How to deal with Hyperpigmentation in Men’s skin?

Created on 14th September 2023 by Avindo Gonsalves

Melanin is a pigment that gives our skin its dark color. Excessive production of melanin due to many reasons, results in dark patches of skin. This is known as hyperpigmentation. The reasons for hyperpigmentation are sun exposure, hormonal changes and inflammation.

Men tend to spend more time in the sun than women. This makes their skin prone to hyperpigmentation as the sun’s UV rays increase melanin production. Also, unlike women, most men don’t use makeup on their skin. Makeup can help conceal dark spots.

Therefore, it is important for men to come up with a proper skincare routine to deal with the problem of hyperpigmentation. But before that let us look at the reasons behind hyperpigmentation.

Causes of hyperpigmentation

As mentioned above, UV radiation from the sun is one of the causes of hyperpigmentation. The UV rays increase the production of melanin. Overtime, excessive sun exposure can lead to accumulation of melanin. This can result in sun spots and uneven skin tone.

Conditions like acne and psoriasis can give rise to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Also injury can trigger hyperpigmentation as the skin’s natural healing process. Some people are more prone to hyperpigmentation due to their genes.

Hormonal changes play an important role in hyperpigmentation, when it comes to pregnant women. However, for men hormonal changes don’t play a major role. Low testosterone levels can at times trigger hyperpigmentation.

Prevent hyperpigmentation

Since exposure to the sun’s UV rays is a major cause of hyperpigmentation, prevention is possible. Use a sunscreen when you move out in the open. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF above 30. Reapply the sunscreen after every two hours of staying out in the sun.

Wear clothing that covers your hands and feet, like long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Wear sunglasses that have UV protection. Also, if possible, don’t go out in the sun during the afternoons. The UV rays are most intense at this time.

Skincare routine for hyperpigmentation

A simple skincare routine is a three step process of cleansing, moisturizing and using sunscreen. If a man has hyperpigmentation then he must also exfoliate the skin.

Start by using a gentle cleanser to cleanse the face twice a day. Cleansing removes excess oil, dirt and pollution from the skin’s surface. After cleansing pat the face dry. Only use a cleanser according to your skin type.

Then moisturize your skin using a moisturizer according to your skin type. Moisturizer will help to plump up the skin and make it soft and supple. Most of the time you will need to moisturize your skin after cleansing. But in case of hyperpigmentation 1 or 2 times a week exfoliation will come after cleansing.

Use chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate your skin one or two times a week. Exfoliation will remove the dead skin cells from your face and increase the rate at which new skin cells are formed. This step will help to get rid of the dark dead skin cells which occurred due to hyperpigmentation.

After this step you can moisturize the face with your regular moisturizer. Exfoliation can be drying on the skin hence the use of moisturizer. 

While choosing skincare products for hyperpigmentation look for ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids and alpha arbutin. It is also important to have a consistent routine to see results. 

In conclusion

Men spend more time in the sun, hence their skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation. Therefore a proper skincare routine is needed for men with hyperpigmentation. Using a sunscreen and proper sun protection can prevent hyperpigmentation.

Cleansing and moisturizing twice a day, and exfoliating once or twice weekly can help one deal with hyperpigmentation.