One of the most common skin conditions in Asia is hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a skin pigmentation disorder where patches of skin tend to get darker than the rest of the face or any part of the body. It initially appears as freckles, usually around the mouth and eye, and can also appear as dark spots after pimples heal. Many of us suffer from hyperpigmentation in our early teens and if we fail to treat the condition, it is bound to get a lot worse.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
We need to understand that this condition is a genetic predisposition. Take a look at your mother and your grandma because that is a genetic blueprint that your body is going to follow. Well, to this date there has not been a single gene that is identified as the cause of hyperpigmentation. However, it can run in families as explained in a study conducted on 312 patients suffering from hyperpigmentation.  Results showed that 104 of them had a family history of pigmentation.
In addition, it is caused due to UV exposure; the amount of sun exposure to your skin affects the condition greatly. UV radiation stimulates Diacylglycerol (DAG) in your system. This upregulates the activity of melanocytes, the cells producing the pigment melanin. In addition, UV stimulates the melanocytes, which in turn stimulate hormones that produce excessive pigments. UV actually causes the skin to produce nitric oxide, which is very dangerous to the skin resulting in causing more and more melanin. Melanin is the cell that produces colour and causes the skin to appear dark. 
It can also occur during pregnancy due to endocrinological changes. The usual patterns include linea nigra, darkening of areola and melasma. The relationship among pregnancy and modified cutaneous pigmentation has been recorded for more than two centuries, recommending that sex hormones assume a part in Managing Epidermal Melanocyte (MC) homeostasis.

Get to Know the Symptoms
Hyperpigmentation initially starts as small freckles that we commonly ignore thinking that they look cute. However, these cute little freckles can gradually increase causing big dark patches on the skin that can only be removed clinically. However, you can still treat it in the early stages at your home! When you have a pimple, your body considers this to be an injury and races to the scene to treat it. At the point, when you pop your pimple, it expands the area of irritation around the pimple. The aggravation triggers melanin creation. Consequently, it can leave you with broken skin and a scar. Remember to let the pimple heal naturally. 
What many of us do not know is that hyperpigmentation mainly affects the skin of colour, especially in Hispanic, Asians and Africans.

Treatment and Products
Sunscreens
I cannot stress this enough, please wear a sunscreen when you’re going out in the sun because let’s be honest the sun does nothing but damage your skin. Use an SPF 30 or above sunscreen depending on your skin’s requirement. This is essential because it protects your skin from further damage.
Vitamin C
You can treat the early stages of hyperpigmentation using Vitamin C. It is a powerful vitamin that helps cleanse outside and inside of your body. It is an antioxidant that helps reduce acne scarring and evens out the skin tone. You can use serums containing Vitamin C or take tablets. 
Niacinamide
Also known as Vitamin B3, it is fantastic for skin of color. It is non irritating and mainly prevents melanosomes. It can help reduce inflammation, hyperpigmentation, smooth your overall skin texture and brighten your skin.
Alpha Arbutin
Alpha Arbutin is regularly showcased as a more secure option to hydroquinone (a well-known skin fixer that has been prohibited in Europe and Australia). It has comparable outcomes in lightening the skin. It lessens the shade by smothering the compounds that animate melanin. This additionally hinders the cycle by which UV light causes pigmentation, so it forestalls and treats pigmentation.
Retinoids
Retinoids are famously used for treating anti-aging. However, it contains elements that also solve acne scarring. It works by going deep beneath the skin and reducing scars. Do not use more than 2 drops as it can cause irritation.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid stops and restrains the creation of melanin and it helps fight hyperpigmentation.
Laser Therapy
If your pigmentation has reached to a state where you cannot treat it on your own, then suggested treatments are available. Laser therapy is one such treatment in which the laser discharges an energy beam that is explicitly consumed by the color in the skin and afterward destroys the pigment. The particular activity guarantees that the encompassing tissue isn't harmed.
Chemical Peels
Famous chemical peels for treating hyperpigmentation are AHA peeling (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), TCA peeling (Trichlor Vinegar) and Salicylic acid peeling. Chemical peels work by putting a mild acid on the skin that peels the old skin resulting in new and rejuvenated skin. 
Microdermobrasion
Dermabrasion utilizes more serious strategies to eliminate the top layer of the skin. A dermatologist may suggest dermabrasion for scars or to eliminate tattoos.

Take care of your skin by understanding how it reacts to certain products. Your skin will take time to heal on its own, so give it time, trust the process and be regular in treating your skin. If you’re using serums do not give up on them as the results can take a few months but if you use the right products and the right technique, you’ll definitely see a change. HH