What Causes Hyper Pigmentation Of Skin While Traveling To USA?

Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2015

Question: Hi doctor.I observed each time I travel to USA. My skin is always become darker .all the beauty routine I used won't work.immediately I travelled out my skin will become ok.I guess it got to do with chemical in USA water.pls advice what to do in USA to main my usual color
Thank
XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest a sunscreen and an alpha hydroxy acid based product

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query and I have noted down your concern.

This could be related to differences in sun exposure rate and sun intensity and also due to differences in weather conditions that you encounter when you travel to USA, rather than due to chemical in water.

How does the weather differ in USA from that place where you move in from?

I suggest you to use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the day, specially when outdoors. Reapply every 2-3 hours.

Moisturize you skin once or twice daily with a product containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid e.g Glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is hydrating, exfoliates dead skin and reduces melanin/ tanning.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

I am XXXXXXX black completion.i have a very strong sunscreen and apply with moisturiser which is almond oil.this darken skin has been happen on for long and back home Nigeria which same whether with XXXXXXX TX. My color will be ok.pls check what could be responsible for this darker skinmentioned.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stop almond oil. Don't mix anything with sunscreen. Use a AHA lotion

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Reversible darkening of skin is most commonly due to differences in sun intensity and amount of sun that you are exposed to.
Sun is the single most important stimulant/factor responsible for new melanin synthesis and pigment darkening. Avoid/ restrict sun exposure during times of peak sun intensity i.e between 10 AM and 3 PM. Use protective gear like hats, umbrellas etc
I also suggest you to stop using almond oil on skin as it might be one of the causes of phototoxicity/ skin melanosis.
Moreover mixing a moisturizer with a sunscreen is surely going to dilute its SPF from what it is originally mentioned on label and thus going to diminish its effectiveness. Instead of using almond oil I suggest you to rather use a alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) based moisturizer i.e glycolic acid based moisturizer/ lotion, once or twice daily. Use it separately from a sunscreen e.g during day use it 30 minutes before applying sunscreen and then again at night.

Hard water can also be one of the reasons for dryness and darkening of skin. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, sulphates etc present in hard water can dry you out skin as well as darken skin tone. Soaps don't lather well in hard water and therefore people tend to use a lot more which can also cause dryness and damage to skin.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj