What are the best treatments for correcting hyperpigmentation?
“Prescription lightening creams (including those with kojic acid and hydroquinone) are ideal for stubborn dark spots, and deeper chemical peels can be done to lift stains and help with long-term hyperpigmentation.
What is hyperpigmentation and how can it be treated?
Hyperpigmentation is very common, but it can be difficult to treat. Since it’s a condition that affects men and women from all ethnic groups, millions of individuals deal with it daily. Hyperpigmentation can be described as the production of excess melanin, which causes dark spots to form on the skin. Sun spots, freckles, liver spots ]
How to effectively treat hyperpigmentation?
- Skin peels, including salicylic acid peels, to treat darkened skin areas. Skin peels are used when topical therapy fails.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. These target selective dark spots only. IPL devices are used under strict supervision under a trained physician.
- Laser skin resurfacing.
What can heal my hyperpigmentation?
To try your own version of this hyperpigmentation treatment at home:
- Add a tablespoon of fresh black tea leaves to a cup of boiling distilled water.
- Steep for two hours and strain to remove the leaves.
- Soak a cotton ball in the tea water and apply to areas of hyperpigmentation, twice a day.
- Repeat every day for six days a week, over four weeks.
What is the most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation?
Hydroquinone is considered by many to be the gold standard treatment for pigmentation. “Hydroquinone blocks the production of pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase,” explains Dr Jack, adding that it does so in a particularly potent way.
What is the fastest treatment for hyperpigmentation?
In this case, turning to dermatological procedures will work as the fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation.
How do you permanently treat hyperpigmentation?
Medical hyperpigmentation treatmentchemical peels.microdermabrasion.intense pulsed light (IPL)laser resurfacing.cryotherapy.
Can I get treatment for hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition that people can get rid of using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies. If a person notices other symptoms alongside hyperpigmentation, they should seek advice from their doctor.
Which cream is best for hyperpigmentation?
Jovees Anti Blemish Pigmentation Cream: ... Fab India Vitamin E Depigmentation Cream: ... VLCC De-Pigmentation Day Cream SPF 25: ... Biotique Coconut Milk Cream: ... La Roche Posay Cicaplast Pro Recovery Skin Care: ... O3+ Dermal Zone Meladerm Intensive Skin Whitening Night Care Cream: ... Clarins White Plus Whitening Repairing Night Cream:
Is vitamin C good for hyperpigmentation?
It helps fade hyperpigmentation Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. It's widely used in dermatology for depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.
How can I reduce hyperpigmentation on my face?
Ways to remove pigmentation from face: Home remediesApple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may help in lightening the pigmentation on your skin. ... Aloe vera. ... Red onion. ... Green tea extract. ... Black tea water. ... Milk. ... Tomato paste. ... Masoor dal (red lentils)
Why is my hyperpigmentation not going away?
You're switching products too often. If you've been frustrated by dark spots that won't seem to budge no matter what products you try, you're not alone. “It can take several months or years for dark spots to fade, and it really depends upon the individual's skin type and severity of the pigmentation,” says Dr.
What causes hyperpigmentation on face?
Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their color. A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation.
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Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin — the skin’s natural pigment. The affected areas may also appear as freckles or age spots.
What do dermatologists recommend for hyperpigmentation?
The AAD recommends that people use sunscreen to help clear dark spots and prevent new dark areas from forming. It is best to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and offers SPF 30 or higher.
How do you quickly fade hyperpigmentation?
Acne.org states that individuals should wear sunscreen and limit the time they expose their skin to the sun.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade?
The AAD explains that dark spots can take 6-12 months to fade, and if the darker pigment is deep into the skin, healing may take years.
How to prevent hyperpigmentation?
To prevent hyperpigmentation, or to stop it becoming more prominent: Avoid exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin and stop hyperpigmentation from becoming darker . Avoid picking at the skin.
What is hyperpigmentation on the face?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. It affects people of all skin types. Some forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma and sun spots, are more likely to affect areas of skin that face sun exposure, including the face, arms, and legs. Other types of hyperpigmentation form after an injury or skin inflammation, such as cuts, burns, ...
How to diagnose melasma?
Doctors can usually diagnose melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation just by looking at the skin. They may sometimes use a special light called a Wood’s light to examine the skin. A doctor or dermatologist will then be able to create a treatment plan if necessary.
