Hair darkening is a condition in which a persons scalp and hair becomes darker than the surrounding skin color. The most common cause of hair darkening is from prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun. This type of sun damage causes hair to become darker and more brittle.
Hair darkening can lead to a number of other health concerns. One of the most common is skin cancer. Exposure to UV radiation can damage the skin, leading to the formation of malignant melanoma. This type of cancer forms when cells that have become mutated, due to exposure to UV radiation, grow and spread uncontrollably.
Other health concerns related to hair darkening include an increased risk of developing cataracts and premature aging of the skin. Cataracts are characterized by clouding of the eyes, which can cause vision impairment. In addition, sun damage can weaken the structure of the collagen and elastin production in a persons skin, causing premature aging.
The best way to prevent hair darkening is to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun and to wear protective clothing. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers exposed skin will help protect you from the harmful UV radiation.
In addition, using a sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 30 or more can help protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreens can be found in a variety of formulations, such as lotions, sprays, or sticks. However, it is important to note that applying sunscreen regularly may not be enough to protect against the damaging rays of the sun.
If you are already showing signs of hair darkening, it may be a good idea to speak to your doctor about possible treatments. These treatments could include laser therapy, topical medications, or topical creams. Laser therapy has been found to be one of the most effective ways of treating the condition. This procedure works by using lasers to destroy the pigment-producing cells located in the hair follicles.
Topical medications are another option, although it is important to note that these medications can cause increased sensitivity to light and could potentially cause further damage to the hair and scalp. Lastly, topical creams can be used to help reduce the amount of pigment-producing cells in the hair follicles, thereby leading to lighter hair.
No matter what type of treatment you chose, it is important to remember that prevention is the best solution. Doing your part to limit your exposure to UV radiation and protect your skin and hair can go a long way in preventing or reducing the chances of hair darkening.
