DARK MARKS. WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Dark marks on the face and body are one of the most common skin problems amongst Kenyan women. It is not just a physical condition; it can also leave your self-esteem impacted. So, what are these spots, why do they occur and how can they be treated?

Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, are caused by an excess production of melanin. Melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its colour, is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. When the skin produces more melanin than usual, the excess pigment gives the affected area a darker look than the skin around it.

WHAT CAUSES HYPERPIGMENTATION?

There are many different reasons for hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the face. One of the main causes is the sun’s UV rays. Other causes include inflammation of the skin, acne and breakouts (skin injury), hormonal changes and menopause. Daily sun exposure will cause further darkening of pigmentation.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION

WHAT IS POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION?

As the name already suggests, this type of hyperpigmentation is the result of an injury or inflammation of the skin. After the skin has been damaged or irritated, it sometimes leaves those dark spots. Blemishes are caused by micro-inflammation, which is why, after the blemishes have healed, you may be left with post-acne dark marks.

WHAT ARE SUN SPOTS?

Sunspots, also called liver spots, are the most common type of hyperpigmentation. They’re related to an excess of sun exposure. UV rays trigger the production of melanin which causes the uneven pigmentation. Melanin, the body’s defence against UV rays, rises when we expose our skin to the sun. It is also responsible for our “tanned” complexion in the summer. Usually, sunspots appear on parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun - like the face and hands. Freckles are the most common form of sun pigmentation.

WHAT IS MELASMA?

Melasma can be caused by hormonal changes. This usually happens during pregnancy, when the body changes, and the skin along with it. That’s why Melasma is often called the “Mask of Pregnancy”.

THE FORMATION OF AGE SPOTS

Some people suffer from a form of hyperpigmentation that is simply caused by age. Usually as we age, dark spots appear on the face and the hands. One reason for age spots is, when we age, the cells that hold melanin increase in size and therefore they are able to hold more melanin - which in turn forms darker aging spots on our skin.

MENOPAUSE ACNE AND DARK MARKS

When women reach menopause, their hormones change drastically. Hair loss, hot flushes and sometimes even mild forms of memory loss are daily experiences for some women during that time. Skin changes also occur, sometimes resulting in menopause acne. However, menopause acne and hyperpigmentation can be treated.

HOW TO PREVENT HYPERPIGMENTATION

The most important thing to remember when it comes to preventing dark spots on the face or body is sun protection. Use sun protection with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, and make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours when you spend your day in the sun. In addition, make sure to avoid sun exposure during its strongest hours in the day — the midday sun will damage your skin the most because the UV radiation is strongest then. SPF is key!