What is the name of the skin that becomes darker than surrounding areas of skin?
Hyperpigmentation is the name that healthcare professionals give to patches of skin that become darker than surrounding areas of skin. Types of hyperpigmentation include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation . Each of these has different cause and a range of treatments and products, including creams and cosmetic procedures.
What is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Spots or patches of darkened skin that appear after an inflammatory skin condition, such as acne or eczema. They usually appear on the face or neck. People who have had inflammation or an injury to the skin.
What causes hyperpigmentation on the body?
Other types of hyperpigmentation form after an injury or skin inflammation, such as cuts, burns, acne, or lupus. These can occur anywhere on the body. Having extra pigment in some areas of skin is usually harmless but can sometimes indicate another medical condition.
What is it called when you have spots on your face?
Hyperpigmentation is when patches of skin appear darker than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This can make spots or patches of skin appear darker than surrounding areas. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. It affects people of all skin types.
What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?
Mandelic acid. Derived from almonds, this type of acid is used to treat all types of hyperpigmentation. Consider getting a nonablative professional procedure. If topical treatments don't work, your dermatologist might recommend getting a procedure done to target your hyperpigmentation.
How to treat hyperpigmentation without a prescription?
If you want to treat hyperpigmentation without getting a prescription, look for these over-the-counter options: Skin lightening creams. These works by slowing down melanin production and removing existing melanin from the skin.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a number of different things, including melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is usually caused by acne or a skin injury.
What are the different types of hyperpigmentation?
Here are the four types of hyperpigmentation: Melasma. This type of hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal fluctuations, and is a normal occurrence during pregnancy. It can also occur as a result of thyroid dysfunction and as a side effect of taking birth control pills or hormone therapy medication.
What causes age spots?
Lentigines. These are also known as liver spots or age spots. They are found on 90% of people over the age of 60, and are usually caused by exposure to UV rays. Non-solar lentigines are caused by a larger systemic disorder.
What are the ingredients in a topical treatment?
Look for products that contain a combination of these ingredients: cysteamine, hydroquinone, soy milk, cucumber, kojic acid, calcium, azelaic acid, or arbutin. A topical treatment that contains Retin-A or alpha-hydroxy acids. ...
What is the process of producing melanin?
Human skin contains melanocyte cells that produce melanin, a pigment found in the skin, hair and eyes, through a process called melanogenesis. Too much melanin leads to hyperpigmented skin, common examples of which include freckles and age spots.
How to protect skin from hyperpigmentation?
Her guide to defending your skin against hyperpigmentation is as follows: "Firstly, wear a day cream with a minimum of SPF 30 daily (yes, even on those grey and drizzly days), increasing to Factor 50 in hotter climates to help to prevent UV damage-induced pigmentation—the main causative factor for hyperpigmentation.".
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade?
While some types of hyperpigmentation, like the sort that comes after you've popped a rather big spot, will slowly fade, this can still take months. And there are other types (like the kind produced by UV exposure) that will take a little coaxing for it ever to fade.
What happens when melanin is overproduced?
These pigment-producing cells that live at the dermo-epidermal junction and basal layers of our skin can become hyperactive if triggered and start overproducing melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation and sun spots," Sturnham breaks it down for us.
Can hyperpigmentation be cured?
Yes, well, kind of. "Hyperpigmentation is multifactorial: There may be genetic, metabolic, hormonal and environmental factors, all acting as triggers," warns Sturnham, reminding us that there is no single therapy available that will completely cure hyperpigmentation.
How to treat hyperpigmentation?
To effectively treat hyperpigmentation, start a brightening skincare routine to help boost skin clarity. While hyperpigmentation will not go away overnight, using targeted serums and treatments can help speed up the process.
What is the most common form of hyperpigmentation?
Acne blemishes are a common form of skin irritation which cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. After these blemishes clear, they may leave a post-acne markor dark spot.This form of hyperpigmentation is most common in medium to dark skin tones.
What is the best treatment for acne?
If you have acne-prone skin use skincare products with Salicylic Acid or Sulfur to help visibly reduce breakouts and help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you do have a breakout, use an acne spot treatment to help visibly clear skin.
How to get rid of dark spots on face?
Start your routine with an exfoliating and brightening face wash to help remove dirt and pollution and gently slough away dead skin. Follow with a soothing treatment water and then target discolorations with a potent facial serum for dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
What causes oxidative damage to skin?
