Hyperpigmentation

By Lira Clinical

Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns encountered by skin care and medical professionals. It manifests as darker areas or patches on the skin and can be attributed to various causes, including hormonal changes, inflammation, and exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These changes occur due to an overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Understanding the mechanisms behind hyperpigmentation and the strategies to manage it is crucial for effective treatment.  

Types of Hyperpigmentation  

Hyperpigmentation presents itself in multiple forms, and the cause of its occurrence determines the best way it can be treated.  

Melasma  

Melasma is linked to hormonal fluctuations and is especially common in women, earning it the nickname “pregnancy mask.” It often appears as dark patches or spots on the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and chin. It can also be intensified by sun exposure.  

Freckles and Sun Damage  

Freckles and sun-induced spots (sunspots) are heavily influenced by both genetics and UV exposure. Repeated sun exposure accelerates pigmentation, leading to permanent skin spots and uneven tone. This is often exacerbated by aging.  

How to Assess Hyperpigmentation 

The skin hyperpigmentation index (SHI) is a tool used to assess the severity and extent of hyperpigmentation. This index quantifies pigmentation changes, making it useful for evaluating the presence of hyperpigmentation and monitoring its progress. 

No Pigmentation (SHI Score 0) 

A score of zero refers to no pigmentation, meaning no visible discoloration. 

Light Hyperpigmentation (SHI Score Between 1 and 2)  

This score refers to a mild increase in skin pigmentation, where the color of the skin is slightly darker than the surrounding unaffected areas. It typically shows subtly and is often seen in early stages of hyperpigmentation or after minor skin irritation or inflammation. Common characteristics of light hyperpigmentation include:  

• Pigmentation that is generally confined to small areas 
• Faint brown or tan spots 
• Contrast between affected and unaffected skin that is subtle. 

Medium Hyperpigmentation (SHI Score Between 2 and 3) 

This score indicates a moderate increase in skin pigmentation, with noticeable dark patches that contrast with the surrounding skin and cover a larger area. It is commonly seen in cases of melasma, sunspots, or PIH. Common characteristics of medium hyperpigmentation include: 

• Darker spots that are more prominent 
• Light brown to dark brown (sometimes tan) patches 
• Boundaries of hyperpigmented areas that are somewhat defined but larger and more noticeable 

Severe Hyperpigmentation (SHI Score Between 3 and 4) 

This score is characterized by a significant increase in pigmentation. The affected skin appears much darker, with large, well-defined patches easily distinguishable from normal skin. Severe hyperpigmentation is often associated with conditions like severe melasma, age spots, or pigmentation caused by deep skin injury. Common characteristics of severe hyperpigmentation include: 

• Hyperpigmented areas that are extensive, often affecting large sections of the skin 
• Dark brown or even black patches 
• Contrast with surrounding skin that is stark and can be associated with uneven skin tone across the face or body 

Melanin’s Protective Role  

Melanin serves as the body’s natural defense against UV damage, protecting internal organs and skin structures from harmful rays. However, excessive or disorganized melanin distribution in response to perceived damage—be it inflammation or sun exposure—leads to hyperpigmented areas. 

How To Treat And Manage Hyperpigmentation  

Professionals are increasingly turning to holistic approaches, which aim at reducing discoloration and restoring overall skin function and resilience. 

Prevention Is Key  

Preventing hyperpigmentation starts with protecting the skin from external aggressors. Tell clients to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily to minimize UV damage and protect the skin’s barrier. They can also employ physical barriers such as hats and  
UV-protective clothing and avoid prolonged heat exposure, which can trigger inflammation.  

Brightening Agents  

Certain skin care formulations are designed to address melanin overproduction. Common brightening ingredients include: 

• Vitamin C—A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces oxidative stress.  
• Mastiha—A resin secreted by the mastic tree from the island of Chios in Greece, mastiha brightens, calms, soothes, and repairs complex skin conditions while protecting from environmental assaults. 
• Tranexamic Acid—Inhibits the melanocyte-inducing transcription factor and melanogenesis-associated proteins. 
• Hexylresorcinol—A tyrosinase inhibitor with soothing and tightening benefits, hexylresorcinol increases UV protection and evens skin tone more effectively than hydroquinone. 
• Retinoids—Promote cell turnover, resurfacing skin layers for an improved appearance.  

While these are the well-known brightening agents, more exist, including brightening peptides such as azelaic acid, Chromabright, niacinamide, plant stem cells, etc. When selecting products, choose those clinically proven to suppress abnormal melanin accumulation. 

Addressing Root Causes  

Innovative brands, like Lira Clinical, take a comprehensive approach, targeting the inflammation, melanin, microbiome imbalance, and skin immunity challenges that fuel hyperpigmentation. More than 98 percent of Lira Clinical products offer brightening agents, underscoring the importance of consistent, science-backed interventions.  

Restoring Skin Health  

Hyperpigmentation can feel like a complicated issue, but with ongoing advancements in skin care, there are solutions that restore even tone and brightness. By understanding the underlying causes and incorporating preventive and corrective measures, skin care professionals can deliver transformative results.  

Lira Clinical 

Pure Peel Protocol 

Lira Clinical’s Pure Peel is a unique resurfacing solution that introduces acetic acid blended with AHAs and BHAs. Additionally, the formulation is enhanced with the unique incorporation of fermented jasmonic and phytic acids to stimulate cell regeneration, brighten complexion, and refine skin texture. The incorporation of mastiha oil delivers added brightening and pore-refining benefits. This smart peel solution provides both a sensory and skin-enhancing experience. Expect brighter, smoother, more youthful-looking skin, even with just one treatment.  

Step 1  

Double cleanse skin with BIO Enzyme Cleanser and PRO Exfoliating Cleanser. 

Step 2  

Apply ICE Refining Masque to facial area for 5–10 minutes. Remove with a tepid barber towel, making sure the mask is completely removed from the skin. 

Step 3  

Apply a small amount of HEALTH Recovery Balm to lips, eyelids (upper and lower), and around the nostrils. 

Step 4  

Using rough gauze or a 2x2 esthetics wipe, apply Pure Peel to entire area with a sectional crosshatch pattern on the forehead, perimeter of the face, jawline, chin, nose, cheeks, and upper lip area. (Note: Pure Peel incites a 30–60-second sensory experience. A fan can be used to manage temporary discomfort.) Allow the solution to fully penetrate for 1–3 minutes with the client’s activity level subsiding before proceeding. The Pure Peel is self-neutralizing and does not need to be removed. Allow the skin to rest for a minimum of 3–7 minutes. Up to three layers can be applied. Watch for erythema and frosting. 

Step 5  

Apply 1–2 drops of Pure Hyaluronic to the entire treated area. To allow maximum penetration, let the skin absorb for 3–5 minutes. 

Step 6  

Massage one pump of PRO Retinal-Plus Treatment into the skin. Finish with SPF Solar Shield 30 Oil Free over the entire face for sun protection. For optimal results, encourage the client not to wash their face for a minimum of 12 hours.