Remove Pigmentation on Hands
What causes dark pigmentation on the hands?
There are a few different yet common causes. One of them is sun damage or ‘sun spots’. A symptom of premature aging is sun spots. Especially for people that drive a lot. The sun rays are magnified as they come through the glass window. As a result, drivers are more prone to premature aging caused by sun damage on the hands.
Aging is another cause of hyperpigmentation on the hands. As we age, we start to get hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. This can be part of the aging process, especially for people that naturally have freckles.
Genetics is another cause. Genetically there are people who are prone to freckling and pigmented blemishes on the skin.
Another reason for pigment on the hands is scarring from trauma to the skin, especially on certain skin tones.
How can I lighten my hyperpigmentation on my hands?
Treatment wise, the best option is IPL phototherapy treatments on the hands. Because the skin on the hands is thinner than areas such as the forearms or the face that we typically treat, you tend to get faster results with IPL treatments.
How does phototherapy remove pigmentation on the hands?
The energy that is emitted from the IPL device penetrates directly into the layer of the skin that holds the melanin cells. It heats those pigment cells to the point of destruction. The body then processes and digests these cells which then causes the sloughing that happens over the pigmented areas of the skin.
When these cells make their way up to the surface of the skin, they take on a very fine scab-like appearance similar to little granules of coffee grinds at the surface. In other words, they are visible. The more pigmentation there is, the more dramatic the process will look. In mild cases you see a slight sloughing.
Alternative treatments
Not everyone is eligible for IPL phototherapy treatments. However, another option to remove pigmentation on the hands is through the acid peeling process.
Common acids used for lightening hyperpigmentation and evening of the skin tone are glycolic and lactic acid. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in general tend to be best for hyperpigmentation.
How to remove dark spots on the hands at home?
There are certain products that can be used to stimulate the skin’s natural processes such as the cell turnover rate. The cell turnover rate is the rate in which the “juvenile” cell transitions from that stage to a dead cell that is ready to be removed. Use products with glycolic or lactic acid.
This will naturally push pigment up to surface as well but only to a certain extent. Because products work on a superficial level, you are not targeting those pigment cells in particular. It is a mild way of treating it. Plus, depending of what the cause is, it it may not be possible to treat at home. For example, someone with melasma or another pigment related condition will need more aggressive treatments like IPL phototherapy.
Peace, Love, and Great Skin!
Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca