The Impact of Sun Exposure on Hyperpigmentation

If hyperpigmentation is making you self-conscious, Dr. Alison Fischer, Dr. Robert Fischer, Dr. David Minor, and the team at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery in Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Tulsa, OK, can help through personalized treatment. 

Understanding Hyperpigmentation and How the Sun Impacts It 

 Put simply, hyperpigmentation is a term used for areas of the skin that are darker than the rest. They are also referred to as age spots or sun spots and typically show up on areas where the sun normally touches the skin, such as the hands. Below, Dr. Alison, Dr. Robert, and Dr. Minor at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery in Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Tulsa, OK, explain how these spots occur and how the sun takes a toll. 

The Skin’s Response to the Sun 

 Did you know that your skin has a natural sunscreen? Melanin is a pigment in the eyes, skin, and hair. When the skin is exposed to the sun, the production of melanin increases in order to protect you. This is why your skin darkens when in the sun. 

Unfortunately, various things can impact this process, including inflammation, hormones, genetics, medication, age, injuries to the skin, and more. Such factors often lead to uneven areas of melanin – or hyperpigmentation. 

The Effects of Sun Exposure 

 We need the vitamins and other healthy things that the sun delivers to our body, but there are unwanted side effects of prolonged sun exposure. When you get too much sun – especially if you get sunburned – it can lead to an inflammatory response. This can both worsen current areas of hyperpigmentation and create new ones. As such, it’s imperative to take the following precautions: 

• Wear sunscreen when outdoors and protective clothing. 
• If you are outdoors for prolonged periods, reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours. 
• Try to avoid prolonged exposure between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, as the UV rays are most intense at this time. 

Treating Hyperpigmentation 

 Generally speaking, the most harm that comes from uneven skin is done to your self-esteem. Additionally, these spots often fade over time. However, if they are bothering you, there are treatments available to help, some of which include: 

• Topical creams 
• Chemical peels 
• Laser therapy 
• Lifestyle adjustments 

 Our team can develop a personalized plan of care for your needs and preferences. 

Let Dr. Alison, Dr. Robert, and Dr. Minor at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery help you address embarrassing hyperpigmentation by calling our Tulsa office at (918) 760-0700, our Muskogee office at (918) 840-5276, or our Broken Arrow office at (918) 770-4599 to schedule an appointment today.