Pollution and free radicals can cause oxidative damage to the skin. As skin attempts to protect and defend itself from these external aggressors, melanocytes may overproduce melanin and form hyperpigmentation and discolorations.
What causes melanin to be overproduced?
Melanin overproduction has a number of causes including: 1 Skin Irritation or Damage 2 Sun Exposure 3 Pollution 4 Hormones and Genetics
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade?
A dark spot that is a few shades darker than your skin may fade within 6-12 months while a discoloration deeper in skin may take years to fade on its own.
How to treat hyperpigmentation on face?
Lactic acid is a popular ingredient used in chemical peels. Chemical peels are a medical procedure known to treat hyperpigmentation and its active, lactic acid, is also found in dairy products such as yoghurt and milk. It is best applied directly to the skin with cotton wool and left to soak for a few minutes. After application it is advised to rinse well and apply a moisturiser to lock in hydration. You can repeat this one or two times a day and after a few weeks, some skin spots may appear reduced.
How to diagnose hyperpigmentation?
Diagnosis of hyperpigmentation. To diagnose hyperpigmentation, it is best to see someone in a primary care practice, such as a doctor or dermatologist. Professional advice is the best aid for guaranteeing a correct diagnosis of the condition as well as receiving the best care for the type of hyperpigmentation.
What happens when melanin cells get damaged?
However, if the melanin cells get damaged or become unhealthy, it has a negative effect on the melanin production. This is when hyperpigmentation occurs and the areas that have been or become damaged will become dark patches or spots. There are several types of hyperpigmentation.
What causes hyperpigmentation on the inside of the cheek?
Hyperpigmentation caused by Addison’s disease appears on folds of skin, lips, elbows, knees, knuckles, toes and on the inside of the cheek. The other common medical condition associated with hyperpigmentation is Hemochromatosis, a inherited condition whereby the body contains too much iron.
What are the three types of hyperpigmentation?
There are several types of hyperpigmentation. The three most common are Melasma, sunspots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Each different type is caused by a variety of factors, from lifestyle to hormonal, drugs to trauma and diseases.
How to get rid of dark spots on face?
Medicinal treatments. Medicines can be used to treat hyperpigmentation which can help reduce or get rid of the dark patches over time. The most commonly prescribed medicinal treatment are topical creams . This is due to most topical creams containing an ingredient that can lighten the skin, called hydroquinone.
Where is the most common area for hyperpigmentation?
The most common areas for hyperpigmentation from Melasma are the face and stomach, usually the nose, forehead and cheeks. In comparison, another type of hyperpigmentation that occurs in the same areas of the body are sunspots.
How to get rid of hyperpigmentation? A Dermatologist-Approved Guide
Hyperpigmentation is an altered pigmentary condition wherein dark patches appear on the skin. This can happen due to various reasons, such as prolonged exposure to the sun, cumulative effects of ageing, and even as a result of severe acne or any other inflammatory condition of the skin. It mostly occurs due to an imbalance in melanin production.
What are the best treatments for hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation can be treated in various ways, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Mild conditions can be treated with over-the-counter topical formulation and basic prevention against the causes, but there are times when it needs to be treated by a specialist. Let’s take a look at some of the treatments available.
What are the home remedies for hyperpigmentation treatment?
You can even try out some home recipes as hyperpigmentation treatment if it is light and your dermatologist prescribes prevention and home cure for it. There are many natural ingredients that work amazingly on spots and patches of dark skin, that define hyperpigmentation.
What are the over-the-counter medicines for hyperpigmentation?
We mentioned that hyperpigmentation treatment can be acquired over the counter as well. More often than not, these medicines are ointments and gels that work actively towards lightening spots and scars and do not have any side effects, in case it does not have the desired effect. Even then, it is a good practice to consult with your doctor first.
How to prevent hyperpigmentation?
Prevention is perhaps the best thing you can do, especially if you have sensitive skin that is prone to pigmentation of various types. Here are a few things that you can practice regularly, apart from having a balanced diet and a good CTM (cleanse, tone, moisturize) routine.
Hyperpigmentation treatment: The bottom line
Hyperpigmentation is just a normal skin condition and mostly harmless. And yet, we need to get it diagnosed and treated. Maybe for cosmetic reasons, maybe because we wish to know if everything is right with our body. In either case, we need a doctor’s appointment.
