As the skin constantly regenerates these dark spots tend to darker with time in most people. But dark spots tend to form faster and are difficult to fade away and get more deeply rooted when left untreated.
Does Hyperpigmentation Get Darker Before It Fades? Yes, sometimes, the body speeds up pigment production before the cells break down and fade. But sometimes, the dark spots can also fade without getting darker first.
Sun damage is the number one cause of patches of hyperpigmentation, and you can do a lot to prevent sun damage by applying SPF and staying out of direct sunlight. To treat darker skin pigmentation, using products that contain ingredients such as retinol or Niacinamide can help.
Once they're treated, do dark spots get darker before going away? One of the most common questions our Cerologists get when it comes to dark marks is, “Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?” The answer is sometimes, yes — and that's actually good news!
Skin can become more sensitive to UV radiation during hydroquinone treatment. Without rigorous sun protection, even minimal sun exposure can exacerbate melanin production. This can then cause darkening of the treated area.
It's important to remember that it is a sign of progress and there's nothing to worry about unless you are seeking treatment. The temporary darkening of the hyperpigmentation spots or patches can be discouraging or embarrassing, but remember it is actually a sign that the treatment is working.
Hydroquinone does not physically bleach the skin; rather, it reduces the appearance of dark spots by decreasing the production of melanin, a biological polymer that contributes to hair and skin color.
Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious.
In most cases, yes. Skin purging is a normal reaction to an acne treatment that contains exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid. Ingredients such as this clear both the surface of the dermis and deeper inside the pore, so some form of skin purging is to be expected.
The active lightening agents interacts with the skin causing the pigments to rapidly pull toward the skin surface, which increases melanin production. This is the reason behind the temporary darkening. Once the pigments reach the skin surface the cells are prepared to be gently exfoliated and gradually shred away.
“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 in New York City.
Some of the best creams for pigmentation in India include Kojic Acid and Vitamin C Cream (₹95) and Zeeglow Glycolic Acid, Arbutin, and Kojic Acid Cream (₹149). These creams are effective in reducing dark spots and evening out skin tone.
Hypopigmentation may improve or go away on its own. If a skin condition causes hypopigmentation, medications may help restore color to your skin. If you have a genetic condition, hypopigmentation may be permanent. Be sure to use sunscreen on your light patches of skin.
As sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen on a daily basis. Treatment often begins with a skin care regimen composed of a daily sunscreen, moisturizers, and skin care brighteners.
Areas of hyperpigmentation might also fade on their own without treatment. To help speed up the process, there are several different types of topical medication that can reduce PIH skin spots: Skin lighteners such as hydroquinone and azelaic acid to help reduce melanin production.
Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation as it is often known) is a common skin complaint. Dark spots – known as age spots or sun spots – or dark patches of skin frequently appear on the face, hands and other parts of the body regularly exposed to the sun.
The saying that “your skin has to get worse before it gets better” isn't universally true. Why purging happens to some people and not others remains a mystery, just like how some people experience comedones but not the red, swollen pimples and papules characteristic of inflammatory acne.
Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne often disappears when a person is in their mid-20s. In some cases, acne can continue into adult life.
"Color correctors can help neutralize the discoloration," Antonis says. He recommends using peach or orange tones to counteract darkness.
Hyperpigmentation may be sun damage and sun spots if you have a history of chronic sun exposure and tanning. Melasma often presents as broad patches of discoloration, whereas sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation may look like small circles or focused dots.
Stress causes the body to make more of the hormone cortisol. An increase in cortisol may trigger melasma. Tanning beds: A tanning bed or sunlamp tends to produce stronger ultraviolet (UV) rays than sunlight. When you expose your skin to UV light, it triggers the body to produce more pigment.
For those patients who use hydroquinone creams and then expose themselves to the sun, there is a risk that ochronosis can develop. Ochronosis is a condition that causes the skin to darken where the cream was applied instead of becoming lighter.
Hydroquinone is applied topically just to the hyperpigmented skin only, twice daily for 3 months, after which time many patients maintain their improvement by using it twice each week. If there has been no benefit after 3 months of treatment, then the hydroquinone should be stopped.
Kojic Acid offers antioxidant support and brightens skin tone while Niacinamide helps to improve pigmentation, resulting in a more flawless, radiant complexion.