Pigmentation Problems: Why DIY Treatments Can Do More Harm Than Good There are many factors that contribute to the complex process of the ...
Pigmentation Problems: Why DIY Treatments Can Do More Harm Than Good
There are many factors that contribute to the complex process of the body’s production of our skin’s pigmentation. For some individuals, the amount of pigmentation produced by the body may be excessive, especially when there are underlying reasons that trigger the disproportionate formation of pigmentation. When this happens, dark patches appear on the surface of the skin.
In this day and age where beauty and skincare have become a priority for many people, the demand for products and treatments to achieve healthy and flawless skin has surged. There are now many skincare cosmetics and products in the market that are within easy reach. These products each have their own claims to provide successful results. However, when it comes to pigmentation problems, the reality is using DIY treatments can exacerbate your condition instead of clearing it out.
What you need to know about pigmentation
Melanin is a pigment naturally produced by special cells in the body called melanocytes. This is what gives our skin its specific and organic colour. There are different factors that influence the body’s production of melanin, including:
- Genes: This plays a vital role in identifying our skin’s baseline tone.
- Hormones: Fluctuations and imbalances in the body’s hormones can trigger changes in the process of pigmentation production. The usual causes of hormonal fluctuations or imbalances are pregnancy, use of contraceptives, hormonal replacement therapy, or intake of certain medications.
- Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions, such as acne or other injuries to the skin can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
- Sun exposure: The sun’s rays cause ultraviolet (UV) radiation that provokes the production of melanin as a response of the body to protect the skin from damage. This leads to pigmentation formation or tanning.
Types of Pigmentation Changes
There are mainly two types of pigmentation changes that can happen in the skin:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
Hyperpigmentation refers to excessive amounts of melanin production in the skin that causes patches of dark on the skin’s surface. Examples of which are age spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and sunspots.
Hypopigmentation is a result of the lack of melanin production, which results in patches of lighter skin. Conditions like vitiligo or some infections caused by fungus are examples of this type of pigmentation change.
Common ingredients used in OTC products
While the ingredients specified below are indeed effective for skin lightening, they can harm your skin when not applied correctly.
- Highly concentrated acids: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) in very high concentrations can burn or irritate the skin severely.
- Hydroquinone: Prolonged use of hydroquinone can cause the skin to turn bluish-black in colour. This complication is called ochronosis. Due to this side effect, many countries have banned or restricted the use of hydroquinone.
- Steroids: Steroids have the ability to lighten the skin, but this ingredient can also lead to skin thinning, stretch marks, and other complications.
Dangers of DIY treatments using OTC products
Using over-the-counter products to treat pigmentation problems can look like a quick and easy fix. However, doing pigmentation treatments on your own without the guidance of an expert can put your skin at risk. Here are some dangers of do-it-yourself (DIY) treatments:
- Allergic reactions and inflammation: Many skincare products that can be bought over-the-counter (OTC) contain strong ingredients and chemicals that can be harsh to the skin. When used, this can lead to irritation, causing allergic reactions, itching, and inflammation.
- Improper diagnosis: Self-diagnosis is very much common nowadays, especially when information is available at your fingertips, thanks to the internet. It is important to remember that when it comes to the different conditions involving the body’s health, the information presented in the world wide web should only serve its purpose literally and that is to inform. Diagnosing any condition on your own can be inaccurate, which can lead to the usage of the wrong products and cause your condition to become worse.
- Long-term skin damage: Extended use of products that contain ingredients to lighten the skin can result in increased sun sensitivity, thinning of the skin, and uneven skin tone.
- Uneven lightening: The intensity of skin lightening when using certain products can lead to patchy skin.
- Worsening of Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Products that are used to scrub or peel the skin can cause the skin to become inflamed further and exacerbate PIH.
Practicing safety when managing pigmentation
You can help your skin improve and avoid further damage by applying safe practices, such as:
- Consulting with a professional: Treating your pigmentation problems should always be under the guidance of a dermatologist in order to ensure that your skin is taken care of properly.
- Extend your patience: Treating your pigmentation problems can take time. The key to achieving improvement is consistency and patience.
- Protect your skin: Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above to prevent further development of hyperpigmentation whether you are indoors or outdoors. Put on protective accessories or clothing to shield your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, especially when exposed for a long period of time.
- Use gentle skincare products: Be mindful when choosing products to use on your skin. Avoid cleansers, exfoliants, and scrubs that can be too harsh and cause skin irritation.
Why consulting with a professional is important when treating pigmentation problems
Dermatologists are trained to diagnose various conditions in the skin. By assessing your condition, they can accurately diagnose your pigmentation problem and strategically plan a treatment that is customised to address your needs. There are many approaches that can be done and combined depending on your condition. The treatment plan can involve the use of chemical peels or other procedures using high powered devices and done in the clinic and performed by your dermatologist as well as topical medications. Dermatologists can also give you proper guidance on how to take good care of your skin in order to avoid other pigmentation issues.
Final word
Pigmentation problems should always be approached with caution. Treating your pigmentation problems on your own with OTC products may seem easy and cost effective, but when improperly done, this can cause your problem to become worse. Further damage to your skin can make it more difficult to treat and cost you more money. Hence, it is crucial to get the opinion of a dermatologist regarding your pigmentation concern and let only the specialists treat them to obtain optimum results.
–
Dr David Ng
One Face Clinic
1 Tras Link #02-03 Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
+65 6222 2262