How to get rid of hyperpigmentation?
Start with topical OTC whitening creams. “Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist.
How to prevent sun induced discoloration?
The most effective way to prevent sun-induced discoloration is to diligently apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater , every day, even on cloudy or cool days. "UV rays just send the pigment into overdrive, turning dark spots darker," says Dr. Day.
What is the best product for dark spots?
While your primary goal with hyperpigmentation is to lighten the dark spots, an effective over-the-counter (OTC) product should contain ingredients that benefit the skin in other ways. "In addition to addressing the pigment issues, a good product will have moisturizing agents like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and maybe even a retinol to boost cell turnover," says Doris Day, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Medical School in New York City and author of Beyond Beautiful : Using the Power of Your Mind and Aesthetic Breakthroughs to Look Naturally Young and Radiant. "These inactive ingredients allow the active brighteners to work more effectively." A good moisturizer can also restore the skin’s lipid (fat) barrier, helping to further protect it from the sun’s damaging rays, notes Harvard Health.
Why does my skin look darker than my natural skin tone?
It’s any patch of skin that looks darker than your natural skin tone due to overproduction of the brown pigment melanin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the most common causes of hyperpigmentation — which can affect people of all skin tones in varying degrees — are:
Can hyperpigmentation be caused by hormonal changes?
This type of hyperpigmentation most often occurs in women, but can also occur in men. It is thought to be triggered by a combination of sun exposure , genetic s, and hormonal changes, since it’s also been linked to the use of oral contraceptives, say experts from the American College of Osteopathic Dermatology.
Can freckles be removed?
Freckles can be cute, but if you have dark spots on your skin that you don't want there are ways to remove them. If you’re bothered by darks spots due to hyperpigmentation on your skin, one thing is clear: Today there are more options for erasing that harmless but irksome discoloration than ever before.
Can hydroquinone be used for dark spots?
Dermatologists consider prescription-strength hydroquinone, alone or combined with other lighteners, to be the gold standard for fading dark spots because it slows the production of pigment.
What is the best vitamin for spot fading?
In the world of spot-fading ingredients, vitamin C is one of the best options, not only for its skin brightening abilities but because it has the added benefit of acting as an antioxidant and stimulating collagen production, too. Sign us up.
Does prickly pear extract help with redness?
One of the best-sellers from this cult-favorite brand, this relies on mega-gentle lactic acid to help fade spots and gently exfoliate the dead cells that impede your glow. Licorice and lemongrass also promote a more even complexion, while prickly pear extract soothes redness, making this a choice pick for those whose skin is easily irritated. Also nice: It works in just three minutes.
Is hyperpigmentation a skin issue?
And here’s the thing: This is a potential issue for anyone and everyone, no matter your skin tone. In fact, hyperpigmentation is a particularly common issue in African-American skin, which has more melanin to begin with.
Does glycolic acid help with discoloration?
Glycolic acid exfoliates and breaks down discolored skin cells , and also has the added benefit of stimulating collagen production over time. And let’s not forget to mention that it costs less than ten dollars. These Are the 15 Best Toners Based on Your Skin Type and Concerns.
Does vitamin C help with dark spots?
Simple and straightforward, this gets the job done using a potent form of vitamin C that goes to work both fading existing dark spots and impeding the production of new ones . It also has white birch extract to hydrate and peony extract for antioxidant protection, making it a one-stop-shop for all of your skincare needs. Use it in the morning before sunscreen, or at night under a thicker moisturizer.
Does tranexamic acid work on dark spots?
Pricey, yes, but this is crazy effective at knocking out even the most stubborn dark spots and discoloration. It’s another one of Hartman’s recommendations, also relying on tranexamic acid, along with a litany of other ingredients that help to both fade existing marks and prevent new ones from forming. It works on all skin tones, too, and in a brand-backed clinical study, 100% of participants said it made their skin tone look more even after just over three months of use.
Is retinol good for sensitive skin?
The hard truth of the matter is that many of the best brightening ingredients—hydroquinone, vitamin C, retinol —can be too irritating for sensitive skin. That’s why we appreciate that this serum relies on niacinamide instead, a great spot fading ingredient that just also happens to hydrate and even reduce redness and inflammation. And true to the brand’s sensitive skin-friendly vibes, it’s generally super gentle and fragrance-free.
