is important to take appropriate measures to protect your skin from harmful sun rays to avoid worsening of hyperpigmentation or to heal this condition as fast as possible.
Hyperpigmentation:
The skin is an active organ that performs numerous functions to maintain the overall health of our inner body. The protective functions utilize immunity and provide pigment to protect us from harmful radiation, including ultraviolet rays of the sun. These sun rays are the culprit that induces visible extrinsic skin aging. Hyperpigmentation is defined as the condition that causes the skin to darken. It can occur in spots and small patches. The skin problem can cover large areas or can affect the entire body. This is not at all harmful but can lead to another medical condition. It occurs due to the presence of excessive melanin (the pigment responsible for most of the color of our skin) in the skin cells. Hyperpigmentation related to melanin is one of the major reasons people visit dermatologists.
Azelaic Acid – A Solution to Hyperpigmentation:
Various types of acne treatment including chemical peels and laser therapy are mistakenly blamed for the creation of hyperpigmentation marks, but it is the skin inflammatory process that creates them. Some people call them as scars; they are temporary and fade away with time. People with hyperpigmentation problem describe this as more concerning than the acne vulgaris itself.
Before treating hyperpigmentation, make sure that your skin completely clear from active acne as this will help in preventing future hyperpigmentation. Once you are sure that your skin is free of acne, you can go for a treatment to reduce the appearance of dark spots you might have. Topical treatments are the best and safest choice for treating hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid Cream is one of the agents which have been shown to affect melanin production and reduce hyperpigmentation. Derived from barley and wheat, the beneficial component has been used in a variety of skin care conditions including acne, inflammation, skin healing, etc. Commonly Azelaic Acid Cream has drawn the attention for its acne benefits and then it is considered to be as an agent to reduce melanin production. Azelaic acid is also effective in brightening dark spots on the face as well as other parts of the body that have hyperpigmentation. It is safe for all kinds of skin people. It is supplied in the form creams, gel, and lotions for topical use. The component is highly effective in brightening dull skin and even out skin complexion. It is suitable for people with sensitive skin also as it has the ability to reduce inflammation.
How it works to treat Hyperpigmentation:
When applied topically, Azelaic Acid lightens your overall skin complexion by reducing melanin production. It carries this process by inhibiting an enzyme that stimulated melanin production. The beneficial component combats hyperpigmentation by suppressing the growth of melanin-producing cells called melanocytes that leads to skin issues like malignant, melasma, lentigo, and other hyperpigmentation problems. It stops the growth of melanocytes by inhibiting the DNA synthesis of abnormal pigment producing cells and basically killing them.
Azelaic Acid Application
Apply a small amount of preparation (cream) to the hyperpigmented prone skin once or twice daily. It is specially formulated for people who are not able to tolerate hydroquinone products. You can see improvement in the dark marks over a period of six months.
Azelaic acid is safe for long term use for women during pregnancy but it is always advisable to consult your dermatologist before you start any skin care cream. Lactating mothers are advised not to use this product. People with sensitive or pre-existing skin conditions like eczema may find it difficult to apply due to the irritating property of the formula.
While applying the formulation, make sure that you keep it away from the mouth and other mucous membranes. If in case, it comes in contact with the eyes, wash eyes with running water and consult a dermatologist if eye irritation persists.
Adverse Effects
Azelaic acid is not known to pose a risk of serious health complications, the agent may cause minor unwanted effects that disappear with time. Among the most common complaints associated with the topical usage of the component are redness, due to excessive dryness, and flaking. Mild tingling, burning sensations, may also occur. These symptoms disappear over the period of time with repeated use of the product or reducing the number of application from twice to once a day.
Ways of Dealing Hyper pigmentation At Home
It is said that prevention is always better than cure. So, before it gets too late, start applying an effective sunscreen daily as this is the key to preventing and minimize the appearance of dark spots. Apply a sunscreen lotion of a good brand 15 minutes before stepping out in the sun, wash and reapply the sunscreen lotion in every 2 to 3 hours as the sun protection lasts or a limited period.
